While water is a popular choice for cleaning clothes, dry cleaning service endorses the use of chemicals instead.  However, the chemicals that dry cleaning services use are not harsh and corrosive on clothes. On the contrary, dry cleaners use gentle chemicals like PERC and hydrocarbons for cleaning clothes.

One of the most popular dry-cleaning chemicals is the Perchloroethylene Solvent (PERC). Another solvent that professionals use for dry cleaning fabrics is hydrocarbon solvent. While hydrocarbon solvent may not be as powerful as PERC, yet, the solvent is ideal for cleaning clothes with embellishments. Hydrocarbon solvent is great for getting rid of tough oily stains and grime from clothes. Read on to know more about the solvents for dry-cleaning clothes of various fabrics.

What is PERC?

PERC is a colourless fluid with a bittersweet odour. PERC serves as a solvent for several organic materials. The fluid is non-inflammable, highly stable, and volatile making it a popular choice for dry cleaning fabrics. Additionally, PERC is also suitable for degreasing metallic components of automobiles, in combination with other chlorocarbons. The boiling point of PERC is pretty high. PERC is also able to dissolve greases, oils, and the toughest of stains from fabrics.

Five Reasons for Using PERC to Dry Clean Clothes:

Five reasons for dry cleaning fabrics with PERC solvent are as follows:

1. PERC is highly suitable for removal of stains of wax, grease, and oil. PERC gets rid of the oil and removes the stain in a single cycle.
2. PERC is less harsh than water when it comes to cleaning clothes. For fabrics such as silk, wool, and rayon, PERC is appropriate.
3. PERC is able to evaporate quickly which helps to reduce the drying time of the garments. The ability to evaporate quickly helps to cut out the lingering odour of soiled fabrics.
4. Professionals distil and reuse PERC for dry cleaning clothes. Thus, PERC is environment-friendly and economical for use.
5. The non-flammable nature of PERC makes the solvent favourable for dry cleaning services.

What is Hydrocarbon Solvent?

Hydrocarbon solvent is a petroleum-based solvent that has a low aromatic percentage. There are two primary types of hydrocarbon solvents including DF-2000 and EcoSolv. DF-2000 is suitable for delicate fabrics. EcoSolv is environment-friendly and perfectly safe for dry cleaning garments of delicate fibres.

Five Reasons for Using Hydrocarbon Solvent to Dry Clean Clothes:

Five reasons for dry cleaning fabrics with hydrocarbon solvent are as follows:

1. Hydrocarbon solvent is pretty mild in comparison to PERC. This makes hydrocarbon solvent the right choice for dry cleaning lace, wool, silk. Dry cleaners use hydrocarbon solvent to eliminate the risks of damage to the fabric of garments.
2. Hydrocarbon solvent is not as toxic as PERC solvent. Using hydrocarbon solvent for dry cleaning clothes involves negligible risk to health as compared to PERC.
3. Dry Cleaners prefer to use hydrocarbon solvent as hydrocarbon leaves little to no toxic residue on the clothes. Using hydrocarbon solvent also helps to prevent skin irritation and rash due to its non-hazardous nature.
4. In comparison to PERC solvent, hydrocarbon solvents are more eco-friendly. Unlike PERC, the use of hydrocarbon solvent does not release toxins into the soil and air. Dry Cleaners prefer to use hydrocarbon solvent to reduce the carbon footprint of cleaning clothes.
5. The use of hydrocarbon solvents for dry cleaning clothes makes the clothes smell fresh and clean. As hydrocarbon solvent is almost odourless, the clothes do not carry any lingering odours after the cleaning session.

Which is the right choice for dry cleaning clothes: PERC or Hydrocarbon solvent?

PERC is a powerful cleaning solvent. It is especially perfect for eliminating greasy stains. The chemical composition of PERC allows removal of oily marks more efficiently than hydrocarbon solvent. As such, dry cleaners prefer to use PERC for cleansing extremely dirty clothes of tough fabric.

Health is a prime concern when it comes to selecting a solvent. PERC is toxic and carcinogenic. Regular use of PERC solvent for cleaning clothes exposes the worker as well as the customer to skin diseases. PERC has an adverse impact on the environment.  PERC solvent often leaches into the environment causing soil and water pollution. On the other hand, hydrocarbon solvents are less hazardous. Petroleum-based hydrocarbon solvent is eco-friendly and non-injurious to health.

Dry-cleaners take cost into consideration when choosing a solvent. Hydrocarbon solvent is costlier than PERC. Moreover, hydrocarbon solvents generally require a longer duration for cleaning garments in comparison to PERC. As such, dry cleaners often prefer to use PERC to stay within budget.

Conclusion

Professional dry cleaners prefer either PERC or hydrocarbon solvents to clean fabrics of a delicate nature. At Hello Laundry, London, professionals make environment-conscious decisions and offer dry cleaning services with minimal impact on the environment.