Dry cleaning is a process of cleaning clothes and fabrics without using water, but instead using a solvent called perchloroethylene (also known as perc or PCE cas127-18-4). Perchloroethylene is a colorless, nonflammable liquid that dissolves dirt, grease, and stains from fabrics. In this article, we will explain how the dry cleaning process using perchloroethylene works and what are its advantages and disadvantages.
How Does Dry Cleaning Using Perchloroethylene Work?
The dry cleaning process using perchloroethylene involves four main steps:
- Pre-treatment: The clothes are inspected for stains, tears, and buttons. The stains are treated with special chemicals or solvents to loosen them from the fabric. The clothes are also sorted by color, fabric type, and degree of soil.
- Dry Cleaning: The clothes are placed in a machine that looks like a large washer. The machine fills with perchloroethylene and agitates the clothes to remove the dirt and stains. The machine then drains and spins the clothes to extract the solvent.
- Post-treatment: The clothes are transferred to another machine that dries them with warm air. The perchloroethylene is recovered and recycled for future use. The clothes are then inspected again for any remaining stains or damages. If needed, they are re-treated or repaired.
- Finishing: The clothes are pressed, steamed, or ironed to remove wrinkles and restore their shape. They are also folded, hung, or packaged according to the customer’s preference.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dry Cleaning Using Perchloroethylene?
Dry cleaning using perchloroethylene(cas127-18-4) has some advantages and disadvantages compared to other methods of cleaning clothes and fabrics. Some of the advantages are:
- It can clean delicate fabrics that may shrink, fade, or lose shape when washed with water.
- It can remove oil-based stains that are difficult to remove with water-based detergents.
- It can preserve the color, texture, and appearance of the fabrics longer than washing with water.
- It can kill bacteria, fungi, and insects that may infest the fabrics.
Some of the disadvantages are:
- It can be harmful to the environment and human health if not handled properly. Perchloroethylene is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can evaporate into the air and contaminate the soil and water. It is also a carcinogen that can cause cancer and other health problems if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
- It can damage some fabrics that are sensitive to solvents, such as silk, wool, leather, and fur.
- It can leave a chemical odor on the fabrics if not rinsed well.
- It can be expensive compared to washing with water.
Conclusion
Dry cleaning using perchloroethylene(cas127-18-4) is a common method of cleaning clothes and fabrics that cannot be washed with water. It has some benefits such as removing oil-based stains and preserving the quality of the fabrics, but it also has some drawbacks such as being harmful to the environment and human health if not managed properly. Therefore, it is important to choose a reputable dry cleaner that follows the safety standards and regulations for using perchloroethylene.
