Public Invited to Learn About Healthy Dry Cleaning on June 27

King and Queen Cleaners in Milford to Demonstrate Professional Wet Cleaning

June 20, 2012, Milford, Mass.--The public is invited to see a demonstration of new technologies that allows “dry clean only” clothes to be washed in computer controlled machines, eliminating the use of the toxic chemical perchloroethylene, or perc.

The owner of King and Queen Cleaners in Milford will give a behind-the-scenes look at the advanced technology on Wednesday, June 27, 4 to 6 p.m., 91 Medway Road in Milford. Learn about the safer method that won’t leave a chemical residue or smell on clothing. Attendees will receive a 10 percent coupon on their next cleaning bill and be entered to win a basket of green products.

With the help of a grant from the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at UMass Lowell, King and Queen Cleaners in Milford made the switch from using perc to professional wet cleaning. The advanced technology allows “dry-clean-only” clothes to be effectively washed with water in computer-controlled machines and then finished with tensioning and pressing equipment.

“Wet is the new dry,” said Joy Onasch, community and small business manager at TURI. “The technology has been proven to work well for all fabrics and some Massachusetts dry cleaners are taking the lead and realizing the benefits of long-term cost savings, healthier work places and less regulatory controls.”

Most dry cleaners continue to use perc to clean clothes. Prolonged contact with the solvent may cause liver, kidney or central nervous system damage according to the TURI report “Assessment of Alternatives to Perchloroethylene for the Dry Cleaning Industry.” The International Agency for Research on Cancer lists perc as a probable human carcinogen.

To learn more, contact Joy Onasch, 978-934-4343, [email protected].