Why Harsh Fabric Cleaning Chemicals Are Harmful
Traditional fabric cleaning chemicals pose significant dangers to our environment and health through their toxic ingredients and manufacturing processes. Conventional dry cleaning relies heavily on perchloroethylene (PERC), a volatile organic compound linked to soil and groundwater contamination that can persist in ecosystems for decades. It has officially been banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is a win for those who love the Earth and want to protect our planet.
That’s because, when these harsh chemicals enter our water systems, they don’t just disappear. They contaminate drinking water sources, harm aquatic life, and eventually make their way back into our food chain. Additionally, the manufacturing and disposal of chemicals like PERC create substantial carbon footprints, contributing to climate change. At OXXO Cleaners that Care, we’ve always recognized these dangers, which is why we’ve committed to eco-friendly alternatives that protect both your clothes and our planet. OXXO Cleaners that Care has always used GreenEarth® Cleaning—for over 20 years—therefore has been compliant with the EPA ban on PERC before it was official, recognizing the environmental advantages of ditching harsh fabric cleaning chemicals.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Fabric Cleaning
Eco-friendly fabric cleaning methods significantly reduce environmental pollution while providing superior care for your garments. When you choose chemical-free cleaning options, you’re helping eliminate toxic runoff that would otherwise contaminate soil and water systems.
Our eco-friendly cleaning processes at OXXO Cleaners that Care use GreenEarth solvent, a silicone-based solution that breaks down into simple sand, water, and carbon dioxide—all natural elements found in the environment. Unlike traditional solvents, GreenEarth is nontoxic and nonhazardous, making it safe for air, water, and soil. This means no harmful chemicals are released into the environment during the cleaning process.
Beyond the important environmental protection benefit, GreenEarth is also gentler on fabrics. Typical chemicals are harsh and can break down fibers through their use, causing premature wear and fading. Our chemical-free approach extends the life of your clothing, reducing the need for replacements.
How OXXO’s Eco-Friendly Approach Makes a Difference
At OXXO Cleaners that Care, our commitment to eco-friendly fabric cleaning creates measurable positive impacts for the environment and your garments. Our GreenEarth cleaning eliminates the use of petroleum-based solvents that contribute to air and water pollution.
The environmental advantages of ditching harsh fabric cleaning chemicals include:
- Reduced water pollution and zero toxic cleaning runoff into local water systems
- Lower carbon emissions through energy-efficient equipment and processes
- Elimination of hazardous waste that would require special disposal
- Decreased air pollution because no volatile organic compounds are released
- Our conservation of resources through gentler cleaning that extends garment life
Additionally, our hand-ironing techniques replace fossil-fuel-powered steam generators, further reducing our carbon footprint. We’ve designed our entire operation around minimizing environmental impact while maximizing cleaning effectiveness.
Long-Term Environmental Positives of Switching to Eco-Friendly Cleaning
Switching to eco-friendly fabric cleaning is cumulative and creates substantial positive environmental changes over time. Each garment cleaned without harsh chemicals represents gallons of water protected from contamination, as well as preventing harmful emissions.
At a larger level, when communities embrace eco-friendly cleaning methods, the collective impact becomes even more significant. Reduced chemical usage means less manufacturing of toxic substances, decreased transportation of those hazardous materials, and the elimination of specialized disposal requirements. All these factors contribute to a healthier ecosystem and reduced climate impact.
At OXXO Cleaners that Care, we’ve witnessed firsthand how our sustainable practices have reduced our environmental footprint year after year. By choosing eco-friendly fabric cleaning, you’re not just making a one-time choice, you’re contributing to a sustainable cycle that protects natural resources for future generations.
Experience the Difference With OXXO Cleaners that Care
We invite you to experience the environmental and quality benefits of our eco-friendly fabric cleaning services firsthand. Our commitment to the planet doesn’t come at the expense of cleaning quality—in fact, our gentle, effective methods often outperform traditional chemical cleaning.
Visit your nearest OXXO Cleaners that Care location today or download the OXXO app now to schedule a pickup. Join our growing community of environmentally conscious customers who refuse to compromise between clean clothes and a clean planet.
