A West Vancouver dry cleaning company is offering its clients state-of-the-art technology that promises to produce great results while helping out the environment.
Carousel Cleaners recently invested in the SystemK4 (SK4) dry cleaning process, which uses halogen-free solvents that are biodegradable and recyclable. Halogens are chemicals used in traditional dry cleaning methods.
"We are able to offer superb cleaning quality with a very pleasant and smooth feel. Colours are brighter and . . . clothes are delivered with a fresh scent," said owner Cam Bastien.
SK4 is available at six companies in Canada, Carousel being the only one in B.C. The $100,000 system requires less energy and water than its alternatives. Detergents used are biodegradable and byproducts are burned off as fossil fuels instead of being flushed into local sewers.
"The laundry that people do at home, in my opinion, is more hazardous than the dry cleaning that we do here," said Bastien.
While the previously used perchloroethylene system worked well, Carousel jumped at the chance to implement the SK4 process, which has only been on the market for a year and half.
"We wanted to be one of the front runners and set the example for the rest of the industry," said Bastien.
On a more stylish note, the new equipment makes it easy to treat garments with embellishments, including fur, leather and sequins.
Bastien said business has been growing steadily, especially with sports jackets and formal wear trending right now.
"We're finding that people are buying high-end clothes and are wearing them," he said, citing labels like Brioni, Chanel, Dior, Escada and St. John's.
A complimentary pickup and drop-off service has also kept customers coming back, he added.
Carousel Cleaners will not be increasing its prices in spite of the improved system. Typical costs are: $30 for a two-piece suit, $5 for a laundered dress shirt and $15 for a hand-finished shirt or blouse.
