Prince Of Petworth » Dear PoP – Shout Out for Kilroy’s Cleaners

Dear PoP – Shout Out for Kilroy’s Cleaners

“Dear PoP,

I just wanted to give a shout-out for Kilroy’s Cleaners, in part because they’ve gone green. Apparently they’ve replaced their machines and are now one of the only dry cleaners in the District to use a non-toxic dry cleaning method.

I’ve lived in Petworth for many years now and finally tried Kilroy’s a couple of months ago. I hesitated because I read a negative post or two on PoP, and the storefront isn’t the most attractive in the world. Well, I’ve found them to be the perfect neighborhood cleaners. All their employees try to know my name and will do anything to make sure I’m happy. The prices are very reasonable, and they are flexible when you need a garment turned around right away. When I learned they went green, I mentioned that they should reach out to you. Turns out they still very much regret that they had an unfriendly employee at the time that you did a profile of them or something. I hope you’ll consider giving them an opportunity to shine. Everyone deserves a second chance, particularly those that are investing and creating jobs in our neighborhood.”

This is great news. I’ll be sure to try them out again (at 826 Upshur St NW) for my next batch of dry cleaning!

Category: Dear PoPville, Petworth, Retail

By: Prince Of Petworth | 23 November 2009 3:00 PM | 14 Comments

J.Con.

They’re not the only non-toxic cleaners in D.C. CHts has a green dry cleaners and I’m sure there’re more.

Kilroy has been *abysmal* for years. I’ll give them another chance though.

November 23, 2009 at 3:17 pm
K St.

There’s no shortage of “green” dry cleaners in DC. I’ve been to one in Dupont and one in Cleveland Park, and those are just 2 that I’ve lived near, not sought out. I’m sure that there are plenty more based on my experience.

November 23, 2009 at 3:33 pm
vonstallin

So what are the real big differenece in going green? different chemical solution????

I might give them another shot. Didnt have a bad time with them…just the one on 14th and Quincy was closer and the son of the owner was so eager for my business. The way his mom hand pressed my shirts was god-like.

November 23, 2009 at 3:36 pm
JTH

I just moved into the neighborhood; in fact, just a couple of blocks away from Kilroy’s. I will definitely give them a chance, because my old dry cleaners in Adams Morgan (also green) is too far away now.

November 23, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Andy (2)

Not as “green” as it sounds.
I’ve read a few things about supposed organic or green cleaners and all of them confirm that there are really only two decent versions of environmentally and non-hazardous cleaning – wet and CO2 based.
http://www.greenamericatoday.org/pubs/realgreen/articles/drycleaning.cfm

“You might also run into cleaners that use the GreenEarth method, which replaces perc with a silicone based solvent called siloxane or D-5, which is similar to the base ingredients in deodorant and shaving creams. D-5 degrades to sand, water, and carbon dioxide. It’s chemically inert, which means no chemicals mix with your clothes while they are being cleaned.

However, Dow Corning, D-5’s creator, did a study that revealed an increased risk of uterine cancer in female rats that were exposed to D-5, which has led the EPA to note that it may be a carcinogen. Also, manufacturing D-5 requires chlorine, which releases carcinogenic dioxin during its own manufacture.”

November 23, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Andy (2)

Not as “green” as it sounds.
I’ve read a few things about supposed organic or green cleaners and all of them confirm that there are really only two decent versions of environmentally and non-hazardous cleaning – wet and CO2 based.
http://www.greenamericatoday.org/pubs/realgreen/articles/drycleaning.cfm

“You might also run into cleaners that use the GreenEarth method, which replaces perc with a silicone based solvent called siloxane or D-5, which is similar to the base ingredients in deodorant and shaving creams. D-5 degrades to sand, water, and carbon dioxide. It’s chemically inert, which means no chemicals mix with your clothes while they are being cleaned.

However, Dow Corning, D-5’s creator, did a study that revealed an increased risk of uterine cancer in female rats that were exposed to D-5, which has led the EPA to note that it may be a carcinogen. Also, manufacturing D-5 requires chlorine, which releases carcinogenic dioxin during its own manufacture.”

November 23, 2009 at 3:55 pm
JYW

Are organic dry cleaners really better for the environment?

http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/beauty-fashion/questions/are-organic-dry-cleaners-really-better-for-the-environment

November 23, 2009 at 4:02 pm
JYW

So you say, don’t tell me the problem and not present a solution?

Oxxo Care Cleaners at 1376 Park Rd uses the GreenEarth method, which is perc free and uses silica (http://greenearthcleaning.com/about_process.aspx)

http://www.ecovian.com/s/green-dry-cleaners-wet-cleaning
http://greenearthcleaning.com/about.aspx
http://www.ecovian.com/s/washington/green-dry-cleaners-wet-cleaning

November 23, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Ronnie

I live in the same building as Dave Kilroy and I’ll ask him what’s up with the green dry cleaning the next time I run into him.

November 23, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Hunter

Desperately needed in Petworth, good bank, good hardware store, good bookstore, and of course a good green drycleaner. I too miss the one in Adams Morgan I used to use. After my misery with the Georgetown Cleaner in DuPont, I am loathe to try new places, but I’d be psyched if this is for real!

November 23, 2009 at 4:24 pm
saf

Hey, while we’re talking about dry cleaners – does anyone know cleaners that will clean and block hats, both felt and straw? I need a hat place!

(Arrow Cleaners on Georgia Ave in Brightwood used to do hats, but haven’t done hats since Mr Caludis died.)

November 23, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Joseph

I’m not qualified to comment on how “green” they are but I’ve always had great service. There’s another dry cleaner on the corner of Georgia and Shepherd that is absolutely awful. I’m not very conspiracy-minded but I think its probably just a front for some kind of illegal operation.

November 23, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Jason Mraz

I have a hard time finding a dry cleaner who will do hats, too!

November 24, 2009 at 9:03 am
Anna

I have to admit, my partner used to have a poor experience with them and I posted about it, but has for many months mentioned they got new employees and were much better.

November 24, 2009 at 5:18 pm