GreenEarth Cleaning

Can you feel it? The warm breeze in the air, the subtle scent of blooming flowers, and the sun setting later—it’s spring! And you know what that means—it’s time to give your outdoor oasis a little TLC. Let’s dive into some eco-conscious ways to clean and freshen up your beloved patio cushions, so you can soak up the season in style. Dust Off and Declutter Before setting up your outdoor space, give your patio cushions a good dusting and decluttering session. Grab a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to gently remove any debris, dust, or cobwebs that may have settled during the winter hibernation. Trust me; your outdoor furniture will thank you for it! All-Natural Cleaner Most of the items you need to clean already exist in your kitchen! Harness the power of citrus by mixing lemon peels with water, vinegar, and baking soda to create a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. Simply spray it onto your furniture and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping clean. Not only will your patio furniture be prepped for spring, but it’ll also smell fresh in-between your local GreenEarth Cleaning visits. Trust The Pros However, if your patio cushions need a bit more love, you can always locate your local GreenEarth Affiliate . Many GreenEarth Affiliates offer specialized cleaning for outdoor furniture, dealing with stains and odors effectively without harsh chemicals. Avoid the stress and elbow-grease to refresh your cushions by relying on the professionals. Sustainable Storage When the season comes to an end, don’t forget about sustainable storage practices. Invest in covers made from recycled materials to protect your patio furniture from the harsh winter elements. Alternatively, consider bringing smaller pieces indoors or storing them in a covered area to prolong their life and reduce the need for replacements. Green Thumb Bonus While you’re sprucing up your outdoor space, why not add a touch of greenery to really bring it to life? Planting native flowers, herbs, or even small shrubs not only adds beauty to your patio but also provides vital habitat for local wildlife. Be sure to check out this short tutorial on how to plant a shrub! As we prepare to revitalize our outdoor spaces with eco-friendly methods, remember that every action, no matter how small, contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. With a little bit of work and a whole lot of love for the planet, you can transform your outdoor area into a haven of relaxation and sustainability this spring!

Transitioning from autumn to winter doesn’t mean you need an entirely new closet, it’s about layering smartly, swapping out a few key pieces, and embracing cozy textures while still making use of your favorite fall staples. Here are some simple ways to make the shift seamless and stylish. Layering is Your Best Friend Cold weather can be unpredictable: chilly mornings and even colder evenings. Layering helps you adapt without sacrificing comfort or style. Start with lightweight tops and add fun colored cardigans or denim jackets. A classic trench coat or oversized knit instantly brings winter vibes while keeping you warm. The sustainable brand, KOTN, focuses on biodegradable natural fiber garments perfect for layering. Embrace Winter Colors Fall is all about vibrant hues and richer shades, however winter calls for deeper and cooler shades. Think earthy tones like blues, forest green, purples, and creams. The same shades as the snow and bare trees. You don’t have to abandon color altogether, simply replace warm tones pieces with cooler tones that reflect the season’s natural palette. Introduce Winter Fabrics Fabrics play a big role in creating seasonal outfits. Trade in lightweight linens and sheer cottons for cozy knits, corduroy, wool, and flannel. Even swapping a cotton skirt for a suede or leather one can instantly give your look an winter refresh. Accessories also count! Think felt hats, wool scarves and leather handbags. To help your closet become greener, check out Ten Tree, they make cozy look easy with their wide selection of sweaters and cardigans. And for each item purchased 10 trees are planted! Update Your Footwear Tennis shoes may not cut it when temperatures drop. Switch to ankle boots or loafers to compliment your layered outfits. For extra coziness, try pairing boots with textured socks that peek out just above the ankle. Dust Off Your Outerwear Outerwear becomes the centerpiece of your wardrobe in winter. A versatile wool coat, classic trench, or puffer jacket can be thrown over almost anything. As the season progresses, heavier coats and wool jackets will become staples, but in the early weeks of fall, lighter layers keep your look transitional and practical. Before enjoying a night out, have your beloved coat refreshed by us. Our GreenEarth Cleaning process is gentle yet effective leaving your coat looking brand new! Transitioning your wardrobe from autumn to winter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few intentional swaps, some creative layering, and a focus on seasonal textures, you’ll be ready to enjoy a cozy winter season in style!

Thrifting is a trend that continues to dominate and be fueled by social media. With vintage fashions gaining popularity, studies show the younger generations often think of buying secondhand clothing before strolling through stores with steep price tags (The BlackPrint). For those looking to earn a bit of extra cash while decluttering their closet, there has never been a better time to resale those ripped denim jeans tucked away in the back of your closet. If a cherished garment has reached the end of its lifetime, a stylish one at that, why not prepare it for a second one? Yes, it would be easy to cram your retired clothes into a bag and drop them off to the nearest thrift store. However, according to CBC News, the amount of unsold garments that end up in our landfills is at an alarming rate (CBC). Reselling clothes is great for the environment as it encourages circularity and is an ethical way to purchase preloved items (Retail Dive). Before listing your item online, use these helpful tips to prepare your garments for a second life. First Impressions Matter There’s nothing worse than completing a porch pickup only to be greeted by an unknown odor when removing the item from the bag. To avoid unwanted odors, it’s always best to refresh your beloved garments before sending them to a new home. To guarantee your garments are left looking and feeling rejuvenated, bring them to us. Our GreenEarth Cleaning process ensures that your delicate fabrics such as wool, lace, and linen remain soft and supple, while removing any remaining odors. The new owner of your item will be pleasantly surprised when they discover it is ready to wear! Repair Before Resale Whether it’s a broken zipper or missing button, or a seam that’s come loose, your items will have a better chance of being sold if you repair them before listing them online. Luckily, as a GreenEarth Affiliate offer alteration and repair services. Rather than throwing your ‘to mend’ pile in the garbage, show them a bit of TLC as an additional service while having them dry cleaned. That saves you from having to make another trip and guarantees a service that you can count on! Revisit The Details Refresh your garments at home by giving them a little pre-sale care. Steam out any wrinkles for a crisp appearance, and gently de-pill thicker fabrics to restore their original texture. In terms of storage, hanging your items while they wait to be sold helps maintain their shape and shows buyers that the item was thoughtfully cared for. These small efforts can make a difference in how your listing is perceived! Leverage Love For The Environment Leverage your love for the environment by informing buyers that your item was cleaned using the environmentally non-toxic GreenEarth Cleaning process. Our gentle, yet sustainable method appeals to today’s conscious shoppers. According to Biz Epic, green sells as buyers are drawn to options that reflect their values (Biz Epic). Knowing their purchase supports both quality and the planet turns a simple transaction into a feel-good choice. Picture Perfect Decide how you want to display your clothing, whether it’s being sold on common online marketplaces such as Depop, Mercari, and Poshmark, thoughtful presentation adds a sense of professionalism and immediately catches a buyer’s eye. Think flat lays, a try-on (mannequin or yourself), or simply against a bright clean background. Neatly displaying your garments shows that they were well cared for and lived a fulfilled life, making it even more appealing to someone who is ready to give it a second one. Package With Care Packaging is the final, yet equally important step in preparing your garments. Neatly folding and packaging your items with care creates a premium unboxing experience that buyers appreciate. Reusing boxes or tissue paper from previous orders is an efficient way to stay sustainable while keeping things polished. A simple thank you note adds a personal touch that makes the buyer feel valued and turns a secondhand purchase into something truly special. Ready, Set, Sell! By taking the time to properly refresh and prepare your items prior to listing them, you not only increase their resale value but also contribute to a more sustainable fashion cycle. Whether you’re decluttering your closet or looking to earn a bit of cash, choosing a gentle, yet effective clean like our GreenEarth Cleaning process helps your garments look their best and stand out in a crowded marketplace. A little extra care goes a long way for your wallet and the planet!

Christmas is all about giving, spending time with family, and spreading cheer. Let’s try incorporating sustainability in your Christmas list and go green for the holidays! Buy less Holiday gifts can provide a practical need, the need to buy something new every year. But keep in mind that although many new gifts are generally gestures of kindness or thoughtfulness, you can still give more while spending less money this year. Sustainable giving Not all gifts need to be store-bought. Although it may be a habit to buy a brand new gift at your local department store or online, there are many ways that you can give a thoughtful present and go green for the holidays. Consider a DIY gift or maybe something special to you that you think might be special to someone else. There are so many options to choose from that are just as thoughtful as a store-bought gift. Shorten your list to simplify your gift-giving Many people get stressed this time of year with the long lists of gifts for each person during the ‘gift-go-around’ season. It is important, as said previously, to remember that gifts are thoughtful gestures, not shiny ones. Consider doing a Secret Santa this year! This way, you can shorten your list to just one person, not a dozen, and focus on really making your gift special for them. Think green and buy smart For example, locally made gifts from marketplaces and local artists. Local craft fairs and artisan shops are a good way to start. This way, you can find gifts made by anyone with a special skill from all over the world. This can save you the cost of travel and reduce gas emissions that are huge contributors to global warming. Keep in mind as well that you are also helping to support local artists and their businesses. What’s better than a gift that is unique to give to your loved one and going green for the holidays in the process?! Consider donating your old toys or clothing If you would like to help teach your children the spirit of giving during the holidays, ask them to go through their toys and decide which ones they do not play with anymore and donate them to a homeless shelter/domestic violence shelter or your local Salvation Army or Goodwill. This way, your children can learn about the importance of giving back to other children and families and spread some Christmas cheer to those who may be less fortunate this year. Go on an outing with the family The best gift during the holidays is spending precious time with your family. Consider going on an outdoor excursion rather than giving gifts this season. Presents do not have to be an object; one of the best gifts of all is having a family to enjoy it with. Care for your fabrics sustainably  When we get ready for Christmas, we usually think about what sweater we are going to wear, what tablecloth we will use for dinner, and what type of stockings will be hung up. But what most do not consider is the importance of sustainability during the holidays. When we pull out our decorations, they may be dusty or have that storage odor. No one wants smelly décor, stained dresses, or anything to make the holidays less than perfect. Your local GreenEarth cleaner can save your traditions by renewing all of your favorite textiles. Using our environmentally non-toxic GreenEarth Cleaning system, they can properly clean your Christmas items and clothing without any harsh chemicals. Find the GreenEarth cleaner nearest you on our store locator. There are many ways to be sustainable and thoughtful. Traditions can change, which is okay! Sometimes we outgrow old traditions, create new ones, and with that, we can create some new memories that will last a lifetime. GreenEarth Cleaning is all about sustainability and protecting the environment. We can spread Christmas cheer by minimizing our carbon footprint. Open your hearts this season, and enjoy the holidays with your family all the while protecting our planet.

In August of this year, GreenEarth Cleaning published a blog regarding the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel, following the publication of its Climate Change report. The report delivered the starkest warnings yet. The latest findings, approved by 195 member states, dealt with the physical science basis of climate change and how humans are changing the planet. We also discussed COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, and how it was considered more vital than ever that firm agreement to carbon emission reduction targets be put in place and actions to support this take place as a matter of urgency. So, what were the main takeaways from COP26, and what can everyone do to play their part?  Phase Down Fossil Fuels but Not Phase Out—At the beginning of negotiations, there were discussions around moving away from coal and fossil fuel subsidies.  By the time of the second draft of the deal, the language had changed to urging countries to move away from “unabated coal” and “inefficient subsidies for fossil fuels.” On the final Saturday of COP26, China and India successfully pushed for another last-minute change to the crucial phrase, saying they would agree only to “phase-down unabated coal,” rather than “phase-out.” Whilst many were disappointed about the phasing down of fossil fuels rather than out, the text did represent the first-ever mention of coal and fossil fuel subsidies in such a deal. Focus on 1.5 degrees centigrade—This was the target set in Paris in 2016. Whilst it is believed that there is a small chance to achieve this, drastic changes would need to be made and promises kept. Most thinking would suggest achieving somewhere between 2 and 2.5 degrees, depending on the commitment of all nations. Timeline Acceleration—The deal “requests” that world leaders “revisit and strengthen” their 2030 targets under the Paris agreement, known as “nationally determined contributions” (NDCs), by the end of 2022. This compares to a typical five-year timeline for countries to submit new or updated NDCs.  The hope is that this will keep commitments in the front of governments’ and citizens’ minds when it comes to combatting climate change. Funding Future Loss and Damage—whilst almost every part of the globe will see the negative impacts of climate change (if not already), there are said to be around 50 countries that are at a greater risk. Even if greenhouse gas emissions were to stop today, a lot of the damage has already been caused.  Therefore, the 50 or so countries will need additional financial support to combat the effects.   However, delegates agreed to start a “dialogue” about the idea, angering those who say such reparations are long overdue. Voices of the Young—There was a large presence of young people in Glasgow voicing their passionate opinions on how climate change will impact theirs and future generations’ lives the most. The presence was felt more outside the venue, where more than 100,000 people marched to demand climate action. It even struck a chord with former US President Barack Obama telling the youth of today to “stay angry” about inaction on global warming. So, what next? Well, the deal is an important development, but many would say that it’s not enough. However, it is something that can be built on, and it saw some firsts and requests that countries review their commitments more regularly. It’s easy to blame a government (whatever your political persuasions might be) for what they do and don’t do. Equally, we don’t necessarily need policy change for us to make a change—it can start with our personal goals, actions, and statements.

The definition of bliss is reaching a state of perfect happiness, typically so as to be oblivious of everything else. And that’s exactly how we feel putting on our favorite cashmere sweater and cuddling up next to the fireplace with a hot beverage and a good book. It’s that time of the year when some of us are excited to rotate the wardrobe and get out our favorite wool sweaters. It’s possible to find some unpleasant surprises though, due to the natural fibers that are used in manufacturing these garments. Caring for sweaters or other natural textiles can be tricky. That’s why we’re here.  It’s important you’re properly caring for sweaters—and all natural fiber garments, for that matter—to prevent things like clothes moths but to also maintain that soft, delicate feeling we all love so much when we first purchase one of these items. And don’t fall victim to “clear spillage.” Oftentimes, we may spill on one of these garments, but as it’s not visible, we figure it’s not necessary to clean. That’s wrong with any article of clothing, but especially when dealing with natural fibers like wool. It’s important we clean these items at the beginning of the season, after each wear, and again at the end of the season, prior to storing.  Trust the professionals. These are delicate fabrics and typically not cheap, so spend the money to ensure they’re cared for by the folks who know what they’re doing—your local GreenEarth cleaner. Some other dry cleaning solvents are aggressive and can actually damage your more delicate garments. Some store clerks will even warn you not to dry clean them because of horror stories they’ve heard or maybe their own experiences dealing with wool sweaters ruined by a dry cleaner. GreenEarth is different. It’s so gentle, the most delicate textiles can be cleaned by any of our Affiliate dry cleaners around the world. Not only is it safe for natural fibers, but the silicone solvent can also have a rejuvenating effect, resulting in clean, fresh, and softer-than-ever sweaters—just imagine it.  In summary, it’s important you’re properly caring for sweaters. Clean your natural fiber textiles regularly, and leave them to the professionals, more specifically a GreenEarth Cleaning professional. It will extend the lifetime of your favorite garments, reducing your contribution to landfill waste and allowing you the pleasure of cherishing them for many winters to come. Find your nearest GreenEarth cleaner at our store locator. 

It’s officially fall, and that means it’s time to get your Halloween costume ready! At GreenEarth Cleaning, we understand parents want to protect their children against unwanted germs. New and/or old costumes should be properly cleaned before the big night of trick or treating. With our state-of-the-art, environmentally non-toxic system, you need not worry. Your costumes this year will come back clean, fresh, and germ-free. With these resources, we can provide you with the utmost quality of cleanliness and protection. Sometimes children get dirty, and you want your children to look their best in their Halloween costume, and “wow” or scare anyone who sees them at their front door asking for candy. It does not go unnoticed that reused costumes can get a bit worn out over time, so if you’re repeating a costume, let us get it ready for you. And new ones may have been tainted by other children or adults trying them on; people touch everything and that passes around germs—we can take care of that too. GreenEarth and our Affiliates value our customers and our cleaning process overall. You should not have to worry when you bring your costumes to your local GreenEarth cleaner. Our product and processes can remove germs, clean your costumes, and return them in that “like-new” condition, while also being kind to the earth. Weather can be harsh on costumes too, candy and juices can leave stains, and unwanted odors can build up from running around all night. For these things, we have the best quality, environmentally non-toxic solution. Our system is non-toxic to the environment, gentle on all fabrics, and can clean at high enough temperatures to deactivate most bacteria and viruses. GreenEarth replaces traditional dry cleaning petrochemicals with pure liquid silicone, which is what makes it safe for the environment. With this, your old costumes can be restored, or new ones can be properly sanitized. The dirt, the germs, the candy stains—GreenEarth cleaners can help to erase the damage of time. You can expect a gentle, chemical-free clean if you choose a cleaner using the GreenEarth system, and rest assured, you will not be disappointed. Find a GreenEarth cleaner near you at our store locator.

Your big day has come and gone—what do you do with your wedding gown now? Brides have a number of options they can choose from regarding what to do with their dresses. Some donate or sell their gown so it can be loved a second time around by a new bride-to-be. Others re-envision what they wore down the aisle into new cocktail attire. And still, others decide to “trash” their bridal wear through a once-in-a-lifetime photoshoot. However, most popularly, brides look to clean and preserve their dress for future generations.  We’re big fans of that last option. What is wedding gown cleaning and preservation? Wedding gown cleaning and preservation is a more specialized approach in comparison to standard dry cleaning. The process is laborious and requires even more astute attention to detail. A dress is first inspected for both visible and invisible stains. You may be asking, “Wait—there are stains you can’t see?” And the short answer is yes. Spills from light-colored, sugary substances like champagne will oxidize over time if left untreated, resulting in yellow or brown stains that aren’t easily removed.  Following an inspection, a gown undergoes careful cleaning and is then folded with acid-free tissue, wrapped in muslin, and placed in an archival preservation chest. When should I have my gown cleaned and preserved? Time is of the essence here. The sooner you can get your dress in for cleaning and preservation, the better. You don’t want to give stains time to settle in, which will make them that much more difficult to fully remove. If you’ll be honeymooning right after your wedding, consider entrusting your gown to your mom or a member of the bridal party, so they can take it to your chosen dry cleaner the very next day. Who should clean and preserve my gown? The answer to this one is a giveaway—a GreenEarth cleaner, of course! Our Network of garment care professionals clean to a higher standard, making them the obvious choice for preserving your most precious memento. The GreenEarth system itself also provides a much gentler clean than traditional dry cleaning methods. Petroleum solvents are abrasive and aggressive, wearing away surface fibers, but GreenEarth is chemically inert, or in other words, it doesn’t chemically react with fabric fibers. It just carries the detergent to garments and gently carries away soils. That makes it safe for even the most delicate fabrics and trims, like lace, sequins, beads, and silk, many of which are included in bridal wear. Tips for after you’ve taken your cleaned and preserved gown home Your gown should be stored in a cool and dry place. Attics and basements are no good, as textiles are sensitive to changes in heat and humidity. Open your preservation box and inspect your gown every two to three years to make sure nothing has happened to it while in storage. Always wash your hands before handling the garment. There are special gloves you can use as well to ensure the oils from your hands aren’t transferred to your gown. Refold your gown differently than it was folded before so that permanent creases don’t develop. Locate a GreenEarth cleaner So now you’re ready to have your wedding gown cleaned and preserved. First things first: Find your nearest GreenEarth cleaner by searching our Store Locator.

Garment aftercare is essential when it comes to fabric lasting longer or even just smelling nice, but somehow, it’s almost become a dirty word. Let’s unpack that… Almost every industry or sector has a previous bad news story that hangs around for far longer than the good news stories, and no matter how hard you try to shake it off, the mud sticks. There are lots of good things to be said about the garment aftercare sector. Closed-loop A dry cleaning machine is a closed-loop system, which means that all the waste stays in the machine—anything from lint to microfibers and microplastics.  The removal of waste will tend to be regulated depending on the geographic location of the dry cleaner.  A closed-loop system ensures that the waste will not end up in our waterways. GreenEarth® Of course, we believe that there is no better way to clean than with GreenEarth Cleaning. Not only is it a closed-loop system, but it is also much gentler and milder than other solvents.  It has a lower Kauri Butanol (KB) value which means that it is less aggressive and its impact on clothing, and indeed the planet, represents quality and environmentally non-toxic garment aftercare. The GreenEarth Cleaning system also uses far less energy and water—our studies have shown a saving of at least 50% per load. Detergency GreenEarth’s Sustain detergent, which forms part of the Optimized GreenEarth Cleaning System, is gentle yet most effective.  To that end, the necessary dosage levels are far lower than other detergent recommendations.  And best of all, it is so safe that hazardous warning symbols are not required. Laundry loop is closing GreenEarth is proud to be working alongside PlanetCare and Plastic Soup Foundation in developing ‘SeaClear.’  This is a solution, a filter, to trap microfibers and microplastics, and prevent them from going into our waterways and the ocean. We’re currently in the Beta testing phase and hope to share more news on that very soon. Single-use bags Single-use plastic is a well-known “no-no” when it comes to the environment.  Many dry cleaners have been offering customers a garment bag for many years, either to buy or as part of a loyalty program.  Most bags are breathable, so they can be hung in the closet straight away, retaining their freshness, while also avoiding tons of plastic going to landfills. A great example of this is the Johnson Cleaners ‘Priority Club’. Hanger recycling Plastic and metal hangers do form an important part in ensuring that a garment stays in good shape after it’s pressed and until it gets hung up in the closet. Now, some customers will keep them on those hangers, but others discard them to place them on their own hangers.  It doesn’t have to be that way.  Dry cleaners will be delighted to receive them back, either when you’re passing or just when you bring in your next order. It keeps the demand down, which means that finite resources are being protected, plus they do not end up in landfill sites.  You’ll also be saving your local independent dry cleaner some money too. Keep an eye out for any racks that they have for you to leave those hangers! Maximized loads There will always be cases where a garment needs to be cleaned the same day or the next day, but many customers are not in a huge rush.  Determining when they want their order ready can help a cleaner maximize their cleaning loads. Why is that important? Well, the more items in a load, the less carbon and water used per item.  The capacity of a machine establishes the maximum size of that load so that the quality of cleaning is never compromised. Let your cleaner know when you need your garments to be ready—it will help them and the planet. Make clothes last longer And of course, gentle and effective care can lead to clothes lasting longer. This is why it’s so important that the information on the care label is correct.  Fabric testing forms a large part of that—usually retaining a control sample and cleaning other fabric samples in any garment aftercare solution.  The results will determine what is put on the care label and be supported by customer communications. A garment that becomes damaged after only a handful of cleanings ends up in a landfill. That’s not good for the customer, the fashion brand, or the planet. Find a GreenEarth cleaner nearest you.