Ever since its inception, dry cleaning was considered the ultimate means of cleaning a garment. Expensive clothing, exquisite drapery, Persian carpets, all had to be “dry cleaned.”

Anyone could simply wash an garment, but professional cleaning meant dry cleaning.

Now we come to find out that the chemicals used in dry cleaning aren’t all that wise to be soaking items in that we are going to be putting on our bodies. In fact, it has been discovered to be particularly unhealthy!

But what to do about all those expensive garments that simply can’t withstand the brutality of a washing machine?

American Ingenuity to the rescue. (and European, Japanese, Korean too) Numerous methods of cleaning were developed all touted as “safe” for the consumer and what is safe for the consumer is usually safe for the environment. Most proved to be ineffective or too effective causing color loss, color bleeding or damage to more delicate garments. To date, only two methods have proved effective and even better than the old toxic “Perc” method. Carbon dioxide is one process that is safe and effective but garments often need supplemental cleaning in some cases. GreenEarth has proven to be the leader in replacing Perc as the solvent of choice. It has proliferated with acceptance by environmental groups and health concerns on the west coast and is starting to make its way to the east. It cleans, has no odor, doesn’t fade colors and even leaves garments soft.

But while it is proven safe and effective, it is still using chemicals to clean items we are putting on our bodies and some hesitate at this. A natural way is always there and is always better they insist. We are products of nature and a natural way is the best way. Personally, I tend to agree.

Enter Wet Cleaning. Logic dictates that what ever the material, water should be the best way to clean it. After all, the garment was processed with water when it was made and, unless water dissolves it, water should be means of choice to clean virtually any cloth.

While some experimented in their chemistry labs trying to develop alternative dry cleaning solvents, others were working on developing and perfecting Wet Cleaning. What is Wet Cleaning? Essentially, it is washing! A machine is used that is quite similar to an everyday washer, but with the aid of the marvelous computer technology, precision untold before was initiated.

Precision in each of these functions: water level, water temperature, drum agitation, allowed for garments that would have been destroyed before to be cleaned without harm. But it didn’t stop there. Ph neutral detergent and specialized conditioners were developed for wools, silks and other delicate items. Drying too, plays a special part. Rather than the harsh tumble drying in gas-fired heat-actuated dryers, a milder, steam-actuated heating coil “dehumidified” the garments and using sensors that sent electorstatic charges through the garments as they dried, a precise level of drying was able to be achieved.

The result: Virtually any garment can be Wet Cleaned and not only cleaned but cleaned as good as if not better than by dry cleaning! Cashmere sweaters, charmeuse blouses, virgin wool blazers and “structured” garments all can be wet cleaned to perfection.

The Natural way of cleaning. Greensleeves Garment Care of Glen Cove, NY is one of the east coast professionals in Wet Cleaning. “It’s remarkable,” says Thomas Davis, owner of Greensleeves. “Garments come out fresh and clean, without the use of dry cleaning solvents.”

Next time you need to visit the dry cleaner consider asking about Wet Cleaning. But also ask if they are certified professionals.