Dry cleaning is a process of cleaning fabrics using solvents instead of water. The most commonly used solvent in the dry cleaning process is a chemical called perchloroethylene (also known as “perc” or “PCE”). However, there are other solvents and chemicals used in dry cleaning as well, each with its own set of brand names and potential safety concerns.
Perchloroethylene is the most commonly used chemical for dry cleaning. It is a colorless, non-flammable liquid that is effective in removing oil, grease, and other stains from fabrics. Some of the brand names of perchloroethylene used in dry cleaning include:
- Drylene
- Dowper
- Perklone
- EcoSolv
- Optima
While perchloroethylene is effective in cleaning fabrics, it is also considered a hazardous chemical. Exposure to perchloroethylene can cause dizziness, headaches, and other health problems. Long-term exposure has been linked to cancer and other serious health issues. It is important not only for dry cleaning services to follow protocols for their safety but also for the safety of their customers. To dry clean with perchloroethylene, it is important to choose a reputable dry cleaning service that follows proper safety procedures and uses appropriate protective equipment. It is always advised to ask your laundry services what safety procedures are being used in order to prevent any exposure to toxins.
There are a couple alternatives to using Perchloroethylene that are popular in the laundry services industry, here are a few examples and their main properties.
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Alternatives to Perchloroethylene:
Hydrocarbon Solvents
Hydrocarbon solvents are a newer alternative to perchloroethylene for dry cleaning. They are less toxic and less damaging to the environment than perchloroethylene. Some of the brand names of hydrocarbon solvents used in dry cleaning include:
- DF-2000
- PureDry
- Shell Sol 71
- EcoSolve
While hydrocarbon solvents are considered safer than perchloroethylene, they are still chemicals that can be harmful if not handled properly. To dry clean with safety from hydrocarbon solvents, it is important to choose a reputable dry cleaning service that follows proper safety procedures and uses appropriate protective equipment.
Liquid Carbon Dioxide
Liquid carbon dioxide is another alternative to perchloroethylene for dry cleaning. It is a non-toxic and non-flammable solvent that is made from recycled carbon dioxide gas. Some of the brand names of liquid carbon dioxide used in dry cleaning include:
- GreenEarth
- Solvon K4
- LCO2
Liquid carbon dioxide is considered safe for dry cleaning, as it is non-toxic and non-flammable. However, it is not as effective as perchloroethylene in removing certain types of stains. To dry clean with safety from liquid carbon dioxide, it is important to choose a reputable dry cleaning service that follows proper safety procedures and uses appropriate protective equipment.
In conclusion, there are several chemicals and solvents used in dry cleaning, each with its own set of brand names and safety concerns. To dry clean with safety, it is important to choose a reputable dry cleaning service that uses appropriate safety procedures and protective equipment. Additionally, if you are concerned about the safety of the dry cleaning process, you may want to consider alternative methods of cleaning, such as hand-washing or using a home dry cleaning kit.
