Have you ever picked up your freshly dry-cleaned clothes, inhaled that distinct chemical smell, and wondered what exactly you’re bringing into your home? I didn’t—until my persistent headaches and breathing issues led me down a rabbit hole of research about the chemicals I’m breathing or touching my skin every day.
Dry Cleaning Wake-Up Call
Last year, after a promotion required me to wear more formal attire, my weekly trips to the dry cleaner became routine. Within months, I noticed something troubling: headaches that seemed to worsen whenever I wore my freshly cleaned blazers and persistent dizziness that my doctor couldn’t explain.
“Have you changed anything in your routine lately?” my doctor asked during my third visit in two months.
That question led me to investigate what was in that “fresh from the cleaner” smell that lingered on my clothes, and what I discovered about perchloroethylene (PERC) and other dry cleaning chemicals shocked me.
What’s Really Happening to Your Clothes at the Dry Cleaner?
Most traditional dry cleaners use a chemical solvent called perchloroethylene (PERC) to clean garments without water. Despite its cleaning effectiveness, this chemical carries serious health and environmental concerns that many consumers are not informed about the consequences of using this chemical and bringing it into their living areas.
EPA has issued a final rule in Dec. 2024 that establishes workplace controls. Keep in mind that “workplace allowed levels” are usually well below what we would consider healthy. Here’s the EPA link.
The Health Risks That Made Me Rethink My Wardrobe Choices
After speaking with environmental health experts and reviewing the latest research, I learned that exposure to dry cleaning chemicals can cause:
Neurological problems: That unexplained dizziness and those persistent headaches I experienced? Classic symptoms of PERC exposure, along with coordination problems and cognitive impairment.
Respiratory issues: The chemical can irritate your lungs and potentially cause long-term damage—explaining the slight wheeze I developed during my months of frequent dry cleaning.
Cancer risks: Perhaps most alarming, the EPA classifies PERC as a “likely human carcinogen,” with research showing increased cancer rates among dry cleaning workers with prolonged exposure.
Skin irritation: Those mysterious rashes that appeared on my neck? Possibly related to residual cleaning chemicals on my collar.
“What many consumers don’t realize is that these chemicals don’t just disappear after cleaning,” says Carlos Hernandez, who transitioned his family’s dry cleaning business to eco-friendly methods in 2021. “PERC can linger on fabrics for weeks, slowly off-gassing into your home and onto your skin.”
The Environmental Impact Beyond Your Closet
The problems extend far beyond our personal health. Traditional dry cleaning chemicals wreak havoc on our ecosystems:
Groundwater contamination: PERC can seep into soil and contaminate drinking water supplies—a serious issue in communities with dry cleaning facilities.
Air pollution: These chemicals contribute to smog and indoor air quality problems.
Persistent environmental damage: PERC breaks down slowly, remaining in the environment for extended periods.
“We found alarming levels of PERC in groundwater near several older dry cleaning operations,” explains Michael Torres, an environmental engineer with the California Water Board. “Once it’s in the water supply, remediation is incredibly difficult and expensive.”
How the EPA’s 2016 TSCA Changes Are Finally Making a Difference
The turning point in regulating these dangerous chemicals came in 2016, when the EPA strengthened the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). These amendments gave the agency more authority to evaluate and restrict harmful chemicals like those used in dry cleaning.
Under these enhanced regulations:
- Dry cleaning businesses face stricter guidelines for chemical handling and disposal
- Manufacturers must now provide detailed information about cleaning agent ingredients
- Research into safer alternatives has accelerated dramatically
- Workers receive better protection from chemical exposure
“The 2016 TSCA amendments represented a fundamental shift in how we approach chemical safety in America,” says former EPA regulator Sarah Johnson. “For the first time, we prioritized public health over industry convenience when evaluating chemicals.”
Simple Steps I’ve Taken to Protect My Family (That You Can Try Too)
After learning about these risks, I immediately changed how I handle dry cleaning:
When Traditional Dry Cleaning Is Unavoidable
Air out your clothes before bringing them inside. I now leave freshly dry-cleaned items in the garage or on my balcony for at least 24 hours to allow chemicals to dissipate.
Remove the plastic covering immediately. Those plastic bags trap chemicals close to your garments, increasing your exposure when you eventually wear them.
Consider a vinegar solution spray. A light mist of 1:1 water and white vinegar on the outside of garments (test on an inconspicuous area first) can help neutralize residual chemicals.
Wash your hands after handling freshly dry-cleaned clothes before they’ve been aired out.
Finding Better Alternatives
Seek out “green” dry cleaners. I found a local cleaner using liquid CO2 cleaning methods that leave my clothes just as crisp without the chemical concerns.
Try professional wet cleaning. Many delicate items labeled “dry clean only” can actually be safely cleaned with specialized wet cleaning techniques.
Hand wash when possible. I’ve learned that many silk and wool items can be gently hand-washed with the right technique and mild detergents.
Investigate home steam cleaning for refreshing lightly worn items without chemicals.
The Future of Fabric Care: Promising Alternatives
The good news? The industry is evolving rapidly, with several safer cleaning methods gaining popularity:
Liquid CO2 Cleaning
“The liquid CO2 process uses pressurized carbon dioxide—the same thing that puts bubbles in your soda—to clean clothes,” explains Elena Rodriguez, owner of EcoClean in Austin. “It’s completely non-toxic and actually preserves fabric colors better than traditional methods.”
This method:
- Uses a naturally occurring substance (CO2)
- Leaves no chemical residue
- Consumes less energy than traditional dry cleaning
Professional Wet Cleaning
“About 90% of ‘dry clean only’ items can actually be safely wet cleaned with the right equipment and expertise,” says Martin Chen, whose family has operated Green Earth Cleaners for three generations.
Professional wet cleaning:
- Uses specialized machines with precise moisture control
- Employs biodegradable detergents
- Produces no hazardous waste
Silicon-Based Cleaning
“Silicon-based solvents offer good cleaning performance with significantly reduced health risks compared to PERC,” notes Dr. Katherine Williams, textile conservation specialist.
This alternative:
- Uses modified silicone (similar to ingredients in many shampoos)
- Has lower toxicity concerns
- Biodegrades more readily than PERC
Making Informed Choices About Your Wardrobe
Perhaps the most significant change I’ve made is rethinking my clothing purchases altogether:
- I now prioritize washable fabrics when buying new work clothes
- I’ve invested in a quality steamer for quick refreshes between cleanings
- I read care labels more carefully, avoiding “dry clean only” when possible
- I’ve discovered many “dry clean recommended” items can actually be safely hand washed
“The best way to avoid dry cleaning chemicals is to reduce how often your clothes require professional cleaning,” suggests sustainable fashion designer Maya Lincoln. “Look for natural, durable fabrics that hold up to gentle washing, and question whether that ‘dry clean only’ label is a legal precaution rather than an absolute necessity.”
Why This Matters More Than Ever in 2025
With growing awareness of both environmental and personal health impacts, consumers are driving meaningful change in the dry cleaning industry. By making informed choices, we not only protect ourselves but also support businesses embracing safer alternatives.
“Consumer demand has been the biggest factor pushing dry cleaners to adopt greener methods,” confirms industry analyst Jonathan Park. “When people specifically ask for non-toxic cleaning, businesses respond.”
My headaches disappeared within weeks of changing my dry cleaning habits. While I can’t prove direct causation, the correlation was striking enough to permanently change how I care for my clothes.
The next time you drop off your suits or special occasion dresses, remember: you have options that protect both your health and the planet. Your choices matter—not just for your wellbeing, but for the future of an entire industry that touches millions of lives daily.
Have you experienced health issues you suspect might be related to dry cleaning chemicals? Share your story in the comments below.
Dry cleaning chemicals can persist in the environment, contaminating soil and groundwater. Improper disposal exacerbates these risks, threatening ecosystems and public water supplies.
EPA’s 2016 TSCA Amendments: A Milestone in Regulation
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) amendments of 2016 empowered the EPA to take stronger actions against hazardous substances, including dry cleaning fluids. The Final Rule:
Mandated safer alternatives: Encouraged dry cleaning businesses to transition to non-toxic and environmentally friendly cleaning methods.
Set stricter exposure limits: Established protective measures to minimize occupational and community exposure to these harmful substances.
Increased transparency: Required manufacturers to disclose detailed information about the chemical composition of cleaning agents.
Safer Alternatives to Traditional Dry Cleaning
With increasing awareness of the dangers posed by conventional dry cleaning fluids, many businesses are adopting safer and sustainable cleaning methods:
Wet cleaning: A water-based process using biodegradable detergents.
Liquid CO2 cleaning: Employs pressurized carbon dioxide, eliminating the need for toxic solvents.
Silicone-based cleaning: Uses siloxane, a less harmful alternative to PERC.
Conclusion
The EPA’s stringent measures under the 2016 TSCA amendments are a critical step toward reducing the risks associated with dry cleaning fluids. Consumers can contribute to this shift by choosing eco-friendly dry cleaners and supporting regulatory compliance. Together, these efforts will safeguard public health and ensure a more sustainable future for the industry.