Dry Cleaning: Not Really Dry(!) | Stuff You Should Know

Intro

In this episode of the “Stuff You Should Know” podcast, the hosts delve into the world of dry cleaning, discussing its history, processes, and environmental impact. They explore the decline of the industry during the pandemic, the use of various solvents, and the emergence of more environmentally friendly alternatives. Join them as they uncover the fascinating world behind keeping our clothes clean and fresh.

Main Takeaways

The Decline of Dry Cleaning and Its Impact on the Industry

• The pandemic and the shift to more casual work attire have led to a decline in dry cleaning.
• 80% of dry cleaners’ employees/owners in the US are ethnic minorities, mostly Korean Americans.
• Korean immigrants are 34 times likelier than immigrants from other countries to open dry cleaning stores in the US.
• Most dry cleaners in the US are storefronts that send items to a separate facility for cleaning.

The Origins and Evolution of Dry Cleaning

• Dry cleaning does not use water, but it’s not actually dry, just a remnant of the original interpretation.
• In 1821, Thomas Jennings, a black American tailor in New York City, patented a process called dry scouring, a precursor to dry cleaning, which was lost to history due to a fire in 1836.
• Jennings was the first African American to receive a US patent, 40 years before the Emancipation Proclamation, and played a significant role in challenging discrimination through the Legal Rights Association.
• In France, Jean-Baptiste Joli discovered the cleaning properties of a flammable liquid, leading to the development of early liquid solvents for cleaning clothes, although they were dangerous and flammable.
• Early solvents for cleaning clothes included caracene, gasoline, and turpentine, which were highly flammable and dangerous to use, often causing explosions.

The Shift to Safer and More Efficient Solvents

• Perchloroethylene (perc) became the go-to solvent due to its safety and effectiveness.
• Despite the benefits of perc, workers experienced health issues like breathing problems and dizziness.
• Synthetic compounds like carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene were initially used but had various problems, including health risks.

The Rise of Green Alternatives

• Green dry cleaning methods, such as wet cleaning and liquid carbon dioxide cleaning, offer more environmentally friendly alternatives to perc-based cleaning.
• Wet cleaning uses water and specialized detergents, reducing hazardous chemicals, waste, and air pollution.
• Liquid carbon dioxide cleaning uses non-toxic, environmentally friendly carbon dioxide to lift stains off fabrics.
• Switching to these greener methods can be costly, but they offer long-term benefits for both the environment and human health.

Summary

The Decline of Dry Cleaning and Its Impact on the Industry

The hosts discuss the decline of the dry cleaning industry, attributing it to the pandemic and the shift towards more casual work attire. They highlight the significant presence of Korean Americans in the industry, with 80% of dry cleaners’ employees/owners in the US being ethnic minorities, mostly Korean Americans. The hosts also mention that most dry cleaners in the US are storefronts that send items to a separate facility for cleaning, highlighting the logistical aspect of the industry.

The Origins and Evolution of Dry Cleaning

The hosts explore the origins of dry cleaning, noting that it does not actually use water despite the name. They mention Thomas Jennings, a black American tailor who patented a precursor to dry cleaning called dry scouring in 1821. They also discuss Jean-Baptiste Joli’s discovery of the cleaning properties of a flammable liquid in France, which led to the development of early liquid solvents for cleaning clothes. The hosts highlight the dangers of early solvents, such as caracene, gasoline, and turpentine, which were highly flammable and caused explosions.

The Shift to Safer and More Efficient Solvents

The hosts delve into the shift towards safer solvents in the dry cleaning industry, focusing on perchloroethylene (perc). They explain that perc became the go-to solvent due to its safety and effectiveness. However, they also note that workers experienced health issues from perc exposure, such as breathing problems and dizziness. The hosts mention the use of synthetic compounds like carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene initially, but highlight their associated health risks.

The Rise of Green Alternatives

The hosts discuss the emergence of greener alternatives to perc-based dry cleaning. They highlight wet cleaning as a method that uses water and specialized detergents, reducing hazardous chemicals, waste, and air pollution. They also mention liquid carbon dioxide cleaning, which uses non-toxic carbon dioxide to lift stains off fabrics. The hosts note the higher cost of switching to these greener methods but emphasize the long-term benefits for the environment and human health.

Conclusion

The world of dry cleaning is complex and ever-evolving. From its origins in early liquid solvents to the shift towards safer and greener alternatives, the industry has undergone significant changes. The decline of dry cleaning during the pandemic and the rise of more casual work attire have impacted the industry. However, the emergence of greener methods offers hope for a more sustainable future. As consumers, understanding the processes and environmental impact of dry cleaning can help us make informed choices and support businesses that prioritize both cleanliness and environmental responsibility.