How does dry cleaning work?

Dry cleaning is a method of cleaning clothes and other textiles without water. The process is primarily used for garments that may be damaged by water or that have stains that are difficult to remove with ordinary washing. Instead of water, a solvent is used to effectively dissolve grease and oil. Here is an overview of how dry cleaning works, which chemicals are used, and what health risks may be involved.

The process step by step

1. Stain pretreatment

The garment is first pretreated by manually treating particularly stubborn stains with a special solvent. This can be done with a small brush or by spraying the solution directly onto the stain.

2. The dry-cleaning process

The garment is then placed in a large machine, where it is cleaned using a solvent instead of water. During the process, the solvent circulates through the garment to dissolve grease and dirt without penetrating the fibers and causing damage.

3. Drying and finishing

After cleaning, the garment is dried by evaporating the solvent in the machine. The garment may then be pressed and steamed to give it the correct shape and appearance. Any remaining solvent is recycled and purified in the machine for reuse.

Common chemicals used in dry cleaning

The most common chemical used in dry cleaning is **perchloroethylene (perc)**, a powerful solvent that effectively dissolves dirt and grease. Perc is popular because it is effective and evaporates quickly from textiles, but it also poses health risks. Perc is known to irritate the skin and respiratory system and can damage the central nervous system at high concentrations. Therefore, it is important for dry-cleaning companies to handle and recycle perc properly.

In recent years, more environmentally friendly solvents such as **carbon dioxide (CO₂)** and **plant-based solvents** have begun to be used. Carbon dioxide can be used under high pressure and requires no hazardous chemicals. Although these methods are less harmful to the environment and health, they are often more expensive than traditional dry cleaning.

Health risks associated with dry cleaning

For consumers, clothes dry-cleaned with perc generally pose no significant health risk because the amounts of chemicals are small. For dry-cleaning staff, however, long-term exposure may pose risks such as headaches, dizziness, and breathing problems. Minimizing these risks requires effective ventilation and protective equipment in the workplace. Many countries have also introduced regulations and limits on how much perc may be used and released.

______________________________________________________________________

Frequently asked questions and answers

1. Which chemical is most commonly used in dry cleaning?
The most common chemical used in dry cleaning is perchloroethylene (perc), which is effective at dissolving grease and dirt.

2. Are there health risks associated with dry cleaning?
Yes, perchloroethylene can be harmful to the respiratory organs and central nervous system, especially for dry-cleaning staff exposed to high concentrations.

3. Are there more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional dry cleaning?
Yes, modern dry-cleaning alternatives use solvents such as carbon dioxide and plant-based agents, which have less environmental impact and are healthier.

4. What should I do if I do not want to dry-clean my clothes?
Do not buy clothes that require dry cleaning. Check the garment’s care label and determine whether it can be washed in a regular washing machine. Garments with care labels stating that they can withstand washing at 60*C often have a longer lifespan, withstand more washes, and are therefore more environmentally friendly. Garments that require washing at 20*C often have a short lifespan and are therefore not particularly environmentally or climate-friendly.