Zarah Eads

“Cleaning is Caring”—that’s the overarching message of the American Cleaning Institute’s (ACI) recently launched campaign, which advocates that good cleaning habits ensure a healthy and safe future for everyone.  In a new survey conducted on behalf of the organization, 70% of Americans view cleaning less as a chore now than they did just a few years ago and, instead, perceive it as a way to protect themselves and their families from the spread of bacteria and viruses. Only 7% of Americans reported that they cleaned for germ prevention back in 2018. That’s a pretty significant difference, wouldn’t you say? COVID-19 shifted a lot of things in our lives, but one of the most noteworthy changes has been our prioritization of cleaning and sanitization. We became motivated to uphold and surpass public health recommendations rather than simply remove visible dirt and debris. And while disinfecting surfaces throughout the home may first come to mind here, how you clean and care for your clothes is just as crucial. In the spring of 2020, as the global coronavirus pandemic expanded, the World Health Organization (WHO) published guidance that the lipid layer of the coronavirus could be defeated through exposure to heat of at least 70°C for 30 minutes. The environmentally non-toxic GreenEarth dry cleaning process operates at higher-than-normal temperatures because of its elevated flashpoint of 77°C, making it an effective method in deactivating most bacteria and viruses.  We contracted with MRIGlobal, an independent laboratory approved for testing with SARS-CoV-2, to initiate performance analysis in June 2020. The testing demonstrated modified GreenEarth programs to be six times more effective than the WHO “heat alone” guidance. Additionally, and most importantly, was that the results were achieved without any additive chemicals. We have since filed for a provisional patent covering a modified GreenEarth dry cleaning process which includes vaporized steps in order to allow for antiviral dry cleaning when the virus contains a protective lipid layer. All coronaviruses, as well as their mutations, contain a lipid envelope. So when the ACI says “Cleaning is Caring,” we feel GreenEarth embodies just that. Clothes cleaned in GreenEarth show a higher level of care—for you and your loved ones’ well-being, for your fabrics, and for the planet. To find your nearest GreenEarth cleaner, head to our Store Locator. By: Zarah Eads  

The days are growing longer, the temperatures are inching higher, and the flowers are blooming—spring is officially here! That also means it’s patio cushion cleaning time! After a long, cold winter, getting outside, soaking up the sun, and breathing in some fresh air is good for the mind, body, and soul. However, in order to enjoy your patio, a bit of prep work is likely involved. Your outdoor furniture may be looking somewhat the worse for wear after being in heavy usage the last warm season. But there’s no need to worry about putting in the time and elbow grease to refreshing your cushions when you can count on a GreenEarth cleaner for your patio cushion cleaning needs (and do it expertly, might we add). If you’re a regular dry cleaning customer, you may know that your cleaner offers professional services for household items like bedding, curtains, and table linens. Patio cushions are so often overlooked, though. These pieces collect dirt, dust, pollen, and even mildew in some cases, and they beg for the same TLC given to your interior fabrics. Numerous GreenEarth Affiliates provide specialty cleaning for outdoor furniture, tackling any stains and odors without the use of harsh or harmful chemicals. The GreenEarth Cleaning process is made up of just one simple ingredient—pure liquid silicone, or essentially liquified sand. It’s non-toxic and non-hazardous, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sees no need to regulate its use. In fact, liquid silicone is the base ingredient in many of the shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and cosmetics we use every day. And it’s better for fabrics too. Unlike petrochemical solvents used traditionally in dry cleaning, liquid silicone is chemically inert, meaning it doesn’t chemically react with textile fibers; it carries the detergent to fabrics and gently carries away soils. Items come back softer, brighter, and odor-free each and every time. When you entrust your patio cushion cleaning to a GreenEarth cleaner, you’re leaving them in the safest and most capable of hands. With the transformations we’ve seen over the years, we wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t even recognize your cushions after they’ve been cared for by the pros! Yeah, our Affiliates are that level of good. So, let’s get your patio ready for the warmer days ahead: search your nearest GreenEarth location here. Between cleanings at your local GreenEarth cleaner, there are a few things you can do yourself to maintain your outdoor furniture. Use covers when the furniture isn’t in use or if you’re expecting a heavy downpour. Should your cushions be left out in the rain by accident, shake or wipe off any excess water after it stops and give them time to air out. Make it a habit to sweep off any surface dirt and dust from cushions to keep them looking in better shape for longer. If a stain does occur, you can mix ¼ cup of mild liquid soap with 1 gallon of water. Work that solution into the spot using a sponge or soft-bristle brush, then rinse and pat dry. During the off-season, cushions are best stored in a cool and dry environment. Plastic bags shouldn’t be used, as they can trap moisture and cause mildew to develop. You can actually purchase special storage bags for your cushions that allow air to flow while keeping out dirt and pests.

Here at GreenEarth Cleaning, we’ve long championed that every day be celebrated like it’s Earth Day. So it’s only fitting that when the planet-loving holiday does officially roll around, we make a pretty big to-do about it. In 2019, we kicked off our inaugural Earth Day Clothes Drive to commemorate GreenEarth’s 20 years in business. A total of 140 U.S. affiliated retail locations—from Connecticut to Colorado to California—opted into the effort for the month of April and racked up a combined donation amount of more than 20,000 pounds, which benefitted Big Brothers Big Sisters as well as other regional nonprofits. At our headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, we partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City and local taproom Bier Station for a one-day clothes drive event that diverted over 2,000 pounds of clothing from the landfill. Textile waste has and continues to be a pressing issue across the globe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that it occupies nearly 5% of all landfill space. However, the EPA also reports that 95% of all textiles have the potential to be reused or recycled—yet the current rate is only 15%. Through our Earth Day Clothes Drive, we hope to bring awareness to this disparity and initiate change, starting with our very own Network and their customers. We had planned to continue our clothes drive in 2020, but we could not in good conscience move forward with the event during such an unprecedented time. Although, we didn’t let that stop our sustainability mission entirely. Over the past year, we’ve still collected clothes at our home office in hopes of accumulating an especially large contribution for 2021. Denim brand Lee has helped us with that effort by already making a sizeable donation to the cause. We’re inviting all GreenEarth Members to join us once again in reducing textile waste and make an impact within the communities they serve. Clothes will be collected at participating Affiliate store locations, with donations to charities of choice happening on or right around April 22. For those interested in learning more about the 2021 GreenEarth Cleaning Earth Day Clothes Drive, please contact affiliatesupport@greenearthcleaning.com.

Call me cliché, but fall is my favorite time of year. The leaves turn from green to gold, the air gets crisper, and the layers come out. Admittedly, the fall wardrobe transition might be the biggest reason I’m so fond of the season. Cozy knits, warm scarves, leather jackets, ankle boots—I look forward to outfits including these pieces all year long. And while autumn offers up some swoon-worthy style options, fall fabrics can prove to be a bit of a challenge when it comes to cleaning and care. Wools pill after repeated wears. Leather items can become cracked and brittle without proper conditioning and protection. Furs lose their luster as they gather dirt, oils, and odors throughout the season. Velvet’s unique pile can get matted and flat. The trick to avoiding these issues with your fall wardrobe is regular professional care—more specifically, care from your local GreenEarth cleaner. A dry cleaner has extensive knowledge of fabrics as well as how they’re constructed and will be able to determine the proper and best cleaning techniques. When you trust your garments to a GreenEarth cleaner, you can rest assured that you’re leaving your fall wardrobe in expert and safe hands. The GreenEarth Cleaning System delivers an impeccable clean without exposing your clothes or the environment to harmful chemicals. It’s made up of just one ingredient—pure liquid silicone, which is essentially liquified sand and an abundant natural resource. Unlike petroleum-based solvents which actually wear away surface fibers during the cleaning process, liquid silicone is chemically inert, meaning it doesn’t chemically react with fabric fibers; it just carries the detergent to your clothes and gently carries away soils. Because of its gentle nature, there’s no risk of leaching dyes, shrinkage, or damaged trims, either. Garments come back fresh, soft, and rejuvenated after being cleaned in GreenEarth. And did we mention there’s no chemical smell? In fact, there’s no smell at all. GreenEarth is completely odorless. Now there’s nothing more to do but pay your nearest GreenEarth cleaner a visit with some fall favorites and experience the difference for yourself. If you’d prefer a contactless customer experience, many of our Affiliates offer pickup and delivery service. Get started by using our Store Locator here.

PSA: Staying in your PJs all day isn’t the most motivating work from home attire. Pajamas and bed are typically associated with one another, and when you’re wearing the same clothes you slept in, your brain will stay in that bedtime mode and lack the productive drive needed to do your job effectively. Getting dressed for work absolutely sets the tone for the day ahead, especially when you work from home. Plus, under current circumstances, it’s pretty likely you’ll be joining in on some video calls. You should look the part. You don’t want others to see a disorganized room behind you when you turn on your webcam, so why should your outfit be any different? And this isn’t a waist-up suggestion, either—we’re talking shirts, slacks, the whole getup. You don’t have to wear a full-on suit (although, you might want to if you have someone to impress), but wearing something you’d normally wear into an office and combing through your hair is certainly a step in the right direction. Aside from what you’re wearing, how you wear your clothes is equally as important. A clean, crisp, and freshly pressed dress shirt or blouse goes a long way. Ahem, your local GreenEarth cleaner is the one for the job! And because our Network of Affiliates clean your dry cleanable items in a proven environmentally safe system, there’s no worry of color fade, shrinkage, or damage to even the most delicate of fabrics. GreenEarth is also odorless, so while your garments are dry cleaned, they won’t come back to you with a dry cleaned smell. Have we convinced you yet to sharpen up your look for those work from home Zoom meetings? Get started by finding your nearest GreenEarth cleaner using our Store Locator. Tips for taking care of your business clothes: Give your garments room to breathe. Cramming clothes in an overly full closet can create wrinkles as well as wear down sensitive fabrics. Button buttons and zip zippers! If left undone, your garments’ zipper teeth and/or buttons can easily catch on other items in your closet and result in damage. Always make sure to secure these fasteners before putting clothes away. Don’t cut hanger straps out of tops or dresses—use them to reduce stress on the rest of the garment. Hang suit jackets on wide wooden or padded hangers to help them keep their shape. If you wear a belt with your work pants, take it out when hanging them back up. Even if you plan to wear them again the next day, leaving the belt hanging in the loops weakens the fabric.  Tie and untie with care. While pulling on the thin end of your tie through the knot may be the quickest and easiest way to get it off, you run the risk of permanently misshaping the fabric. Follow the tie-tying steps in reverse to remove it and ensure it lasts. Don’t let items sit in plastic garment bags. Over time, it can trap in humidity, thus attracting mildew.

Father’s Day is coming up on June 21! Now is the time to start thinking about eco-friendly Father’s Day gifts that let Dad know he’s always #1 in your eyes. Below, we’ve compiled six eco-friendly Father’s Day gift ideas that both he and the planet are sure to love…no ties included.  Solar-powered tech Portable chargers can certainly come in handy. One that uses the sun’s energy for power lets Dad charge all his devices while also helping him reduce his electricity consumption. If your dad is the outdoorsy type, there are more rugged options, so he can stay connected even off the grid. Reusable drinkware Whether he’s a coffee drinker, tea sipper, or water guzzler, your pop could probably get some major use out of a non-disposable travel cup. Brands make tumblers and mugs from various reusable materials, including stainless steel, glass, and ceramic. You’re guaranteed to find a style Dad will appreciate for years to come. Plus, because it’s meant to be used over and over again, he’ll always think of who it came from when he carries it in tow. All-natural grooming Dads deserve to be pampered too! Hair, shaving, and bath products made with all-natural, cruelty-free ingredients are relatively easy to find. If you can purchase these items from an area maker, that’s even better, as locally produced goods have a lower carbon footprint and help to benefit your community as well. Sustainable style We’re pretty sure it’s the classic Dad way to hang onto clothing items like tees and socks for far too long. Craft his old duds into dust rags and treat Dad to some new, quality pieces! Remember to be on the lookout for sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and bamboo when you shop. Farm-to-table meal You’ll need your chef’s hat for this gift idea! Whip up all Dad’s favorite dishes for a meal he won’t soon forget. Just make it a point to purchase as many of your ingredients as possible from local sources. From field to fork, the average dinner travels more than 1,500 miles. Foods grown locally are fresher and ultimately the greener choice.  Plant something together Making memories and doing good for the environment—that’s what we call a win-win! Take Dad out to the backyard this Father’s Day to plant something together. It can be a tree, herb box, vegetable garden—anything the two of you will both enjoy. Plants act as natural air purifiers, so Mother Nature will no doubt be pleased. The best part, though, is that you get to spend some quality time with Dad, and what better gift is there than that?

Red hearts, red roses, chocolates with red decorations— the deep hue is everywhere you look this time of year. But there’s still room for a touch of green to your Valentine’s Day plans! Read on for our tips on celebrating sustainably with your sweetheart this year. Green Your Greetings According to Hallmark, approximately 145 million cards are exchanged on Valentine’s Day. And that’s not even including those children give in school classrooms! That’s a lot of paper…and a lot of trees. Think about sending valentines electronically or making them from materials you already have around the house, like old magazines and fabric scraps. You can also use seed paper to craft cards, which, when planted, biodegrade in soil and grow wildflowers. Talk about two gifts in one! Choose Local, Organic, or Fair-Trade Chocolates Does your Valentine have a sweet tooth? Pick out the perfect treat for them all while doing good for the planet by selecting responsibly sourced chocolate. Shop from a local business or look for organic and fair-trade confections. Also, be mindful of packaging. As tempting and pretty as those heart-shaped chocolate boxes are, they’re often filled with unnecessary plastic. Instead, opt for candies containing less packaging but that are just as thoughtful. Pick Pesticide-Free Blooms A bouquet is certainly a grand gesture of love on Valentine’s Day…except when the flowers have been heavily doused in pesticides. You can easily order organic florals online or consider creating your own arrangement. Gather greenery from your garden or head over to your local farmers market to buy fresh blooms from a chemical-free grower. If your true love has a green thumb, a potted plant is another great alternative. Plants do wonders for air purification, plus it will last much longer than cut flowers! Give the Gift of an Experience It’s wonderful to give, but when we give things, sooner or later, they’re disposed of, often ending up in a landfill. Giving an experience can be equally romantic, without doing harm to the environment. Set out for a picnic or hike to a place in nature you both enjoy. Snag tickets to a show happening nearby. Throw on a couple aprons and take a cooking class. The possibilities are endless as long as you’re spending time with one another! Wine and Dine with the Earth in Mind A candlelit dinner for two—is there anything more romantic? Just as long as your reservation is at a farm-to-table restaurant! From field to fork, the average dinner travels more than 1,500 miles. Eating at a restaurant promising farm-to-table practices means their offerings are locally sourced and support area farmers. If you’re unable to get a table out on Feb. 14, whip up a meal of your own at home! Pick up ingredients at the farmers market and tap into your inner chef to make a feast that’s sure to impress your significant other. Or make a V-Day memory and cook together!

Up until last month, I’d spent close to two years at GreenEarth learning about the Clean Show and how it’s an opportunity to both meet fresh faces in the industry as well as reconnect with our Network. After all, in our founding year of 1999, this is where it all truly began. So when I stepped foot into the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans on the first day, I felt pretty confident and well-prepared by those on the GreenEarth team who already knew the ropes. But there was a small part of me that was still worried. It was like I had an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other as I walked back to our booth. I was a marketer, not a dry cleaner. And what I did know about dry cleaning from my time with GreenEarth, would I even be able to speak to it in the heat of a conversation with a lead who had 20 years experience on me? I let those doubts pass, though, and as attendees began to filter in, in-depth discussions came more naturally than I initially anticipated. If a question arose I couldn’t answer, I had the peace of mind that there was a great, knowledgeable group of people around me who I could turn to. While there was some remark from exhibitors that attendance was down compared to past years, it seemed like we were bringing in really genuine prospects. Both new and seasoned owners understood it was time for a change from traditional dry cleaning methods. One of the highlights of my time at the Clean Show was meeting Affiliates in person I’d only spoke to over the phone or communicated with via email. There was this unmatched feeling to finally having the chance to put a face to a voice. Getting to know those faces even better in a more relaxed setting at our Affiliate Reception at the House of Blues was kind of the cherry on top to the whole thing for me. We often refer to ourselves as the “GreenEarth Family,” and after witnessing and photographing a GreenEarth party in all its glory, that designation has never rang truer. It was a reunion in every way, shape, and form—too many hugs and joyful exclamations to try and count. The Clean Show was the culmination of our 20th anniversary, so what better way to celebrate than surrounded by those who have joined us in our journey and remained advocates of the GreenEarth vision?! Ultimately, I think we all returned back home pleased with what we were able to accomplish in just a few days time. It may have been GreenEarth’s 10th Clean Show, but we also tried some ideas we hadn’t before. We held a press conference to announce our partnership with the Plastic Soup Foundation and PlanetCare, used Facebook Live to share demos by our technical team, and featured a photo booth at our Affiliate Reception decked out with green props. That’s the thing about working for one of the industry’s most innovative companies—there’s always a new approach to take. See you in Atlanta come 2021!

I’ve wanted to be a writer in some capacity for as long as I can remember. When I was probably no more than 5 or 6, I would write poems and songs and perform them for my parents. In high school, I took as many English and creative writing classes as I could fit into my schedule. When I went off to college, I threw myself headfirst into working with the university’s student-run weekly newspaper as a reporter, then A&E editor, then managing editor. I graduated with a mass communications degree emphasized in journalism in 2016. As GreenEarth’s Social Media Specialist, I’m still writing. But this time it’s different…and in a good way. I’m now helping small businesses build their brand by strengthening their online presence. It’s pretty cool to hear from Affiliates I work with that a customer came in because of something posted on Facebook or someone in the community simply made a comment about the quality of content across their social pages. Edit: very cool. I never realized how much writing could help people until I came to GreenEarth. Not that I didn’t know it could, but it’s a totally different feeling when it’s your job to generate results. That’s my hands-down favorite aspect about being a part of the GreenEarth team. We offer services and resources for our Affiliates to succeed. Like Steve Kno wrote in his blog last month, GreenEarth Cleaning is “more than just a solvent.” We don’t provide D5 silicone and send our best wishes; we want to share our marketing and technical expertise to see businesses flourish and continue growing along with us. For Affiliates that tell me they’re lost when it comes to social media, I like to point out that I’m equally puzzled about running a dry cleaning plant. That makes us even, so we can work together to build up a well-rounded operation. If you’re interested in knowing more about what we do here in the marketing department, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email at zeads@greenearthcleaning.com. Or to view our signup form, click here.