From Gasoline to Green: How Dry Cleaning Got a Whole Lot Cleaner
Ever wonder how dry cleaning started and how it has evolved? Believe it or not, it involved gasoline.
That’s right! Back in the day, getting your clothes cleaned meant dunking them in flammable liquids. But dry cleaning has come a long way since then. Thanks to new technology and growing awareness about health and the environment, your clothes are now cleaned with much safer, smarter, and greener methods.
Let’s take a quick trip through dry cleaning history and show you how Fox Cleaners is leading the charge in Oklahoma with its eco-friendly system.
The Wild Start: Yes, They Used Gasoline
In the 1800s, dry cleaning didn’t mean “dry” like you might think. It simply meant cleaning clothes without water.
Back then, cleaners used gasoline, kerosene, and turpentine to get rid of stains. These were great at dissolving grease—but also highly flammable. Accidents were common.
To make things safer, a cleaner named W.J. Stoddard introduced a petroleum-based solvent in the 1920s. It was less flammable than gasoline, making dry cleaning a bit safer—but still not perfect.
Enter Perc: Powerful but Problematic
By the 1930s, a new chemical called perchloroethylene—better known as perc—was introduced.
Perc was great at removing stains, wasn’t flammable, and allowed cleaners to clean and dry clothes in one machine. By the 1980s, most dry cleaners in the U.S. were using it.
But over time, researchers discovered that perc is toxic. It can cause air pollution, contaminate groundwater, and may even be harmful to people with long-term exposure. This sparked major concerns and started a shift toward safer alternatives.
Time for a Change: Cleaning Up the Industry
Starting in the 1990s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local governments began regulating how perc was used. In some states, it was even banned.
Cleaners needed to find better options—and fast. That’s when new, safer methods started gaining ground. At the same time, customers became more aware and started looking for dry cleaners that offered greener, healthier options.
Today’s Dry Cleaning: Safe, Smart, and Sustainable
Here are three modern, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional dry cleaning:
1. Liquid CO?
This method uses carbon dioxide gas (the same stuff that makes soda fizzy), turned into a liquid under pressure to gently clean clothes. It’s safe, effective, and leaves no harmful residue.
2. GreenEarth® (Silicone-Based Cleaning)
This system uses a liquid made from sand (a silicone-based solvent) that’s gentle on fabrics and the environment. It’s non-toxic and doesn’t leave that “dry-cleaning” smell.
3. Professional Wet Cleaning
Despite the name, this is one of the safest and most high-tech cleaning methods around. It uses water and biodegradable detergents in computer-controlled machines that can safely clean even “dry clean only” clothes.
Fox Cleaners’ Big Step Forward: Meet Poseidon
Fox Cleaners is proud to be part of Oklahoma’s cleaner, greener future.
In 2024, we received a $30,000 grant from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to purchase and install a cutting-edge Poseidon professional wet cleaning system. This investment is part of the DEQ’s statewide effort to help modernize dry cleaning practices.
Why does this matter? Because the Poseidon system uses no harsh chemicals. Instead, it relies on water and gentle detergents to clean clothes—even delicate ones. That means:
- No toxic fumes
- No chemical residue
- No impact on soil or water
We’re serious about protecting the environment, supporting our community, and giving our customers the safest clean possible.
What This Means for You
When you bring your clothes to Fox Cleaners, here’s what you’re getting:
- No strong chemical odors on your clothes
- Gentle care that helps your garments last longer
- Cleaner indoor air—for your home and ours
- Peace of mind that you’re supporting a sustainable business
A Cleaner Future for Everyone
The dry cleaning industry has come a long way—from gasoline in open drums to safe, smart, eco-friendly cleaning systems like Poseidon.
At Fox Cleaners, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement. With help from the DEQ, we’ve invested in better tools to protect your health, the planet, and the clothes you love.
So the next time you drop off your favorite outfit, you can feel confident knowing it’s being cleaned the right way—for you and for the future.
Sources:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Overview of Perchloroethylene
- GreenEarth® Cleaning – How It Works
- Tox Town (NIH) – Perchloroethylene
- Wetcleaning: An Alternative to Dry Cleaning
- Oklahoma DEQ – Pollution Prevention Program
