What is the CO2 Cleaning Process?

The CO2 Cleaning Process is a carbon dioxide-based garment cleaning process that has been developed for use by commercial and retail dry cleaners. Carbon dioxide is a non-flammable, non-toxic, naturally occurring gas that, when subjected to pressure, becomes a liquid and is a very effective solvent. Since the solvent is recognized as being environmentally friendly, it is not subject to any environmental regulations or liability potential from soil or groundwater contamination.

How does the cleaning performance compare with Perc?

Tests run by independent agencies have shown the cleaning performance of CO2 (Cleaning Process) with detergents to be equivalent to the cleaning performance of Perc with detergents. The only stains that showed a slight difference in cleaning performance were dirty motor oil and lipstick. However, these stains could be pre-spotted or post-spotted for complete stain removal. We would also like to point out that the detergent development for CO2 is in the beginning phases and as development continues cleaning performance will improve.

How difficult is the process to operate and learn?

The process is very simple to use and learn. Like a conventional process, this one uses a cleaning chamber, circulation loop, filtration, lint trap, distillation, and storage. The difference is that the equipment and chemistry is specially developed to house the pressure and interact with carbon dioxide. The gentle nature of cleaning also minimizes risk of garment damage and thus training is easier than for a conventional system. Training will be provided to all users at installation.

When will the machines be available?

Machines are available for shipment right now. Demand for machines are increasing very quickly and will exceed production, so you may be looking at a 4-6 week delivery time.

Are there certain fabrics that cannot be run in the CO2 Cleaning process?

All fabrics can be run in the CO2 process. You don't even have to sort colors any more because of the low 55 degree cleaning temperature. This low operating temperature also eliminates the risk of heat-setting stains

Is wrinkling a problem with the CO2 Cleaning process?

In general wrinkling is no worse than with a standard Perc or Petroleum process and there is much less wrinkling than with a wet cleaning process. As with other cleaning methods, acetates do tend to wrinkle a little more in the CO2 process, but because of the low operating temperature, these wrinkles are not heat set into the material and can usually be relaxed with steam before pressing. The finishing time with acetates can be a little longer than with conventional cleaning processes, but this time is generally offset by the other advantages to the CO2 cleaning process.

Is pre-spotting required with the CO2 Cleaning process?

A number of pre-spotters have been developed for the CO2 cleaning process. In practice, it has been found that pre-spotting isn't necessary. Because of the low operating temperature, stains are not set into the material, and those stains that don't come out during the cleaning process can be removed with a steam gun, or traditional post-spotting methods

Can leathers and furs be cleaned in the CO2 Cleaning process?

Yes. Both leathers and furs have been cleaned in the CO2 process up to 30 times with no deterioration to either type of garment.

Is there a problem with sequins, beads, or buttons?

We have seen no problems with any types of sequins, beads, or buttons. Unlike Perc, CO2 does not melt glues or damage shell type buttons.

Can I use standard detergents with my machine?

No. Special detergents have been formulated for the CO2 process. These detergents are currently available in the United States through Caled Chemical and the Laidlaw Corporation. Many other companies are also developing detergents for CO2.

Are there any safety concerns with high pressure?

Every component on our CO2 machine, which is subjected to pressure, is built to the most stringent pressure vessel codes available. The storage tanks are tested and lifetime certified by A.S.M.E (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). They are designed for a long life of worry-free operation. Many common items (i.e. scuba tanks and restaurant tanks) operate at higher pressures and have been used safely for many years. As long as these devices are treated properly, there is no need to fear the operating pressures.

What is Carbon Dioxide (CO2), exactly? Are we going to have hazardous material problems with this in the future?

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is found naturally in our atmosphere. Though it is present in relatively small quantities (about 0.03% by volume), it is one of the most important gases we know of. It is important because it is part of the basic life cycle in nature. Humans and animals give off CO2 which is used by plants to help them grow. Plants, in turn, release Oxygen, upon which we depend for survival. Equally important are carbon dioxide's wide range of chemical and physical properties that make it a key part of countless industrial applications in gaseous, liquid and solid forms. CO2 as a gas: The commercial production of carbon dioxide begins with CO2 in a gaseous state. CO2 gas is inert, a property that makes it extremely useful for such applications as purging flammable vapors from tanks and pipelines. It also provides a shielding atmosphere around flammable materials during welding as well as around perishable foods during storage and transfer. CO2 is used for carbonation of soft drinks and beer and to reduce the alkalinity of treated water. CO2 as a liquid: Liquid CO2 is produced by cooling and compressing carbon dioxide gas under pressure. The liquid produced in this process is a clear, transparent fluid that flows readily at temperatures between +87.80F and -69.90F (Liquid CO2 is normally delivered at 00F under 300 psi.) Below -69.90F, liquid CO2 freezes to form solid carbon dioxide, more commonly known as dry ice.

Who will supply me with CO2 Fluid?

CO2 is readily available worldwide through a number of suppliers. For the CO2 dry cleaning market AGA/Linde Gas, one of the largest industrial gas producers in the world, has developed a special system for the delivery of a CO2 based dry cleaning fluid. In most cases, AGA/Linde will sell the CO2 through the same supplier that supplies perc and other supplies to you now. But in Malaysia CO2 can be bought from Malayan Oxygen(MOX). 

How do the garments smell after cleaning with carbon dioxide Fluid?

The garments come out with a very light, fresh fragrance from the CO2 Fluid and detergents. The CO2 itself has essentially no odor and cannot be detected on the clothing.