Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning vs. Traditional PCE: How Silicone Solvents and Realstar Machines Protect Your Clothes and the Planet

Recent news about a chemical once common to dry cleaning, called PCE or tetrachloroethylene, is not news to Westside Cleaners in Palm Beach. Years ago, Westside Cleaners converted from using PCE to eco-friendly dry cleaning with silicone solvents and Realstar machines. PCE has not been used at Westside Cleaners for many years. So, workers and customers are not being exposed to PCE.

In fact, the dry cleaning industry is on a timeline for 2034 to ban PCE, TCE and other chemicals. Again, Westside was far ahead of the curve, changing to eco-friendly systems using biodegradable solvents.

Let’s explore the differences between these two approaches — and why the shift to silicone cleaning by Westside Cleaners in Palm Beach, FL is better for your clothes, for our workers, our customers, and our community.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a couple years ago some sweeping changes under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The final rules ban all uses of trichloroethylene (TCE) - illustrated above - and severely restricting the use of perchloroethylene (PCE), the primary solvent used in dry cleaning. Westside Cleaners in Jupiter, however, was ahead of this curve years before TSCA was put into effect, becoming an eco-friendly cleaner years ahead of the EPA's announcement.

A Cleaner Way to Clean: The Evolution of Dry Cleaning

For decades, the industry relied on harsh chemicals to dissolve grease and grime from fabrics that couldn’t be washed in water.

By the mid-20th century, perchloroethylene (PCE) became the dominant solvent. It was effective, but it was found to comes with environmental and health concerns.

Years ago, leading dry cleaners like Westside Cleaners in Palm Beach, FL transitioned to eco-friendly, silicone-based solvents and state-of-the-art Realstar machines. These offer a safer, more sustainable way to care for your clothes — and your planet.

What Is PCE and How Does It Work?

For over 60 years, PCE (perchloroethylene) was the industry standard for professional dry cleaning. It’s a synthetic chlorinated solvent prized for its strong cleaning power and ability to remove oils and stains from fabrics without using water. It is used across many industries, like automotive and oil and gas; the use of PCE is not just in dry cleaning.

However, PCE has been found in studies to be a volatile organic compound (VOC). Over time, concerns emerged about its environmental impact and potential health effects. The EPA has now classified PCE as a “likely carcinogen,” and several states have phased out or restricted its use in dry cleaning operations.

While PCE does an excellent job cleaning grease and oil, it can be harsh on certain fabrics and dyes. Garments cleaned with PCE may also carry a distinctive “chemical” odor.

In short, traditional PCE cleaning gets the job done — but at a cost to air quality, the environment, and sometimes the longevity of delicate clothing.

The Rise of Eco-Friendly Silicone Solvents

As consumers became more environmentally conscious, the dry cleaning industry responded with eco-friendly alternatives. One of the most successful innovations is silicone-based solvent cleaning, often referred to by brand names like GreenEarth® or D5.

Silicone solvent is made from liquid silicone (decamethylcyclopentasiloxane or D5) — a safe, stable compound that breaks down into sand, water, and carbon dioxide when released into the environment. It’s non-toxic, odor-free, and gentle on fabrics.

Unlike PCE, silicone doesn’t degrade dyes or weaken fibers. Clothes cleaned with silicone solvents come out softer, brighter, and fresher, with no lingering chemical smell. It’s an ideal solution for delicate garments, couture fashion, and luxury fabrics like silk, satin, and wool.

At Westside Cleaners, we’ve invested in Realstar cleaning machines, which are specifically engineered for silicone solvent systems. These machines ensure precise temperature control, solvent purity, and garment safety — all while minimizing environmental waste.

Key Differences Between Silicone Solvents and PCE

Let’s break down the three biggest differences between these two dry cleaning methods:

1. Environmental Safety

PCE is a chlorinated hydrocarbon that must be carefully contained to prevent soil or groundwater contamination. Disposal and emissions are tightly regulated. Silicone solvents, by contrast, are biodegradable and non-hazardous. They don’t release VOCs or toxic byproducts into the air or water.

In other words, silicone cleaning is the greener choice, helping reduce environmental footprint while keeping your clothes immaculate.

2. Fabric Care and Garment Longevity

PCE is effective at cutting through grease but can be too aggressive for certain fibers. Over time, it may cause shrinkage, color fading, or stiffness — especially in fine garments. Silicone cleaning is much gentler on fabrics, preserving color, texture, and structure.

This makes silicone systems ideal for designer clothing, wedding gowns, couture pieces, and delicate silks or linens.

3. Customer Experience and Comfort

Garments cleaned with PCE often retain a faint chemical odor. In contrast, silicone-cleaned clothes are odor-free and feel smoother to the touch. They also require less post-cleaning steaming or pressing, meaning fewer wrinkles and a more natural drape.

For customers, the difference is immediate: clothes look newer, feel softer, and last longer.

How Realstar Machines Elevate Eco-Friendly Cleaning

While the solvent itself matters, the machine technology plays an equally important role. Realstar, a leading manufacturer of dry cleaning equipment, designed machines specifically optimized for silicone solvent systems.

These advanced machines feature:

• Closed-loop filtration to minimize waste and emissions

• Temperature and solvent purity control for consistent results

• Energy-efficient cycles that use less electricity and water

• Gentle mechanical action to protect fibers and seams

  
  

Together, the Realstar system and silicone solvent represent the gold standard in modern dry cleaning technology — combining superior garment care with environmental responsibility.

At Westside Cleaners, serving customers in and around Palm Beach Gardens, we chose Realstar because it allows us to maintain our decades-long reputation for quality while embracing the best of sustainable innovation.

Why Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning Is the Future

The move away from PCE was not just about regulation — it is about responsibility. Customers today want to know that their choices are safe for their families and their environment. By adopting silicone-based dry cleaning, Westside Cleaners offers a service that aligns with those values and respects our own workers and neighbors.

When you choose eco-friendly dry cleaning by Westside Cleaners, you’re not just protecting your clothes — you’re supporting a cleaner, healthier community in Palm Beach County. Enjoy garments that look and feel their best, without contributing to chemical pollution or toxins.

And with Westside Cleaners’ expertise in stain removal, couture garment care, leather cleaning, and alterations, you’ll receive full-service garment care that’s both luxurious and sustainable.

The Takeaway: A Better Clean for You and the Planet

Traditional PCE dry cleaning had its time — but today, there’s a better way. Silicone-based eco-friendly cleaning delivers superior garment care with none of the environmental risks.

At Westside Cleaners, our investment in Realstar equipment and silicone solvent systems reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the highest standard of clothing care in Palm Beach County.

Your clothes — and the planet — deserve a cleaner kind of clean.

📍 Westside Cleaners - 6743 W. Indiantown Rd., Suite 36, Jupiter, FL 33458

📞 (561) 575-5150

🌐 www.westsidecleanersfl.com