Dry cleaning

Dry cleaning is a process of cleaning clothes and textiles using a chemical solvent other than water. This method is used to clean fabrics that degrade in water, or where the use of water is impractical.

Process

The process of dry cleaning involves the use of solvents to remove soil and stains from fabric. The most commonly used solvent in dry cleaning is perchloroethylene (perc). The garments are placed in a machine similar to a home washer, then the chamber is filled with solvent and begins to rotate, agitating the clothes. The solvent is then drained, filtered, and reused.

Health and environmental concerns

There are health and environmental concerns associated with the use of perchloroethylene. Exposure to high concentrations can cause dizziness, loss of coordination, and other symptoms. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified perc as a likely human carcinogen. Many dry cleaners are moving to use of more environmentally friendly solvents.

Alternatives

Alternatives to traditional dry cleaning include "wet cleaning" and liquid carbon dioxide cleaning. Wet cleaning uses water and specialized detergents that are milder than home laundry products. Liquid carbon dioxide cleaning involves the use of pressure to convert CO2 into a liquid, which is then used as a cleaning fluid.

See also

• Laundry
• Textile industry
• Environmental impact of the chemical industry

References

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