Green Movement ‘Washing Up’ at Local Dry Cleaner

For years the Environmental Protection Agency has warned about toxic chemicals used to clean those cashmere sweaters and wool suits.

41 NBC’s Brittany Gonzalez shows us how one local dry cleaners is reaping the benefits of using an eco-friendly solution in this week’s “Going Green, Saving Green.”

Freshly pressed and ironed clothes go around and around at Gray Dry Cleaner’s ready for pick up.

For decades, Fred Maloy, has worked with some of the toughest chemicals.  ” You had to be real careful handling it. You had to keep reports and all that. We don’t have to do that now,” says Maloy, Owner of Gray Dry Cleaners.

He made a change that’s keeping the environment and his customers in mind.

Maloy says, “It’s a lot better [and] safer for your clothes. It don’t wear them out as quick.”

Instead of using Perchloroethylene, or perc, Maloy changed his cleaning routine.

“It’s a very strong chemical. It cleans real good. It’s kind of rough on the clothes,” says Maloy.

Now, he pours petroleum into his dry cleaning machine.

“When it does the cleaning it automatically cooks it down and cleans it up,” says Maloy.

So there’s no need to dispose of toxic chemicals, and the process speeds up production saving money for Maloy.

Another perk of not using perc is the strong smell is gone, and the petroleum solution is not harmful to employees.

Gray Dry Cleaners is located on West Clinton Street in Jones County. It is open from 7:30am to 6pm Monday through Friday, and from 9am to 3pm on Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.