In 2001, Oceanside Cleaners was one of the first dry cleaners in the U.S. to stop the use of harmful cleaning agents. That was a progressive move at the time given that these chemicals were not officially banned until late 2024 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
On Dec. 9, 2024, the EPA officially prohibited trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PERC), two widely used dry cleaning industrial solvents associated with significant health risks, including cancer and neurological damage. Oceanside is proud to share that we have never used either of these ingredients in our current plant, which we moved into in 2001.
Oceanside Cleaners Was an Early Adopter of Environmentally Safe Cleaning
Oceanside Cleaners has always put customer and employee health first, refusing to use harmful dry cleaning solvents and being Green-Council Certified since 2013. “For over two decades, we’ve used cleaning processes that are 100% eco-friendly according to the EPA of the state of Florida, with cleaning systems and equipment that conserve water use,” says Mike Harris, owner of the family-run cleaners. “On top of this, we recycle hangers, offer reusable garment bags and use a barcode system rather than paper tickets for tracking customer items.”
Instead of harmful chemicals, Oceanside uses liquid carbon dioxide (CO2), silicone-based solvents and hydrocarbon solvents as more environmentally friendly alternatives for cleaning clothes. These methods are often referred to as “green dry cleaning” and are considered less toxic to both people and the environment.
The use of safe chemicals is just one reason why in November of 2020, Oceanside took first place in an international competition for the CINET Global Best Practices Awards, announced in Amsterdam. Oceanside was the first North America company to win the top prize and was selected from 120 businesses in 36 countries.
As a leader making innovations that benefit the communities served by Oceanside, our 35-year-old, family-owned cleaners has grown to 81 employees with an 8,000-square-foot plant.