By Willy Wilson | Aug 21, 2009

Advocating Wet Cleaning

In the wake of global warming, a particular concern over our daily practices has been raised. One of the issues widely discussed these days is the laundry system and the environmental consequences it may cause.

It is the dry cleaning system that receives a lot of attention. The issues raised revolve around the commonly used cleansing agent in a dry cleaning process known as perchoroethylene (perc).

Various studies over the years have proved that this solvent, used in place of water or detergent, is a classified chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) that imposes a destructive effect on the ozone layer.

In a commonly practiced dry cleaning system, dirty garments are immersed in perc. The garments are subsequently circulated in hot air to vaporise the remaining solvent attached on them. The released solvent is then distilled and transported to the main tank for reuse. The perc that escapes during this process, however, can pollute buildings, the air, groundwater and soil. Another reported side effect is the health consequences for both the dry-cleaning workers and the customers.

As a highly volatile substance, perc can evaporate in several ways. During the process of adding solvent to the dry-cleaning machines and transferring the garments from the washer to the dryer are the most common avenues. Perc can also be released through accidental spills or from leaky tanks and pipes.

An alternative laundry system called wet cleaning claims to provide an answer for all these dilemmas. StarProperty chats with Zarina Ismail, a practising lawyer and the owner of Drop & Wash laundry chain, who advocates wet cleaning laundry system in her laundry business.

Tell us how wet cleaning is different from dry cleaning.
Dry cleaning is a process of cleaning clothes without water. The most common solvent used in dry cleaning process is perc.

The controversy surrounding dry cleaning came about as researchers found significant environmental and health consequences directly linked to the usage of perc.

On the other hand, we’ve got wet cleaning, which is a water-based laundry system. Wet cleaning serves the safest professional method of dry cleaning, since it does not use any chemical that contains perc. In this view, the wet cleaning process does not generate hazardous waste, nor create air pollution.

Explain to us the common dry cleaning procedure.
A normal dry cleaning process commonly practiced involves a process of immersing dirty garments in solvent – that contains highly-concentrated perc – within an extraction chamber. As the chamber is filled with approximately 1/3 full of solvent, the chamber begins to rotate and agitate the garments.

The clothes are then circulated in a dryer to vaporise the solvent remaining in them. The vaporised perc from the solvent is distilled and condensed, and this condensed solvent is fed into the main tank for reuse.

Is it advisable to reuse the solvent?
There are some rules need to be followed to reuse the solvent. But even when followed, chances are there will be some perc residue or sludge left behind from each cycle.

You claim that the wet cleaning system practiced by your laundry is eco-friendly. Tell us how it works.
I think it is safe for me to say that wet cleaning is a safer professional method of dry cleaning, owing to the fact that it is a water-based cleaning process.

In my company, we utilise Lagoon technology that incorporates washing, drying and finishing processes in one machine. Recognised by Woolmak Company (the world’s leading wool textile authority), the machine, which was developed by Hohenstein Institute of Krefeld in Germany, makes it possible for launder to solely utilise water as the agent solvent for the garment. The technology has made it possible for us to take care of even the most delicate fabric.

How has the Malaysian market responded to wet cleaning technology?
When I first opened the business and promoted the water-based laundry, it was hard to convince the market. But as the public is becoming more aware of the green issues, the wet cleaning alternative has been becoming more popular as well. Big boutiques such as Emporio Armani have turned to us to maintain their garments. In terms of quality, I can tell you that my clients are very satisfied with the result.

Does this technology cost much more than the traditional laundry machine?
Contrary to the popular belief that every green business requires a lot more capital, my husband did not fork out that much. In fact, we found out that the traditional machines (dry cleaning machines) are more expensive than the eco-friendly, wet machines.

More investment made in training our staff, because not many of them were familiar with the wet cleaning procedure. Even if wet cleaning laundry has made me invested more in terms of cents and dollars, I am optimistic that in a long run, the return of investment will be more significant than that of traditional dry cleaners.

• The Dirt-Eating Robot – picaBot!

	Drop and Wash Sdn. Bhd.
	03-2141 3217
	Ground Floor, Bedara Apartment, Jln Bedara, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.