What is Dry Cleaning Solvent anyway?

You know you have to have some of your garments dry cleaned, but what goes into dry cleaning, what are dry cleaning solvents?

What is a dry cleaning solvent? A dry cleaning solvent is a type of fluid used within the dry cleaning and garment textile processing industry. Dry cleaning doesn't actually involve the use of water, water is substitute for solvent.

Perc otherwise known as "percholorethylene" has been around in the dry cleaning world for the first half of the 20th century, why has it lasted so long because if is one of the most effective agents used to fight against oil-based stains, however some color loss can occur with such dry cleaning solvent. Perc has been known to be somewhat harmful to the environment hence it is imperative to the dry cleaner to be frivolous with this solvent.

Other alternative solutions available to dry cleaners include glycol thers and liquid silicone, sometimes these products are more effective depending on the fabric and stain the dry cleaner is dealing with. Other environmentally friendly dry cleaning solvents include wet cleaning, where water and a detergent along with tension equipment are used in dry cleaning garments.

Americans spent over $9 billion on dry cleaning according to market research numbers are yet to be released to Australians however dry cleaning is a big deal and as the industry grows more and more regulations about the type of solvents used are being implemented to ensure not only the best possible clean but also to be environmentally friendly.

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