DryWash ™: 1997 R&D 100 Award Winner
Features
DryWash™ is a fast, nontoxic dry-cleaning process based on liquid carbon dioxide that is applied through high-speed fluid jets. Liquid carbon dioxide is an odorless, nonflammable, nonhazardous solvent that effectively removes oils, sweat, and dirt from a wide variety of fabrics. Both efficient and environmentally friendly, DryWash™ is the needed replacement for the hazardous dry-cleaning methods currently used.
Applications
DryWash™ cleans most linens, throw rugs, and everyday or fine garments—even furs, leathers, suedes, and items with sequins. It can be used worldwide by retail dry cleaners, hotels, military installations, corporate facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals. Future applications include dishwashing and decontaminating machined parts. Eventually, small-scale versions of DryWash™ may be used in homes for cleaning laundry and dishes.
Benefits
- Uses a nonflammable, nontoxic, inexhaustible solvent.
- Does not deplete the ozone or pollute the ground water.
- Helps the dry-cleaning industry comply with federal and state environmental regulations because the process minimizes hazardous wastes and emissions.
- Cleans in half the time required for conventional dry-cleaning processes.
- Reduces dry-cleaning costs by lowering energy consumption, run times, and labor costs.
- Reduces soil redeposition on fabrics, or graying, leaving laundered garments bright and clean.
Operated by the