“On a personal level, I am thrilled to learn more about wet cleaning as an alternative to dry cleaning. I stopped buying clothing that instructed Dry Clean Only about 10 years ago when I started Fashion Takes Action. Now I can purchase structured garments, and wools and silks, knowing that there is a safer non-toxic option out there for garment care. On a professional level, I look forward to seeing more brands educate their customers on professional wet cleaning, and change their labeling from Dry Clean Only to Professional Clean Only.”

– Kelly Drennan, Founding Executive Director, Fashion Takes Action

“Wet cleaning just makes sense to me. It is incredibly effective and gentle on my clothes. Stains and smells are gone. Gone! Plus, I really value that wet cleaning is safe for the people working at the cleaners and on our world in general. The negative impact of dry cleaning is terrifying. It should really be called cleaning with nasty chemicals because that is what is actually happening. Wet cleaning is better for my clothes and better for me.”

– Donna Bishop, host and creator of the podcast Fashion Talks and Director of Programming for the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards (CAFA)

“Wet is the new dry. Why would you still use harsh chemicals when there is a new more sustainable alternative?”

– Evan Biddell, fashion designer

“There’s so much green wash out there with dry cleaners claiming to be eco-friendly and organic, most people don’t realize the only legitimately planet-friendly option is wet cleaning. If I can’t hand wash an item myself, I bring all my dry clean only clothes to a wet cleaner – structured blazers, winter coats, you name it. It does an awesome job, without polluting the environment. Until we ban more toxic dry cleaning methods, I’d LOVE to see more Canadians speaking up and requesting wet cleaning, more clothing stores encouraging consumers to wet clean and more government support for dry cleaners looking to convert to wet cleaning.”

– Adria Vasil, Author of Ecoholic book series & columnist for NOW Magazine

“Wet cleaning is such an awesome and easy solution to the nasty impacts of conventional dry cleaning. It has the same great results, is safe on a crazy wide range of fabrics, and helps you avoid gross chemicals like PERC. At Reformation, we are big fans, and always steer our customers to their favorite local wet cleaner.”

– Kathleen Talbot, VP Operations and Sustainability, Reformation

“After WW2 ended, most businesses would not hire anyone with Japanese heritage so in order to make a living, my father’s family decided to run their own dry cleaning operation. My father often came home with terrible burns on his hands and arms from the chemicals used in the dry cleaning process and I would ask him about the marks. He knew it wasn’t safe or healthy but there weren’t other options at the time. Out of 6 siblings on my father’s side, 4 died from cancer. We now know how toxic those chemicals are to inhale and to handle. It’s too late for my dad and for his siblings but we can start to make a change for the better, to create a safer working environment for those who work in the dry cleaning business by switching to wet cleaning.”

– Susan Langdon, Executive Director, Toronto Fashion Incubator

Photo credit: Ted Belton

“Up to 60% of the environmental impact of a garment happens after we buy it. Washing less and making mindful choices about the kind of wash you choose will help lessen the garment carbon footprint and help it last longer. Choose cold instead of hot wash, line instead of machine dry, and wet instead of dry clean.”

– Kate Black, author and host of Magnifeco Radio

“The chemicals we eat, inhale, apply, and wear, like PERC from dry cleaning solvents, are absorbed into our bodies negatively impacting our health in a variety of ways. As someone who suffers from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, overexposure to harmful toxins is a concern for me at all times. The choice to professionally wet clean is not only better for your clothes, it ensures a safe workplace for cleaners, cleaner air in the surrounding environment, and fewer chemicals in your home and ultimately in your body.”

– Sarah Jay, fashion consultant