Drycleaned

Drycleaned refers to clothing or textiles that have undergone dry cleaning, a professional cleaning method that uses chemical solvents rather than water to remove soils and stains. The term describes the care status of an item after processing, indicating it has been cleaned by solvent-based methods rather than ordinary laundering.

The dry cleaning process typically includes pretreatment of stains, washing in a closed machine with a volatile solvent, solvent extraction and recovery, drying, and finishing. The “dry” in dry cleaning denotes the absence of water in the primary cleaning solvent, not that the item is completely dry afterward. The most widely used solvent historically has been perchloroethylene (perc), though many cleaners now employ alternative hydrocarbon solvents or newer formulations that are considered more environmentally or health-conscious in some jurisdictions.

Garments labeled dry clean only are often made from fabrics or constructions that may be damaged by water washing or agitation, such as certain silks, wools, or structured suits and coats. Dry cleaning can help preserve texture, shape, color, and finish, but improper handling or repeated cleaning can still cause shrinkage, color change, or wear to delicate fibers.

Environmental and safety considerations have influenced the industry to expand options beyond perc. Some cleaners use silicone-based or hydrocarbon solvents, and others employ liquid carbon dioxide cleaning. Regulatory standards and consumer preferences vary by country, driving ongoing development of lower-impact methods while maintaining effectiveness in stain removal and fabric care.