What chemicals are used for dry cleaning?



To clean clothes, a specialized detergent is added to the working solvent. It is essential for the proper functioning of a dry cleaning machine, as it emulsifies hydrophobic soils and helps them from redepositing on the garment. Dry cleaning solvents generally contain perchloroethylene (PCE) and other less toxic hydrocarbons. PCE and trichloroethylene are the most common solvents used in dry cleaning.

The origin of dry cleaning is believed to be in the UK when a servant accidentally spilled the contents of a lamp on a tablecloth. The cloth dries without any stains. It was possible to determine that the liquid used was camphene, a derivative of the chemical turpentine. Later, it was used to clean complete clothes by hand. The Laundry service London technique eventually spread throughout Europe and became known as the UK or chemical cleaning.


Dry Cleaning Industry


Despite these health risks, the dry cleaning industry is the second largest contributor to ozone depletion. According to the National Occupational Exposure Survey, nearly half of all dry cleaning employees were exposed to PERC between 1982 and 1983. And it is estimated that over forty thousand plants used PERC to clean garments. As a result, the industry must be aware of the impact of this chemical on the environment.

The process of spotting involves the selective application of chemicals to a stained garment. In spots, water-soluble stains are pre-spotted before the garment is washed. The use of solvent-based liquids and water-based detergents are used for insoluble stains. Chemicals in spots are applied to the garment before cleaning, where they penetrate the fabric. Then, a pedal-actuated vacuum captures the spotting chemicals. This liquid is then transported to a disposal canister.


Gold Dry Cleaners differ in their flammability and toxicity. Both are flammable, but their vapor pressure is less than a tenth of the reference solvent. The most hazardous solvents are petroleum-based, used in approximately 90% of dry cleaning facilities. Dry cleaners often use them. To protect workers and the environment, dry cleaners should use ventilation systems.


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