Forbes - How To Ditch Toxic Dry-Cleaning In 2025

The Environmental Protection Agency announced a ban on toxic chemical solvents PCE and TCE which are commonly used in dry cleaning earlier this month. The chemicals are known to cause environmental pollution if not managed carefully as well as several types of cancer in those working with it. Those living in areas close to industrial dry-cleaning operations are particularly at risk through these chemicals getting into water streams and being recycled into drinking water. The risk of wearing clothes that have been dry cleaned using PCE and TCE is negligible, though trace amounts can be found in clothes after treatment, and this can build up the more times it is cleaned.

Assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff said in a statement: “It’s simply unacceptable to continue to allow cancer-causing chemicals to be used for things like glue, dry cleaning or stain removers when safer alternatives exist.”

The ban will come in on a phased approach meaning that these chemicals may still be used within the next 10 years in the US.

Globally, very few countries have banned PCE and TCE completely, though the EU has strict regulations in place for the use and management of it.

The good news is, there are many alternatives to toxic dry-cleaning methods both professionally and at home. Here’s how to ditch the toxic chemicals from your clothing care in 2025.

Non-toxic Dry Cleaning

Ask your dry cleaner what method they use, many already use less toxic alternatives. Much of our wardrobes can be cleaned at home but materials like leather and suede, heavily embellished items or tailored items that are very structured may still need to be taken to a dry cleaner.

“Most cities in the US have ‘eco dry cleaners’ for alternative professional cleaning,” says Courtney Barriger, a sustainable fashion expert and author of upcoming book ReFashion Workshop, The Planet Healing Mindset.

“Some of the most popular methods being used right now are liquid CO2 cleaning, which uses pressurized liquid carbon dioxide as a cleaning solvent. It’s very gentle on fabrics and environmentally sustainable. Silicon-based cleaning utilizes liquid silicone (D5) as a cleaning agent. It’s similar to traditional dry cleaning but less toxic.”