Frequently Asked Questions
Using GreenEarth
Why should I use GreenEarth? The advantages to GreenEarth Cleaning over any other alternative solvent have been divided into some key categories. Click on each category to review some of the GreenEarth benefits.
- Test Site results
- Environmental issues
- Processing costs
- Affiliate benefits
- Technical advantages
Test Sites
What is the status of test site licences? Twelve test site licences have been offered. No more test sites are planned.
Can I visit a test site? Yes, by prior arrangement. Test sites have agreed to open their operations to others that are interested. However, we also do not want to unreasonable disrupt operations; Visits are limited to 3 hours- plenty of time to see a few loads load; see post spotting, see the look and feel and cleanliness of the garments
Are there any reported results from the test sites? Two of the test sites have now been operational for over 6 months and one for nearly a year. The following results have been reported
- No pre-spotting
- Less than 3% post spotting
- No claims as a result of cleaning or spotting errors
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Environmental Issues
Can I dispose of waste in the normal rubbish collection? You are not required to dispose of it as hazardous waste. Silcleen 100 degrades to sand, water and CO2. Like most products that fall outside normal waste, trade waste is usually collected by local councils at little or no cost.
Some are saying there is a health risk with GreenEarth. Could you please comment? There is no health risk. This solvent is one of the most heavily studied products ever used; it is a modified liquid silicone similar to the base ingredients used in underarm deodorant, cosmetics, shaving lotion, etc.
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Costs
How much is it going to cost me to convert to GreenEarth? The per litre solvent cost is more, but consumption is a lot less. In either case, your solvent cost is less than .5% of your total costs. In addition, with GreenEarth finishing is faster, soap costs go down; claims go down, fewer OH&S issues and an environmentally sound option. It is more expensive when you put it in, but you’ll experience lower operating costs.
What is the price of the green earth solvent Silcleen100? Currently $6.95 plus GST in 20 litre drums. Delivery in smaller quantities is also available. This solvent has less usage as it is less volatile than perc.
Where do I purchase spotting chemicals, solvent and soap? From your local supplier with approved GreenEarth products. GreenEarth does not supply solvent, spotting chemicals, dry cleaning equipment or powders. All this is done through your industry suppliers and existing brand names.
Can I buy the GreenEarth solvent from my normal supplier? Yes. There are approved manufacturers and your local licenced suppliers can provide everything to
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About Being An Affiliate
What do I get for my licence fee? GreenEarth is a licensed product and everyone associated with it is licensed. There is a standard worldwide licence fee. As an affiliate of GreenEarth Australasia you also receive support services that include:
- a marketing kit,
- best practices,
- an operating guide,
- a trouble shooting guide,
- a network of worldwide affiliates,
. . . an entire solution
Who do I contact after I have begun green earth operation when I have a problem? A GreenEarth operation is an easier business than you now have, but if you have questions, you’ll rely on your existing support services, just like now. If you need more assistance, you have the worldwide network of GreenEarth users (affiliates) and GreenEarth Australasia to assist you.
Who will train me in the operation of the equipment? Licenced GreenEarth vendors know their equipment and how to operate it. Just like now, you’ll receive support from these industry experts. If you need more assistance, you have the worldwide network of GreenEarth users (affiliates) and GreenEarth Australasia to assist you.
Can anyone get a license to use GreenEarth? GreenEarth is available to all drycleaners. In some areas, where test sites are being performed, there may be a delay in issuing a licence.
Who will train me with spotting, the use of chemicals, and maintenance of the equipment? Licenced GreenEarth vendors know their products and how to use them. Just like now, you’ll receive support from these industry experts. In addition, GreenEarth has a DVD which will provide you additional, technical information. If you need more assistance, you have the worldwide network of GreenEarth users (affiliates) and GreenEarth Australasia to assist you.
Is there a written procedure for equipment operation, maintenance, and use of chemicals? Yes. There is both an operating manual and a trouble shooting guide.
Is there a marketing package for GreenEarth, how do I get it, and how do I use it? Yes. Samples are posted on our web site. A password is supplied to all GreenEarth affiliates which gives you complete access to this information.
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Technical Issues
What are the relative merits of Silcleen100 as compared to hydrocarbon?
- GreenEarth is not classified as a VOC.
- It degrades to sand, water and CO2.
- It is not flammable.
- There is no odor
- The garments have a much better feel.
- A plant is more likely to be accepted into shopping centers and high rise buildings.
- Load classification is better as you can mix loads and colors resulting in fewer ½ loads and better solvent mileage.
Are different spotting agents or techniques required? There are some differences. In general, there is a lot less spotting and no prespotting is required. Post spotting uses primarily steam and air to blow off stains which have separated from the fibers as a result of the GreenEarth lubrication. Other postpotting techniques are highlighted in the GreenEarth DVD.
I've heard that GreenEarth doesn't clean as well, that it's a bad degreaser. Is that true? GreenErath is a great lubricant. No pre-spotting is required and a minimum amount of post-spotting is performed. Click here to see the test site results.
I've heard that I'll have to do a lot more spotting. Is that true? There is no pre-spotting and only about 3% of the garments need to be post-spotted.
Which machines do you recommend? Most major manufacturers offer a machine that works with GreenEarth. Click here to view a list of approved manufacturers and locally licenced suppliers.
I’ve heard that there is only one manufacturer of Silcleen100. Is this true? No. There are 3 manufacturers who are approved to manufacture D5 for the dry cleaning industry. They are Shin-Etsu, Dow Corning, and General. Electric. GreenEarth Australasia has chosen Shin–Etsu as their Australian and New Zealand manufacturer. ADMIL, a major distributor in Australasia, provides Silcleen100 is small lots to service the drycleaner’s needs. Currently the other suppliers sell in large tonne quantities. Far beyond the need of a drycleaner
Is there a written procedure for equipment operation, maintenance, and use of chemicals? Yes. There is both an operating manual and a trouble shooting guide.
Are there any other benefits? After servicing a refrigeration unit on one of the cleaning machines, the technician found that the coils were perfectly clean which will extend the life of the unit. As a side note, some sand was also found in the unit, a byproduct of Silcleen100.
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Converted Equipment
How do I go about converting my existing perc machine? Currently, conversions are under review and are only available for test sites at this time.
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Information presented above is based on data obtained from a variety of sources. For current updates, please return to this page frequently or contact your local GreenEarth representative at info@gecleaning.com.
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