When Garment Spa rebranded in 2023, one of the biggest changes was moving away from PERC (perchloroethylene) — the most commonly used solvent in dry cleaning for over 70 years. This decision wasn’t taken lightly. But for the health of our staff, our customers, and the planet, it was the only way forward.
What is PERC?
PERC, short for perchloroethylene, is a petroleum-based chemical solvent widely used in the dry cleaning industry since the 1940s. It’s effective at removing stains and grease, but it comes with major drawbacks:
- Classified as a toxic substance and a potential carcinogen.
- Linked to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and long-term health risks for workers exposed daily.
- Known to pollute air, soil, and groundwater when not disposed of properly.
- Banned or heavily restricted in countries across Europe and parts of the U.S.
For us, continuing to use PERC simply didn’t align with our values as a second-generation family business committed to sustainability.
Why We Ditched It
At Garment Spa, we believe looking after clothes shouldn’t come at the expense of people or the planet. That’s why we became one of the few dry cleaners in the UK to invest in Sensene — a modern, biodegradable, non-toxic solvent designed to replace PERC.
What We Use Instead: Sensene
Sensene is an organic, biodegradable cleaning solution made from modified alcohols. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Safe for people: Lower toxicity and no harsh chemical odours.
- Safe for the planet: Biodegrades naturally, reducing chemical pollution.
- Gentle on fabrics: Keeps colours bright and fibres soft, extending garment life.
- Eco-certified: Developed to meet modern sustainability standards in professional textile care.
The Benefits for Our Customers
Switching to Sensene means:
- Your clothes smell fresher — no “chemical dry cleaning smell.”
- Delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and cashmere are treated more gently.
- Garments last longer thanks to reduced fibre stress.
- You can feel confident that your cleaner is making choices that support a healthier planet.
A UK First in Technology
To match this solvent, we invested in the Multimatic ILSA Puma dry cleaning machine — the first of its kind in the UK. This machine is:
- The fastest production dry cleaning system in the world.
- Highly energy-efficient, helping us cut electricity use.
- Compatible with sustainable solvents like Sensene.
Beyond Solvents: Closing the Loop
Sustainability isn’t just about switching chemicals. At Garment Spa, we also:
- Recover and reuse cooling water and heat, saving hundreds of litres daily.
- Use Blue Angel-certified detergents for wet cleaning at low temperatures.
- Package everything in plastic-free potato starch garment covers and recyclable brown paper bags.
- Offer a hanger recycling scheme to reduce waste.
Our Promise
When you bring your clothes to Garment Spa, you’re not just getting them cleaned. You’re supporting a business that is committed to:
- Protecting the environment
- Safeguarding health
- Extending the life of your garments
It’s all part of our vision for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
Looking for eco-friendly dry cleaning in Chiswick and West London? Book your collection today and experience the difference of a PERC-free, sustainable clean.