drycleaners

Dry cleaning is a method of cleaning garments and textiles using a chemical solvent rather than water. It is particularly effective for fabrics that are delicate or can be damaged by traditional washing methods, such as silk, wool, and rayon. The process involves immersing the garments in a solvent, typically perchloroethylene (PERC) or hydrocarbon solvents, which dissolves grease and oils. After cleaning, the solvent is extracted through spinning, and then recovered and filtered for reuse. The garments are then pressed or steamed to restore their shape.

The dry cleaning process is usually performed by specialized businesses called dry cleaners. They offer services that extend beyond just cleaning, often including stain removal, minor repairs, and pressing. While the term "dry cleaning" is used, water is sometimes used in conjunction with solvents for pre-spotting or in specialized "wet cleaning" processes. Modern dry cleaning facilities employ sophisticated machinery and closed-loop systems to minimize environmental impact and worker exposure to solvents. Concerns have been raised about the environmental and health effects of certain solvents, leading to the development and adoption of alternative cleaning methods and more environmentally friendly solvents.