Berkeley is the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement, which originated in the 1960’s. In December of 1964, students of UC Berkeley marched on campus around Sproul Plaza to protest the university restricting their right to free speech, more specifically, speech and activity related to politics.

Unfortunately, the protests turned a bit violent resulting in 796 arrests. However, this event was the start of something meaningful and shifted the culture at the time. Today, citizens of Berkeley and the country at large continue to exercise their right to free speech.

How has Rinse served the Berkeley community?

At Rinse, your health and the environment matter! That's why we take the following actions to make sure that it’s not just your clothes that are treated with care.

Rinse is perc-free Dry cleaning is just what it sounds like - a water-free way to clean delicate fabrics. In effect, that means dry cleaners use non-aqueous solvents to remove stains from your clothes. The most widely used cleaning solvent in dry cleaning is perchloroethylene (“perc”), but this known carcinogen can have a hazardous impact on the environment.

While Perc is illegal in some states like California, an estimated 80% of dry cleaners nationwide still use it. Rinse is committed to providing high-quality clothing care while keeping our customers and the environment safe, so we only work with green cleaning partners who never use perc. Rinse accepts clothing donations We'll collect any clothing that you'd like to donate and make sure it is given to a charitable organization in your community, rather than ending up in a landfill.

In Berkeley, we work with the Salvation Army to make sure the clothes you no longer want go to someone in need. Rinse will pick up clothing donations for free with any Rinse order. Just put them in a separate bag and hand them to you Valet! Rinse uses less water and less energy Our cleaning partners’ use of commercial, high-efficiency washing machines means up to 50% less water is used when compared to traditional, at-home washing machines.

Additionally, cold water washing and high-speed spin cycles significantly reduce energy costs and carbon emissions associated with cleaning. Rinse uses biodegradable poly bags

Traditional Dry Cleaning and Wash & Fold practices use plastic to ensure your clean clothes stay clean when they're delivered to you. Rinse does this, too, however, much of the plastic wrapping that Rinse uses is biodegradable, meaning it will naturally decompose without causing harm. For the portion that isn't, we're happy to collect the plastic and recycle it for you - just give it to your Valet on your next pickup.

Rinse Recycles Hangers

If you've ever dry cleaned something, you know that your clothes are returned crisply pressed and on a wire hanger. While some can be reused later on, be it for dress shirts or marshmallow roasting sticks, eventually, those wire hangers pile up. Rinse gladly pickups up any wire hangers that you no longer need and recycle them for you. Just give them to your Rinse Valet during your next pickup!