Eco-friendly cleaning

What is it? The Greener Cleaner, a local chain that uses a wet-cleaning process that’s safe for “dry-clean only” clothes.

Why bother?  Traditional dry cleaning uses a toxic chemical that’s suspected to be a carcinogen. 

How much? One dress is $10.45, plus a 20 percent surcharge for silk, linen or rayon fabrics, plus an additional 10 percent charge if it’s lined (and 20 cents per pleat). Laundry shirts start at $1.95; the store also offers laundry service at $1.95 per pound.

Does it work? Clothes smelled fresh rather than vaguely chemicalesque, which was great. Unfortunately, some of the stains we’d clumsily made were still present—but then again, that happens with regular cleaners, too. If only the turnaround time had been less than five days.

Bottom line If money were no object, the Greener Cleaner would be our default choice; until we strike it rich, though, we’ll probably just wear cotton clothes that we can clean at home. For store locations, visit greenercleaner.net.—Annie Tomlin