For decades, dry cleaning has been a trusted service for busy households, corporate professionals, school communities and local businesses. But how many of us actually know what happens behind the closed doors of a typical dry cleaner? What chemicals are used, and what risks do they pose – not just to your clothes, but to your health and our environment?
At Two Bays Laundry, we’re proud to do things differently. One chemical in particular – perchloroethylene, or PERC for short – is one we knew we had to say goodbye to for good.
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what PERC is, why it’s so common in traditional dry cleaning, the hidden harms it can cause, and why our community deserves a safer, fresher alternative.
What Exactly is PERC?
PERC (also written as perc, PCE or tetrachloroethylene) is a colourless, non-flammable solvent first introduced for industrial dry cleaning in the 1930s. Its popularity comes from its effectiveness: it dissolves grease, oil and stubborn stains far better than water alone, which is why over 70% of traditional dry cleaners worldwide still use it.
In Australia, it’s the dominant chemical in commercial dry cleaning, with an estimated 800 tonnes of PERC used nationwide every year.
Why is PERC Still So Widely Used?
From a business perspective, PERC is cheap, efficient and dries quickly. Many dry cleaners see it as the easiest option to deliver spotless suits, school blazers, uniforms and delicate garments.
What many people don’t know is that PERC is also classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 2A probable human carcinogen, meaning there is enough evidence to suggest it can cause cancer in humans.
PERC and Your Health
According to Safe Work Australia, PERC exposure in dry cleaning shops is linked to headaches, dizziness, skin irritation and, with repeated or long-term exposure, liver and kidney damage.
A study has highlighted that even when dry cleaning machines are up to standard, small amounts of PERC can remain on your clothes. When you wear or store these garments, PERC can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
In fact, an Australian study by Cancer Council found that dry cleaning workers have an increased risk of oesophageal cancer and a higher risk of bladder and cervical cancers than the general population.
And it doesn’t just affect workers. Trace amounts of PERC vapour can build up in wardrobes and cars. In older dry cleaning premises with poor ventilation, PERC vapour can even spread into nearby shops or homes – a problem that has forced costly clean-ups and soil remediation for small shopping strips.
Environmental Costs
PERC isn’t just bad news for people, it’s also tough on the environment.
In Australia, the National Pollution Inventory (NPI) has flagged PERC as a hazardous air pollutant. It can leak during storage, disposal or machine maintenance, contaminating soil and groundwater. According to the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA VIC), even tiny spills can persist in groundwater for years and travel long distances, putting local ecosystems at risk.
A 2022 NSW EPA report found that dry cleaning was one of the top 5 industrial sources of chlorinated solvent contamination in urban soil. In several Melbourne suburbs, old dry cleaning sites are now classed as contaminated land that can’t be redeveloped without costly remediation – an environmental legacy that lingers long after the last shirt was pressed.
Australian Households Are Demanding Better
The good news is, Australians are becoming more conscious about what’s hidden behind everyday conveniences. In fact, a PDI Technologies survey found that over 71% of consumers would choose an eco-friendly service over a conventional one, even if it costs slightly more.
Yet the dry cleaning industry has been slow to change. While you’ll find eco-friendly laundry liquids at every supermarket, chemical-free dry cleaning is still surprisingly rare. This is exactly why we created Two Bays Laundry.
A Fresh Alternative: Chemical-Free Dry Cleaning
At Two Bays Laundry, we use modern wet cleaning and other gentle processes that avoid PERC altogether. Here’s what that means for you, your family and your clothes:
- Better for your health: No harsh chemical residues or vapours on your clothes, in your wardrobe, or near your skin.
- Kinder to your clothes: Chemical-free cleaning is gentler on fabrics. Colours stay brighter, fibres last longer, and garments keep their shape, extending the life of your favourite pieces.
- Safer for our community and planet: No toxic waste or groundwater risk. We use biodegradable detergents, low-impact machines, and digital receipts to reduce waste.
- Peace of mind for busy locals: Our pick-up and drop-off service makes it easy to make the switch. No hassle – just clean, fresh clothes, minus the worry.
A Local Step Towards a Cleaner Future
We know we’re not going to change the entire industry overnight, but here on the Mornington Peninsula, we’re starting small to make a big difference. Our mission is simple: help locals look sharp and live well, without the hidden costs of harsh chemicals.
So next time you’re ready to refresh your work wardrobe, spruce up the kids’ school blazers, or get your team’s footy kits looking game-ready, we invite you to try the better option.
Ready for Your Fresh Start?
We’re proud to be the Mornington Peninsula’s first dedicated PERC-free dry cleaner, and we’re here for the long haul. Whether you’re a busy parent, a local business, a footy club or a student with a blazer that’s seen better days, you deserve clean clothes and a clean conscience.
Join our community for special launch offers, or drop by when we open our doors on August 4th. We can’t wait to show you how good fresh really feels – without the chemicals.
