Cleaners, particularly in the context of dry cleaning, use water-free liquid solvents to clean clothes.
When you take clothes to a professional cleaner, especially for items labeled "dry clean only," they don't typically immerse your garments in water like a conventional washing machine. Instead, a specialized process called dry cleaning is used.
Understanding Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is a cleaning method that uses liquid solvents other than water. The process is called "dry" cleaning because water is not the primary cleaning agent. This method is particularly effective for delicate fabrics or stains that don't respond well to water-based cleaning.
According to the provided reference:
- Clothes are instead soaked in a water-free liquid solvent.
- These solvents are usually non-polar, contrasting with water which is a polar solvent. This difference in polarity helps remove different types of stains effectively.
Common Solvents Used
Several types of solvents are used in the dry cleaning industry. The choice of solvent can depend on the type of fabric being cleaned and environmental regulations.
Here are some common dry cleaning solvents mentioned:
- Perchloroethylene (Perc): This is the most commonly used solvent in the industry. It's highly effective at dissolving grease, oils, and other non-polar stains. While widely used, perc has faced environmental and health concerns, leading to the exploration of alternatives.
- Hydrocarbons: These are another class of solvents used, often considered a less aggressive alternative to perc. They are still effective for many types of stains and fabrics.
- Supercritical CO₂: This is a more modern and environmentally friendly alternative. In a supercritical state, carbon dioxide acts as a solvent, offering effective cleaning without many of the drawbacks associated with traditional solvents.
| Solvent Type | Polarity (Generally) | Common Usage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perchloroethylene | Non-polar | Most common | Effective on grease/oil stains |
| Hydrocarbons | Non-polar | Alternative to perc | Less aggressive than perc |
| Supercritical CO₂ | - | Modern alternative | Environmentally friendlier approach |
These specialized solvents allow cleaners to effectively remove dirt and stains from clothing without causing the shrinkage, distortion, or color bleeding that water might cause in certain delicate fabrics.
