Dry cleaning solvent is a specialized liquid used to clean delicate or heavily soiled clothes that can't be washed with water.
It's typically a mixture of hydrocarbon and other chemicals that help break down and remove tough stains.
The most common type of dry cleaning solvent is perchloroethylene, also known as perc, which has been widely used for decades.
However, perc has been linked to environmental and health concerns, leading to the development of alternative solvents like hydrocarbon and silicone-based cleaners.
A different take: Hydrocarbon Dry Clean
History and Production
Tetrachloroethylene was first synthesized in 1839 by French chemist Henri Victor Regnault through thermal decomposition of hexachloroethane.
Regnault's discovery corrected a misconception that Michael Faraday had made the compound earlier, which was actually carbon tetrachloride.
Tetrachloroethylene can be made by passing chloroform vapour through a red-hot tube, producing side products like hexachlorobenzene and hexachloroethane.
Most tetrachloroethylene is produced by high-temperature chlorinolysis of light hydrocarbons, a method related to Faraday's original process.
This process generates hexachloroethane, which then thermally decomposes to produce tetrachloroethylene.
The reaction can also produce carbon tetrachloride, hydrogen chloride, and hexachlorobutadiene as side products.
In the USA, annual production of tetrachloroethylene reached 700 million pounds by 1978.
You might enjoy: Tetrachloroethylene Dry Clean
Types of Solvents
Aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents are a type of dry cleaning solvent that can be found in concentrations up to 100% and vary in color from clear to yellowish-green. They include names like White Spirit, mineral spirits, Stoddard solvent, petroleum naphtha, and coal naphtha.
Some common trade names for aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents are White Spirit or Varsol. These solvents can leave fabrics feeling very dry, but some brands mask the odor with scented oils.
Aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents should not be used on acetate, triacetate, or other fabrics that have a tendency to shrink. They can be used as a spot cleaner for grease and oil.
A common dry cleaning fluid mixture is a combination of aliphatic hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons. This mixture is generally less irritating than using one type of dry cleaning solvent alone.
Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents, such as chloroform or carbon tetrachloride, can leave behind yellow stains on lighter colored garments. They have a clear appearance and an ether-like odor at high concentrations.
Perchloroethylene (PCE) is the main solvent in dry cleaning and has been in use since the 1930s. It is a highly effective cleaning solvent and is thermally stable, nonflammable, recyclable, and has a very low toxicity.
High concentrations of PCE can cause narcotic and hallucinogenic effects, but these effects are completely reversible upon cessation of exposure. PCE is classified as "probably carcinogenic to humans" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Hydrocarbons have been used in dry cleaning since the early years and include names like kerosene and Stoddard solvent. High flash hydrocarbons are considered safer than traditional hydrocarbon solvents and have a flash point higher than 60 °C (140 °F).
See what others are reading: What Are High Efficiency Laundry Detergents
Safety Precautions When Using
Wearing protective gear such as gloves, an N-95 respirator mask, and protective eyewear can prevent you from inadvertently coming into direct contact with the solvent.
Make sure to use dry cleaning solvent in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the chemical vapors, which can harm your health.
If this caught your attention, see: Dry Cleaning Solvent Perchloroethylene
Applying the solution as sparingly as possible helps you better control how much you are using and therefore having to come into contact with.
Store your solvent in its original container so it is easily identifiable and not confused with something else in a potentially dangerous mixup.
Dry cleaning solvent is far more flammable than everyday household cleaners, so use it away from open flames or areas that have the potential to be the source of a spark.
Tetrachloroethylene, the main chemical in dry cleaning solvent, is a toxin and a health hazard, so be cautious of long-term exposure, which may harm the nervous system and cause organ damage.
Process and Reprocessing
The process of reprocessing dry cleaning solvent is a crucial step in maintaining its effectiveness and cleanliness. Solvent reprocessing involves passing working solvent through several filtration steps before returning it to the washing chamber.
Small objects like lint, fasteners, buttons, and coins are caught in a button trap to prevent them from entering the solvent pump. Over time, a thin layer of filter cake, or "muck", accumulates on the lint filter.
On a similar theme: Clean Dry Air Filter
The muck is removed regularly, often once a day, and then processed to recover solvent trapped in the muck. Many machines use spin disk filters, which remove the muck by centrifugal force while back washing with solvent.
The clean solvent is then passed through an absorptive cartridge filter, which removes fine insoluble soil residues, non-volatile residues, and dyes. This filter contains activated clays and activated charcoal.
Finally, the solvent passes through a polishing filter, which removes any remaining contaminants. The clean solvent is then returned to the working solvent tank.
Check this out: How to Clean Afe Dry Filter
Alternatives and Shifts
The dry cleaning industry has undergone significant shifts over the years. After World War I, dry cleaners began using chlorinated solvents, which were much less flammable than petroleum solvents.
These early solvents included carbon tetrachloride, first used as a stain remover in Germany in the early 1890s. It was later replaced by trichloroethylene (TCE) in 1930, but TCE's incompatibility with acetate dyes made it a less ideal choice.
Perchloroethylene, introduced in 1933, became the main solvent of choice by the mid-1930s due to its excellent cleaning power and nonflammable properties.
CO2
CO2 is an alternative solvent in dry cleaning, but it's not a perfect solution. It's almost entirely nontoxic, but can be an asphyxiant risk in high concentrations.
The CO2 dry cleaning process involves charging a sealed chamber with clothes and using gaseous carbon dioxide to approximately 200 to 300 psi of pressure. This step is done to avoid thermal shock to the cleaning chamber.
Carbon dioxide is pumped into the cleaning chamber from a separate storage vessel, increasing the pressure to approximately 900 to 1,500 psi. A sub-cooler reduces the temperature of the carbon dioxide to prevent cavitation.
One deficiency with CO2 is its low electrical conductivity, which affects its cleaning efficiency. This means that dirt can be attracted back to the surface of the fabric, diminishing the cleaning effect.
Research has focused on additives to compensate for the poor solubility and conductivity of supercritical carbon dioxide. 2-propanol has shown increased cleaning effects for liquid carbon dioxide, making it a potential solution.
Machinery for using CO2 is expensive, with some machines costing up to $90,000 more than a PCE machine. This makes affordability difficult for small businesses, but some cleaners find plant-derived enzymes to be a more environmentally sustainable option.
Shift to Solvents
The dry cleaning industry has undergone significant changes over the years, driven by the need for safer and more effective solvents.
Carbon tetrachloride was the first chlorinated solvent used in dry cleaning, introduced in the early 1890s in Germany as a stain remover. It had improved cleaning power, but its use was later abandoned due to its high hepatotoxicity.
Perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene, was introduced in 1933 and quickly became the main solvent used in dry cleaning. It has excellent cleaning power and is non-flammable, making it a significant improvement over earlier solvents.
In the mid-1930s, the dry cleaning industry began to adopt perchloroethylene as the primary solvent, and it has remained a staple in the industry ever since. Its stability makes it readily recyclable.
Here are some key facts about obsolete solvents:
- Stoddard solvent was flammable and explosive, with a relatively low flash point of 38 °C (100 °F).
- Carbon tetrachloride was once widely used in dry cleaning, but its use was abandoned after its high hepatotoxicity was discovered.
- 1,1,1-Trichloroethane was also used in dry cleaning, but its use was banned due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer.
- CFC-113, a CFC, was introduced to dry cleaning in the early 1960s, but it was later banned due to its ozone-unfriendly properties.
What We Do
We help people like you by providing dry cleaning services that use a solvent called perchloroethylene (perc), which is effective at removing tough stains from clothes.
Our team of experts carefully selects the right cleaning solution for each garment, taking into account its fabric type and the type of stain it has.
We use a solvent called hydrocarbon, which is a safer alternative to perc and is gentler on clothes.
Our dry cleaning process involves using a combination of solvents and cleaning agents to remove dirt and stains from clothes.
We also offer a pre-treatment service that helps to loosen and remove tough stains before they are cleaned.
Our dry cleaning services are designed to be eco-friendly and safe for people and the environment.
We use a solvent called hydrocarbon that is biodegradable and non-toxic.
Our team of experts is trained to handle a wide range of fabrics and stains, ensuring that your clothes are cleaned and cared for properly.
We are committed to using the best cleaning methods and equipment to ensure that your clothes are cleaned to the highest standards.
We offer a range of dry cleaning services, including cleaning, pressing, and folding, to meet your specific needs.
Our dry cleaning services are designed to be convenient and hassle-free, with options for drop-off, pick-up, and in-store service.
We are committed to providing excellent customer service and ensuring that you are completely satisfied with our services.
Suggestion: Does Dry Clean Remove Smell
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dry cleaning solvent at home?
Yes, you can purchase dry cleaning solvent for home use, but be cautious due to its powerful nature. Use with care and follow safety guidelines to avoid accidents.
Featured Images: pexels.com
