Chemicals used for dry cleaning

Perchloroethylene (PCE) is one of the most commonly used chemicals in dry cleaning operations. There are four grades of PCE which will depend on vapor degreasing grades for some metals, technical qualifications for chemical manufacturing and high purity grades depend on each product and its function. PCE is a highly oxidizing chemical compound and is believed to be the most stable of all chlorinated dry cleaning agents. PCE has a purity range of 99 percent to 99.9 percent, while others have recovered a purity level between 95 percent and 99 percent.

Glycol ethers are used in dry cleaning operations, as well as a wide variety of other solvents. Glycol ethers are made from ethylene or propylene and are made into a soluble, volatile and flammable solvent for various applications in the home and industrial environments. Aside from dry cleaning agents, glycol ethers are used to make pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, degreasing products, inks, certain types of paint and adhesives. Detergents are commonly used in the dry cleaning process. The first detergents, gel or liquid soap based on surfactants, fatty acids, are a solvent that creates an emulsion. Synthetic detergents are used more frequently because they do not clog filter systems.

Cleaning makes up the widest variety of chemicals used during the dry cleaning process. These include neutral agents, alkaline agents and acidic agents. These agents are used to remove oils, waxes and grease from clothing. Bleach is used to remove stains when other techniques fail and fabric softener is applied to suede, leather, silk, wool and vinyl garments after dry cleaning to renew the materials.

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Tips

• These products should only be used by professional dry cleaning experts.