Crafting a new kind of clean

With the phasing out of dry-cleaning staple perc, firms seek out safer, greener alternatives.

By Robert Rodriguez / The FresnoBee

08/05/07 05:44:39

Second-generation dry cleaner Steve Berglund knew the day was coming when the effective but toxic solvent essential to his business would be outlawed in California . Berglund, owner of Mastercraft Solvent Free Dry Cleaning in Fresno , invested about $17,000 five years ago to buy an environmentally friendly system that uses a spray of water and detergent to clean clothes.

 

It was money well spent.

 

This year, the California Air Resources Board announced the phaseout of perchloroethylene, or perc. Used since the 1930s, the solvent is now classified as a toxic air contaminant and potential carcinogen by state and federal health officials. And by 2023, California 's 4,500 dry cleaners, of which many are mom-and-pop operations, must find safer alternatives to launder and remove stains from clothes. Not everyone is ready to toss out their favorite stain fighter, and some are balking at the cost. Industry officials estimate the price of new cleaning equipment can range from $25,000 for a water-based machine to more than $100,000 for a liquefied carbon dioxide system.

To help offset that cost, the state is providing $10,000 grants to dry cleaners switching to safer methods. The California Air Resources Board has issued 10 grants this year and about an equal number last year, ARB spokesman Dimitri Stanich said. Berglund is doing all he can to help spread the word. Several weeks ago he launched a national Web site that serves as a clearinghouse for consumers searching for non-perc cleaners.

 

The Web site -- http://www.professionalwetcleaning.com -- has 11 cleaners listed. "My feeling is why stick with something that has been shown to be a problem?" said Berglund, who uses the Green Jet machine. "There are other choices."

 

Berglund's Fig Garden Village store will also be the site of an industry-organized demonstration of alternative cleaning methods on Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. State officials will also be on hand to answer questions about the new regulations. Similar meetings have been held in the Bay Area, Los Angeles and San Diego .

Industry officials say that the switch is not going to be easy for some. "There are some operators that just won't be able to afford it," said Lynnette Watterson, owner of Crystal Cleaning Center in San Mateo and past president of the California Cleaners Association. "That is an unbelievable expense for a little business."

Watterson estimates that 80% of the state's dry cleaners still use perc, and she is among them. "My personal hope is that someone will come up with a new solvent that is effective and that everyone can live with," Watterson said. "Truth is, I am at the point of possibly needing a new machine and I am thinking about buying one that uses perc."

 

If she does, she'd better hurry. Beginning Jan. 1, no new perc machines will be installed in California . And perc machines that are 15 years or older must be removed by 2010. Manufacturers who sell perc for dry cleaning are also required to keep monthly sales records. Frank Silva, owner of Fashion Cleaners in Hanford , isn't ready to stop using perc after 33 years in the business. Silva believes the state's concerns are overblown: "This is the best solvent for dry cleaners, and I can't believe they are getting rid of it. I may use it even after the deadline."

 

State officials recommend compliance. Violators would be dealt with by the ARB's legal staff and enforcement division.

Fresno dry cleaner Louis Martinez, owner of Falcon Cleaners in Fresno , is among the converts. Although he agrees that perc cleans clothes well, he prefers to use a safer product. Perc, a colorless, nonflammable liquid with a sweet smell, is used largely by dry cleaners. Perc is also used to degrease metal.

Martinez moved away from perc several years ago and is contemplating buying another non-perc cleaner called Green Earth that could cost at least $64,000.

"It is not cheap," Martinez said. "But in the long run I think this is a good thing for cleaners and the environment."

Berglund's customers say they prefer the nonsolvent method that also eliminates the "dry cleaning" smell clothes often have.

 

"Yeah, I don't miss that at all," said John Baker, a Mastercraft customer.

"I take my clothes to Steve because he provides quality customer service, and if they do it in a green way, then I am all for it."

The reporter can be reached at brodriguez@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6327.

Eric Paul Zamora / The Fresno Bee

A banner proclaims Mastercraft Solvent Free Dry Cleaning in Fresno 's Fig Garden Village as the only solvent-free cleaner in the area

 

 

Eric Paul Zamora / The Fresno Bee

A banner proclaims Mastercraft Solvent Free Dry Cleaning in Fresno's Fig Garden Village as the only solvent-free cleaner in the area.