Instead of using water, dry cleaning employs a solvent to clean clothing, fabrics, and textiles. Typically, oil-based stains and other dirt are removed from garments and other fabrics using the solvent. But what precisely is this solvent that dry cleaners employ, and is dry cleaning done with gasoline?
Perchloroethylene, usually referred to as perc, is the most typical solvent used in dry cleaning. It is a clear, non-flammable liquid that has long been employed in the dry cleaning sector. Grease, oil, and filth can all be eliminated with the help of perc, a potent solvent. It works well to eliminate odors from clothing as well.
Perc, however, is also a poisonous toxin that may be bad for both people and the environment. High levels of perc exposure can make you feel queasy, headachey, and nauseous. In addition to cancer, long-term exposure can harm the liver and kidneys. Perc must also be appropriately disposed of as a hazardous waste in order to avoid contaminating the soil and groundwater.
Many dry cleaners have switched to utilizing other solvents because of the dangers perc poses to human health and the environment. One of these substitutes is a petroleum-based solvent known as hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbon is not regarded as a hazardous waste and is less poisonous than perc. Its petroleum-based nature, however, raises questions about how it may affect the environment.
Liquid carbon dioxide, or CO2, is another substitute solvent used in dry cleaning. This solvent is non-toxic and leaves no hazardous waste behind. It works well to get odors and stains out of clothes. The drawback of employing CO2 is that it necessitates specialist equipment, which dry cleaners may find costly to purchase and maintain.
In conclusion, perchloroethylene, often known as perc, is frequently used as a solvent by dry cleaners. However, because of the hazards perc poses to human health and the environment, many dry cleaners have switched to employing liquid carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon as substitute solvents. These alternatives may be less harmful and generate less hazardous waste, but they also have limitations and shortcomings of their own. Each dry cleaner must ultimately determine which solvent is ideal for their operation and clientele.