Categories: Laundry Chemicals-26
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Product Short Description: Perchloroethylene (PERC) is a widely used solvent in the dry cleaning industry due to its powerful degreasing and stain-removing properties.
Product Description:

Perchloroethylene (PERC) is a widely used solvent in the dry cleaning industry due to its powerful degreasing and stain-removing properties.

Product Application:

How PERC is Used in Dry Cleaning

1. Cleaning Process Overview:

  • Clothes are loaded into a dry cleaning machine, which looks like a large front-loading washer.

  • Instead of water and detergent, PERC is used as the cleaning solvent.

  • The solvent dissolves oil, grease, and organic stains without damaging delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or rayon.

2. Cycle Steps:

  • Wash: PERC is pumped into the drum and circulated through the clothes.

  • Extract: The solvent is drained and extracted via spinning.

  • Dry: Clothes are dried with warm air, and the solvent is collected, condensed, and recycled for reuse.

Product Dose:

Why PERC is Preferred (Historically):

  • Powerful cleaning agent for oils and greases

  • Non-flammable, making it safer for industrial use

  • Gentle on fabrics, preventing shrinkage and color fading

  • Recyclable within the machine, reducing waste

Product Note:
Product Technical Specification:

What is Perchloroethylene (PERC)?

  • Chemical Name: Tetrachloroethylene

  • Formula: C₂Cl₄

  • Type: Non-flammable, chlorinated solvent

  • Appearance: Colorless liquid with a sweet, ether-like odor

Remarks:

Health & Environmental Concerns:

  • Toxic if inhaled in large amounts or over time (linked to liver, kidney, and nervous system effects)

  • Classified as a possible human carcinogen

  • Requires well-ventilated, sealed systems and PPE for operators

  • Strictly regulated in many countries (e.g., banned or phased out in California, EU restrictions)

Alternatives to PERC in Modern Dry Cleaning:

  • Hydrocarbon solvents (less aggressive, more eco-friendly)

  • Liquid CO₂ cleaning

  • Siloxane-based solvents (e.g., GreenEarth®)

  • Professional wet cleaning (water-based with special machines and detergents)

Conclusion:

Perchloroethylene remains effective but is increasingly being replaced due to safety and environmental concerns. Dry cleaners using PERC must comply with strict safety protocols and environmental regulations.

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