Dry cleaning

<p>Dry cleaning is any cleaning process for <a href="/facts/Clothing/5J5RhkYY">clothing</a> and <a href="/facts/Textile/PJrVeM5S">textiles</a> using a <a href="/facts/Solvent/LoMPMz8S">solvent</a> other than <a href="/facts/Water/0lkXnJPK">water</a>. Clothes are instead soaked in a water-free liquid solvent (usually <a href="/facts/Non-polar/KlIJ0zjB">non-polar</a>, as opposed to water which is a <a href="/facts/Solvent/LoMPMz8S">polar solvent</a>). <a href="/facts/Perchloroethylene/6cGlBNMG">Perchloroethylene</a> (known as "perc" for short) is the most commonly used solvent, although alternative solvents such as hydrocarbons, and <a href="/facts/Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane/rRDuXxwA">decamethylcyclopentasiloxane</a> are also used.
</p><p>Most natural fibers can be washed in water but some synthetics (e.g., <a href="/facts/Viscose/Us58BuEM">viscose</a>) react poorly with water and should be dry cleaned if possible. If not, this could result in changes in texture, colour, strength, and shape. Additionally, certain specialty fabrics, including silk and rayon, may also benefit from dry cleaning to prevent damage.
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Dry cleaning open-in-new

Dry cleaning