{image1}It appears that many Milwaukeeans are under the impression that buying natural products automatically means spending more money. In some cases, this is true, but there is one health-conscious service called "green cleaning" that is only a little more expensive than its less-environmentally-friendly competitors.
Green cleaning is basically the same thing as dry cleaning, only the chemicals used are non-toxic, odorless and won't pollute the air, water, soil or the wearer. (Traditional dry cleaning chemicals are emitted from your clothing even once the garment is in your closet.) Natural cleaners also provide safer environments for their employees.
There are now five Natural Cleaners in Milwaukee, with one recently opening at 134 N. Capitol Drive next to The Outpost. Natural Cleaners were founded in 1996 by Brookfield's Marilyn Fleming who spent 18 years in the dry cleaning business before adopting a greener vision.
Fleming claims her Natural Cleaners are no more expensive than regular dry cleaners, but upon investigation, we found that green cleaning is a little more costly, but still competitive.
Natural Cleaners' prices for most garments were comparable to the prices at the Shorewood Queensway (4300 N. Oakland Ave.), Avenue Fabrics (602 N. Fifth St.), and Distinctive Dry Cleaners (13841 W. North Ave.)
Although shirts and suits were more expensive at Natural Cleaners, shirts were actually cheaper than taking them downtown. And of course consumers have to weigh out the importance of supporting environmentally-friendly businesses versus saving a couple of dollars.
To have a shirt laundered and pressed at a Natural Cleaners, it costs $1.96. Shorewood Queensway and Distinctive Dry Cleaners in Brookfield both charge $1.85; and downtown's Avenue Fabrics charges $2.04 per shirt.
For a man's suit, Natural Cleaners charges $13.40; Queensway $11.40-$12.40; Avenue Fabrics $11.65; and Distinctive $11.
A woman's dress is $13.40 at Natural Cleaners; $11.50 at Queensway; $11.65 at Avenue Fabrics; and $9.90 at Distinctive Dry Cleaners.
Coats start at $10.60 at Natural Cleaners; $10-$14.25 at Queensway; $11.65-$18.50 at Avenue Fabrics; and approximately $12 at Distinctive Dry Cleaners.
So why don't more people choose Natural Cleaning? It is slightly more expensive for some garments, but more so, most drycleaners do not offer a "green clean" option so people either don't know about it or they don't have a Natural Cleaners near their home or work.
"Natural cleaning requires a dedication (on the part of the dry cleaner and well as the consumer), a willingness to make a difference, change in training because there is a learning curve and replacing costly equipment," says Fleming. "But Milwaukeeans should consider green cleaning ... It's good for everybody!"
Natural Cleaning Locations:
411 E. Buffalo St., (414) 431-0932
8828 N. Port Washington Road, Bayside, (414) 352-7610
5442 S. 108th St., Hales Corners, (414) 529-5388
13175 W. Bluemound Road, Brookfield, (262) 432-0102
134 E. Capitol Drive, (414) 431-0060
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
