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Whether we dress up for work or have a delicate piece of clothing, sometimes we all need to go to the dry cleaners. Do Your Part and be informed about your dry cleaning decisions so you do not contaminate your clothes or the environment.

Most dry cleaners use a dangerous solvent called perchloroethylene, also known as PERC. The solvent pollutes the air and can cause everything from headaches to cancer. There are green dry cleaners that use water or carbon dioxide to clean your clothes safely and effectively.

How do you find dry cleaners that use a process that’s safer for you and the environment? Visit the Environmental Protection Agency's website. You can look up cleaners in your area by zip code.

If you have to visit a conventional dry cleaner, make sure you air out your clothes before you hang them in a closet. Another option is to try home dry cleaning kits. These are PERC-free and perfect for small stains. Now, you may have to press your garment yourself after cleaning it, but it’s a less expensive option.

It is also important to bring in a reusable garment bag for drop off and pick up to
avoid all those wasted plastic bags. These are all important ways to Do Your Part for a truly cleaner planet and healthier home.