Environmentally Friendly ‘Wet Cleaning’ Demo Takes Place Tuesday

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The wet cleaning demonstration will take place 1-3 p.m. Sept. 18 at Leary’s Cleaners, 3256 Monroe Ave., Pittsford.

New York state dry cleaners have the opportunity to save money while reducing their environmental footprint. A free demonstration hosted by the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute will showcase the benefits of wet cleaning technology.

“Wet cleaning” is an environmentally preferable alternative to traditional dry cleaning, which uses a hazardous solvent called perchloroethylene, or perc. Wet cleaning is capable of cleaning dry-clean-only garments using water and specialized detergents in dedicated equipment.

“The NYSP2I is dedicated to assisting New York state business, like dry cleaners, reduce their environmental footprint while reducing their costs,” says Anahita Williamson, director of the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute. “We encourage cleaners to attend the demonstration to learn more about the wet cleaning process and receive first-hand feedback on its effectiveness and overall benefits.”

Owners and operators of traditional dry cleaners interested in wet cleaning will have an opportunity to see a demonstration of the equipment and hear directly from Leary’s staff about the benefits to workers and customers and the reduced environmental costs and liability.

The event is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Ben Marks at bemp2i@rit.edu or 585-475-6869.

The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute is housed at Rochester Institute of Technology and provides statewide, comprehensive and integrated programming in technology research, development and diffusion, training and education aimed at making New York state more sustainable for workers, the public, the environment and the economy. The institute was created in 2008 through a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Additional partners include Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Clarkson University, State University of New York at Buffalo and New York’s 10 Regional Technology Development Centers. For more information visit the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute website.