Is another California quake coming?
seldom get disturbed by
news or trends that seem to be taking hold in our industry,
except when they originate on the West Coast, and in
particular, California. Some of the earlier attempts at radical
changes in drycleaning got their start in California, such as
very restricted use of perc, or Dollar Cleaners, to name just
two that have had some success.
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Among some of the highlights is proposed
enactment of Amended Rule 1421 which advocates the complete
banning of all perc units by the year 2018!
The jury is still out, but after making
the transition to alternative methods at a cost of $75,000 to a
$175,000 nothing guarantees that a new mandate won’t
appear making the new units/solvents or perc solvent use again
obsolete.
The tentative date for a hearing is
sometime in February.
I was quite pleased to learn that a great
number of our Korean brother drycleaners were present at the
recent meeting. They have a big stake in the future with huge
investments in our industry and all the procedures of Rule
1421. It is encouraging to see their participation in these
vitally important meetings.
It’s quite possible that if passed,
as goes California, so will go the rest of the country!
The concern is understandable to many
drycleaners who have already made a huge investment in present
perc units and are thoroughly pleased with their performance
and conformance to all regulations, and they certainly expect
to receive a long life-span from the equipment.
We in the drycleaning industry are
witnessing history.
At present there are the supposedly many
new revolutionary products that hope to change the way we clean
clothes. We don’t have to look too far to see them on the
shelves in every supermarket, seeking the attention of each
shopper.
Pretenders to the throne
Thousands of dollars were spent on TV
commercials and advertising. They shout the efficacy of Dryel,
Fresh Start, Drycleaners’ Secret plus the latest, Custom
Drycleaner.
All work on the principle of economy and
ease of operation, with water used to clean, or maybe just the
fumes of some magic chemical in a bag. Place it in your dryer
and voilà. I’m certain they will all vanish like
the “Woolite” product that now accumulates dust on
the shelf.
The makers of these products seem to
forget that the “housewife” is now an integral part
of the two-income family, raising a family, running a job and a
home, with scarce amount of hours for family and household
chores.
They want and need services that will
reduce those hours, not add to the job. The professional
drycleaner is still the best keeper of the wardrobe.
Perhaps the research chemist has a new
treat for the consumer, some miracle fiber they are preparing
to launch. I’m also certain when the product is
introduced it will be geared and designed for safe drycleaning
with perc or safely “wetcleaned” and serviced by
the professional cleaner.
Furthermore, we are asked to retool, or
buy new, at a cost that staggers our imaginations, with no
guarantee the product or equipment won’t be outlawed,
outmoded or banned. Does anyone use, or remember, Valclene?
Perc will prevail
I’m sure we will see the
continuation of perc with these new, highly efficient
fifth-generation units. The units are totally sealed and
programmed, easily operated anywhere, use solvent by the ounce
instead of gallons.
Perhaps there will be more drop stores and
routes offering service at all hours, or convenient drop
locations, as in Europe and Japan, and flexible route service
to office complexes with evening service to the home, all with
fair prices.
I had the privilege of gathering some
valid opinions on just what may take place in the future
meetings of SCAQMD.
I have come back to respect “water
and wetcleaning” regardless if it is still limited to
handling 75 percent of volume (or less) at present — that
is, with complete safety and experience — with programmed
wash wheels and proper detergent use.
Fortunately, drying has been perfected
that can read the clothes and humidity and not operate on a
pre-set timer.
We will always need a solvent-type system
and I think our present perc units are the perfect answer. They
are fast, attack soil and degrease, and provide color fastness
and excellent hand enhancement. They are also quite compatible
with any new type of developed fabric to come along and, most
important, can adjust to germicidal, bacterial, flame-proofing,
odor control, etc.
We have the chemicals for wetcleaning and
they have shown us how to deliver them to the clothes, what
temperature to use and how long to agitate and what combination
of fabrics thereof to administer. They have even shown us how
to properly dry and remove this moisture, so finishing is
reduced.
Be ready for anything
It was not too long ago that wash and wear
was introduced. On the horizon we will see a host of new
fabrics that are truly miraculous. Fabrics that reflect the sun
and heat in summer and protect us with warmth in winter and are
stylish plus being lightweight and paper thin. Space age
clothing, having high tensile strength that is fused not sewn,
is as modern as tomorrow.
Will the permanence of this new equipment
and solvents being considered today be practical in the
fast-approaching future? Again, I think perc is here to stay.
What is important is the total
flexibility, by making a choice towards wetcleaning and perc. I
feel you will have the best of both worlds.
Perc and wetcleaning will add to the
multitude of items now presently being processed, such as
leathers, wedding gowns, large comforters, sleeping bags, water
repellency, moth/mildew proofing, sizing/starch in shirt
laundering, smoke odor control and systems/practices that will
add to your profits, services and versatility. All can be
accomplished, safely and automatically, with our professional
choices.
Take a stand
We know the importance of supporting our
organizations and now more than ever we have to speak up, join
up and participate! It’s time to make our opinions heard.
It just might be our last chance.
We know history and progress are upon us,
and if we investigate before we invest, if we consider the
potential magnitude of these changes and the voices we can
raise — the phone calls, contacts with our
representatives, letters and every option that is now open —
we will witness and be a part of this golden-age opportunity.
The first step is to be present at every meeting — and
bring a friend.
Ray Colucci, a consultant to the fabric
care industry, has revised and made available three timely
pamphlets: “Up Front Is Where It Counts” for
counter training; “Pressed for Perfection” for
finishing techniques; and the popular “Route to Success”
for complete route training. The pamphlets are $20 each or all
three for $50. Immediate delivery with all postage paid is
promised for requests sent to R. Colucci, 410 Warren Ave.,
Mamaroneck, NY 10543.