Dry cleaning can help keep your favorite cashmere sweater in top condition, but it’s not always the best choice for the environment. Perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene, perc, PCE, C2Cl4, Cl2C=CCl2, or tetrachloroethene, is a solvent used by 90% of dry cleaning businesses in the United States. Perchloroethylene is a highly effective cleaning agent, although it can result in color bleeding or loss if not used properly. However, perchloroethylene is also toxic and causes several harmful side effects.

Some studies have indicated that perchloroethylene can cause menstrual irregularities, fertility problems, and spontaneous abortions among women who work in the dry cleaning industry. Perchloroethylene residue from dry cleaning processes can also seep into drinking water, causing a variety of problems. For example, many scientists believe perchloroethylene exposure can cause liver or kidney damage. In addition, perchloroethylene has been named a “probable carcinogen” by the International Association for Research on Cancer.

In response to customer complaints about the dangers of perchloroethylene, many dry cleaners have begun to investigate alternative cleaning methods. Hydrocarbon solvents such as Chevron-Phillips' EcoSolv or Exxon D-2000 work much like standard dry cleaning agents, but without the harmful side effects. Wet cleaning, a system that uses water and biodegradable soap, is an environmentally-friendly process that works well for silk, rayon, leather, suede, and wool garments. Liquid carbon dioxide obtained as a byproduct of certain industrial processes can be combined with silicone to create another effective, yet environmentally-safe dry cleaning method.

Unfortunately, since these “green” dry cleaning processes are relatively new, people who live outside of metropolitan areas may find it difficult to find a reputable dry cleaner who doesn’t use perchloroethylene. However, home dry cleaning kits that use plastic bags and specialized cleaning sheets are widely available and provide a convenient way to freshen clothing while removing minor stains. Several studies have determined that these kits are less harmful to the environment than cleaning a garment with perchloroethylene. Using home drying kits between trips to your local dry cleaner is an inexpensive way to help reduce the environmental impact of dry cleaning.

While the process used to clean your clothing does have a substantial effect on the environment, there are other factors you may wish to consider when choosing a dry cleaner. For example, many dry cleaners have a policy of solvent recycling, plastic bag recycling, and hanger recycling. This can help protect the environment by reducing the amount of waste that ends up in local landfills. Some dry cleaners have also upgraded to "third generation" machines that are more efficient at minimizing the amount of harmful chemicals used during the dry cleaning process.