B we try
IT'S NOT EASY BEING
Better Cleaning ractices
There are a few easy changes that we can make immediately.
The vast majority of electricity used by washing machines is
dedicated to heating the water. Switching to cold water uses
up to 90 less energy. Detergents formulated for cold water are
widely available and clothing often lasts longer when washed
in cold cycles. For the time being, the CDC recommends using
warm or hot water, or a sanitizing cycle, to prevent the spread
of COID-19. Health and safety are top priority so keep this tip in
your back pocket for when it is safe to wash in cold. Dry cleaning
has greatly improved over the past few decades. There has been
a lot of progress in reducing emissions and the development of
less damaging dry-cleaning chemicals. If your department re-
lies on drycleaning, you may be interested in professional wet
cleaning. This techniue employs specialized euipment, much
like dry cleaning, but uses water and detergent as an alternative
to chemicals commonly used in dry cleaning. This avenue uses
more water than dry cleaning does, but it can be reclaimed and
reused to reduce cost. Some facilities are strictly dedicated to
professional wet cleaning and most dry cleaners off er this ser-
vice as well. any garments can be washed by professional wet
cleaning, even those labeled "Dry Clean Only."
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