Dry
Cleaning Fluid
Dry
cleaning fluids are non-water-based solvents that are used to remove dirt
and stains from clothes. In spite of the name, dry cleaning is not a
completely dry process and fluids are used in this process. In the earlier
days, garment scourers and dryers found various fluids, which can be used as
dry cleaning solvents and include camphene, benzene, kerosene, and gasoline.
All these fluids are highly inflammable and hence dry cleaning was a
hazardous business till the time safer solvents were discovered. Now days, two general types of cleaning fluids that are used for dry cleaning applications in the industry are petroleum solvents and synthetic solvents. Petroleum solvents are combustible hydrocarbon mixtures, which are similar to kerosene. Operations that use petroleum solvents are known as petroleum plants. Perchloroethylene (PERC), the most common synthetic solvent is a nonflammable halogenated hydrocarbon. PERC and other solvents can be emitted from the dry cleaning machine while operating the units or during the solvent reclamation processes.
Laundry Cleaning V/s Dry Cleaning
Doing laundry has been a common household activity for centuries. Whether the method was beating the garments on rocks or pressing buttons on a washing machine. The cloth washing method depends on factors, such as water and the mechanical action typically assisted by soap or a detergent. The purpose of a using a soap or detergent is to saponify the oil and dislodge the dirty soil and other matter. The prime function of soapy agent is to hold soil in suspension as it becomes loose during the wash cycle, and is afterwards flushed away during the rinse cycle.
The drying process for doing laundry at home can be done by either by hanging clothes or tumbling them in a gas or electric heated dryer.
Dry
cleaning, on the other hand, is a different stuff. It is a technique used to
clean without water. The cleaning fluid used in dry cleaning is a liquid and
all the garments are immersed and cleaned in a liquid solvent. The fact that
no water is used, the process is known as dry cleaning. The potential of the
petroleum based solvents for dry cleaning applications was first discovered
in the mid-19th century by Mr. Jean Baptiste Jolly (French dye-works owner),
when he observed that his tablecloth became cleaner after his maid spilled
kerosene on it. From this observation, Mr. Jolly started a service to wash
the clothes of other people, which he termed as "nettoyage à
sec," or "dry cleaning". How to Use
- Treat the spots by rubbing with hands and then place the clothes in
machine
- Add solvents, detergent, and sometimes a small amount of water to the
machine that agitates the clothes in a manner similar to that of regular
washing machines
- Once clean, dry, press and shape the clothes.
- Do not iron a fabric treated with dry cleaning fluid
- Separate the solvent from waste residues, such as detergents, dyes,
dirt, and oil, so that it can be reused.
- Finally at the end, the filters that are used to clean the solvent and the solvent residues are managed and disposed of as hazardous wastes.
Dry cleaning fluids are highly toxic and flammable and hence it is important to carefully follow the usage instructions. Use it in a well-ventilated area and never use it in a dryer or washing machine.
Applications
Dry cleaning fluids have found to be excellent tool for removing tough dirt and stains on delicate fabrics. Easy and convenient to use, dry cleaning fluids are
- Ideal for application on delicate fabrics, like silks, jusi, knits
and other delicate fabric materials (suits, dresses, sweaters, Barong
Tagalog, etc.)
- Ideal to use on color fast clothes, rugs, drapes and upholstery
- Perfect in removing stains, which are caused by solvent spills,
crayons, colored pencil, inks, oil and grease
- Complete convenient, just dip/soak and dry
- Mildly scented, which leaves a fresh clean scent
- Safe for all types of fabrics, clothes don't shrink, fade nor lose its shape
