Martinizing Dry Cleaning

Among the many toxic exposures I have read about on my journey to healthful living, has been that of the dry cleaning solvent known as perc. Short for perchloroethylene, this solvent is classified by the EPA, both as a Toxic Air Contaminant and a probable human carcinogen. That’s all I needed to know to get motivated to seek out a less toxic method of dry cleaning. 

Enter GreenEarth Cleaning who has taken the lead in developing a greener dry cleaning technology, and is distributing it worldwide. GreenEarth’s cleaning solvent was discovered by a scientist working with a solution used in cosmetics. The process now used by GreenEarth was developed following that discovery, and is now patented, forming the basis for the GreenEarth Cleaning system.

GreenEarth uses a liquid silicone that is non-toxic and non-hazardous, as it is made from sand. GreenEarth declares that, “When released to the environment, it safely breaks down into its three natural elements, sand (SiO2) and trace amounts of water and carbon dioxide.”

GreenEarth is safe for people too. Liquid silicone is the base ingredient in many everyday personal care products.

Clothing cleaned with the GreenEarth method does not have that “dry cleaning” chemical odor I have come to know and hate.  Their methods are also said to be gentler on your clothing, which won’t fade or yellow with repeated cleanings, and are extra soft to the touch.

Liquid silicone, GreenEarth’s cleaning ingredient, will make your clothes feel silky soft. It is considered safe for even the most delicate fibers such as beadings, silk and cashmere.

So how did my first experience go with a GreenEarth Cleaner? First, I had to find one. Using the Store Locater on their website, I quickly discovered there are 3 stores in the Central Florida Area.

Three Locations in Central Florida

My local store is a Martinizing Dry Cleaner, a company formed in 1999, and the largest dry cleaner in the US to be using this greener solution, which is not petroleum based, like perc. Sadly, 85% of the dry cleaners in the US still use perc, so this is a good question to pursue with your cleaner. After all, the dangers of perc were discovered all the way back in the 1980s, so it isn’t like they don’t know about the problem. 

My first experience with Martinizing went flawlessly. The service, cleaning job and their professionalism were all top notch. They even have a money-saving coupon on their website for first time visitors. 

It’s funny. When I started this investigation, I really didn’t expect to be making a change. I had liked my previous dry cleaner that I have been using for many years. More importantly, my husband liked their work. Thankfully, Martinizing’s work met their challenge, and I was impressed by their handwritten thank you note we received a few days later. Healthy dry cleaning has arrived, and I am there.