Different Clean Processes and Solutions
Solvents
In spite of the name, drycleaning is not completely dry. Fluids are used in the drycleaning process. In the early days, garment scourers and dryers found several fluids that could be used as drycleaning solvents, including camphene, benzene, kerosene, and gasoline. These fluids are all dangerously flammable, so drycleaning was a hazardous business until safer solvents were developed.
In the 1930s, percholoroethylene or perc (a nonflammable, synthetic solvent)
was introduced and is used today in many drycleaning plants. Other cleaning
solvents have been added, and still others are currently being tested. Some
dry cleaners are now using CO2.
Drycleaning is not the answer to all soil and stain removal problems. Sometimes, stains become permanently embedded in the fiber, or fabrics cannot withstand normal cleaning and stain removal procedures, or decorative trim is not compatible with drycleaning solvent. It is important that consumers as well as drycleaners read all care labels and follow the instructions.
