Tatiana Barrera and husband Jorge Reinoso wanted to create a business that would benefit not only the community, but the environment as well, so they opened Ecologic Cleaners, a "wet cleaning" business, free of toxic solvents.
"It's a different approach to cleaning clothes, and it's much greener, " Reinoso said of the environmentally friendly process that is an alternative to traditional dry cleaning.
The Weston shop uses only biodegradable, nontoxic and nonallergenic detergents and conditioners when cleaning clothes with their system, described as a wet-cleaning process. Clothes are first spot-cleaned and then processed through large computerized machines. The technology allows workers to adjust water temperature and moisture levels to cleanse a variety of different fabrics from silk to wool. Clothes are then finished using tension and hot steam. "Everything that says 'dry clean only' can be cleaned with this process, " said Reinoso.
A common misconception, said Barrera, is that clothes that are dry-cleaned do not get wet. Not true, she says. Traditionally, clothes are dipped and saturated in a chlorinated solvent such as perchloroethylene, or "perc, " which can be hazardous to humans and the environment.
The wet-cleaning system is a safe alternative, the owners say, and the process makes clothes softer and colors more vibrant.
There are other benefits too, said Barrera. With wet cleaning, she says, no toxic solvents leach into the ground, the process is gentle to the clothes, and customers are not exposed to hazardous chemicals generally used in dry cleaning.
Inside the spotless shop, a blast of fresh air with the scent of freshly laundered clothes greets customers. Prices are competitive to other cleaners, the owners said. The cost to have a pair of pants or a shirt wet cleaned is $4.75. A suit jacket costs $5.75. They also launder business shirts for $1.69 each.
Barrera, a Weston resident who was educated as an industrial engineer in Colombia, said she has been researching wet cleaning for many years. She also took courses in wet cleaning and fabric recognition before opening the shop. Barrera said she wanted to be a part of something new and in South Florida, and a wet cleaning business, unique to the area, was the answer.
"I wanted a business that would contribute to the community in some way, " she said. "Everyone who has tried wet cleaning loves it."
IF YOU GO
* What: Ecologic Cleaners.
* Where: 2816 Weston Rd., Weston.
* Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Closed on Sunday.
* Information: Call 954-636-5024 or visit www.ecologic- cleaners.com.
