Green Dry Cleaning: How Eco-Friendly Practices Are Changing the Industry

The dry cleaning industry is undergoing significant changes. Increasingly, businesses are transitioning to environmentally friendly cleaning methods—and it’s not just good for the planet. It’s also great for your business and your customers’ health.

Today’s customers care about sustainability and want to support businesses that share the same values. If you’re not already offering green dry cleaning, now is the time to start.

In this blog, we’ll cover: 

Why Green Dry Cleaning Matters

Traditional dry cleaning uses harsh chemicals—especially perchloroethylene (or “perc” for short). It’s found in about 75% of the 30,000+ dry cleaners in the U.S. and is linked to soil, water, and air contamination.

Fun Fact: Dry cleaning a single suit emits more CO2 than driving a car for 9 miles!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that clothes cleaned with perc can raise toxic chemical levels in homes—especially risky for children and pregnant women.

Green dry cleaning offers a safer solution. These methods protect people, preserve the environment and align with evolving customer expectations.

Top Green Dry Cleaning Methods

There are several ways to clean clothes without harmful chemicals. Here are the top methods that successful dry cleaners are using:

CO2 Cleaning

CO2 cleaning uses liquid carbon dioxide instead of toxic solvents. CO2 is the same gas we breathe out naturally. It’s completely safe and works well on most fabrics. The best part? The CO2 can be reused over and over again.

GreenEarth Cleaning

GreenEarth Cleaning is the world’s largest brand of environmentally friendly dry cleaning. This silicone-based solvent is gentle on fabrics, safe for people and doesn’t pollute the air or water.

Wet Cleaning

Wet cleaning uses water and biodegradable soaps instead of chemicals. It requires skill and the right equipment, but it’s very effective. Many “dry clean only” items can be wet cleaned safely.

Biodegradable Solvents

Biodegradable solvents are plant-based cleaners that break down naturally in the environment. They work like traditional solvents but without the harmful effects.

Comparison: Green vs. Traditional Cleaning

Cleaning Method	Environmental Impact	Health Safety	Cost
Traditional (Perc)	Very High	Poor	High
CO2 Cleaning	Very Low	Excellent	Medium
GreenEarth	Low	Very Good	Medium
Wet Cleaning	Very Low	Excellent	Low
Biodegradable Solvents	Low	Good	Medium

The Business Benefits of Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning

Switching to green dry cleaning isn’t just responsible—it’s profitable. Here’s why:

1. Attract New Customers

More people want to shop at eco-friendly businesses. When you offer green dry cleaning, you stand out from competitors. You can target health-conscious families and environmentally conscious customers.

2. Charge Premium Prices

Customers will pay more for safer, cleaner services. Green dry cleaning lets you position your business as high-quality and responsible. This means better profit margins.

3. Reduce Health Risks

Eliminating toxic chemicals means fewer health risks for your team. Perc exposure is linked to dizziness, nausea, confusion and long-term neurological issues.

4. Avoid Future Problems

Environmental rules are getting stricter. By switching now, you avoid costly upgrades later. You also protect yourself from potential lawsuits related to chemical exposure.

Fun Fact: Some states are already banning perc in dry cleaning. California phased out perc in January 2023.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

The shift to green dry cleaning is backed by solid data:

These stats prove green dry cleaning is more than a trend. It’s the future of the industry.

Circular Fashion: Keeping Clothes in the Loop

Another green initiative gaining traction is circular fashion—extending the life of clothing through repair and reuse.

The Return is leading this movement. They restore returned or damaged clothes to like-new condition for resale, reducing waste and adding new revenue streams.

Here’s how it works:

For dry cleaners, this model opens up new opportunities to offer restoration services, partner with retailers or launch resale programs.

Fun Fact: The average piece of clothing is worn only 10 times before being thrown away. Circular fashion can extend this to 30+ wears!

Steps to Start Your Green Transformation

Ready to make the switch to green dry cleaning? Here’s how to get started:

Research Eco-Friendly Equipment and Solvents

Look into the different green methods available. Consider your budget, local regulations, customer needs and landlord requirements (if you lease). CO2 and wet cleaning are solid starting points for most businesses.

Train Your Team

Green methods require different skills and knowledge. Invest in proper training for your staff. This ensures quality results and safety.

Promote Your Green Dry Cleaning Services

Let customers know about your green services. Use signs, social media and your website to spread the word. Explain the benefits for health and the environment.

Partner with Suppliers

Find suppliers who support green practices. This includes everything from hangers to packaging materials. Every detail matters to eco-conscious customers.

Track and Improve

Measure environmental impact, customer satisfaction, and sales growth to keep improving your services.

The Future Is Green

The move toward green dry cleaning is accelerating. While full industry adoption is still on the horizon, more business owners are getting ahead of the curve. With better technology, safer solvents, and customer demand rising, now’s the perfect time to act.

Smart business owners are getting ahead of the curve. They’re investing in green dry cleaning now, before it becomes required. This gives them a competitive advantage and helps them build stronger customer relationships.

Technology is making green methods easier and more affordable. New equipment is more efficient. Green solvents are getting better and more cost-effective. The timing has never been better to make the switch.

Fun Fact: The global green dry cleaning market is expected to grow by 8% each year through 2030!

Ready to Go Green?

Make the switch to sustainable dry cleaning—with software built to streamline operations, reduce waste and scale your business faster. Book your FREE personalized demo today!

Green Dry Cleaning for the Win!

Green dry cleaning isn’t just about staying relevant—it’s about leading the way. It protects your team, serves your customers better and helps build a resilient business for the future.

The shift to green dry cleaning isn’t just about following trends. It’s about building a sustainable business that will thrive for years to come. Your customers want safer options. Your community needs cleaner practices. Your business deserves the competitive advantage that comes with being a leader in environmental responsibility.

By adopting green practices, partnering with circular fashion initiatives and investing in your team’s training, you’re not just cleaning clothes—you’re cleaning up the industry and creating a better future for everyone.

Let’s recap:

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