Why dry cleaning is better for the environment than washing and ironing

More and more people are becoming aware of the impact their daily habits have on the environment. There is also significant potential for improvement when it comes to looking after clothes. Traditional washing and ironing require a considerable amount of water, energy and, often, chemical products. A garment steamer, on the other hand, is a more sustainable alternative that is not only gentle on your clothes but also on the planet.

1. Lower water consumption

A full washing machine uses an average of around 50 litres of water per cycle. Often, however, clothes aren’t actually dirty, but just a bit creased or musty. In such cases, washing is unnecessary and a waste of water. Steaming quickly refreshes your clothes without wasting litres of water.

2. Lower energy consumption

Irons and washing machines use a lot of energy. A garment steamer generally uses less electricity and heats up more quickly. Especially with regular use, this makes a difference to your energy bill and your carbon footprint.

3. No harmful chemicals

Dry cleaning often uses harsh solvents that are harmful to people and the environment. With steam, you don’t have that problem: steaming works purely with water. The hot steam kills bacteria and removes odours without the addition of chemicals.

4. Clothes last longer

Because steam cleaning is much gentler on fabrics than washing or ironing, clothes stay looking good for longer. Less wear and tear means you don’t need to replace your garments as often — and that saves on raw materials, production and waste.

5. Practical and versatile

Whether it’s delicate blouses, suits or curtains: steam cleaning is often the safest and quickest way to freshen them up. For home use, the Jiffy J-2000 is an excellent choice, whilst the Jiffy J-4000 is ideal for those who want to steam clean more professionally or intensively.