Is dry cleaning toxic? It depends on the cleaner. Many traditional dry cleaners still use a solvent called perchloroethylene, or PERC, which has been linked to health and environmental concerns. Other cleaners, including Green Cleaners, use a non-toxic process and do not use PERC at all.
Here is what you should know about dry cleaning chemicals, who is most at risk, why it matters for homes with kids and pets, and how to choose a safer cleaner.
How Dry Cleaning Works
Dry cleaning cleans clothes with a liquid solvent instead of water. Garments are inspected, stains are pre-treated, and the clothes are gently tumbled in solvent to dissolve oils and dirt. Then they are dried and pressed. Because the fibers are not soaked in water, delicate fabrics like silk and wool keep their size, shape and color.
The process itself is not the problem. The question is which solvent a cleaner uses. Learn more in our guide to how the dry cleaning process works.
What Is PERC?
Perchloroethylene (also called tetrachloroethylene or PERC) is a colorless liquid that has been the standard dry cleaning solvent for decades. It removes grease well, which is why it became popular. But it is also a volatile organic compound, meaning it evaporates into the air easily.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies PERC as a likely human carcinogen, and its use is regulated at the federal and state level. Many states encourage, and some require, cleaners to move to safer alternatives.
Health Risks of Traditional Dry Cleaning Chemicals
Short-Term Effects
Breathing PERC vapors can cause dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, and eye, nose and throat irritation. Skin contact can cause irritation as well.
Long-Term Effects
Long-term, high-level exposure has been linked to more serious problems, including liver and kidney damage and a possible higher risk of certain cancers.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Workers in dry cleaning shops face the highest exposure because they are around the solvent every day. People who live or work near cleaners that use PERC can also be exposed. For customers, the main concern is residue: clothes cleaned with PERC can carry vapors home, especially when sealed in plastic.
Why It Matters for Kids and Pets
Children and pets are more sensitive to chemicals in the air. Kids breathe faster than adults for their size and are still growing. Pets spend their time close to the floor, on beds and on the couch, where they cuddle up against freshly cleaned clothes, blankets and comforters.
That is why the solvent your cleaner uses matters for your whole household. A non-toxic process means you are not bringing harsh chemical fumes into the rooms where your family plays, sleeps and relaxes. It also means no strong chemical smell on clothes, bedding or curtains.
A few simple habits help at home too:
- Remove plastic covers from dry cleaning as soon as you get home so garments can breathe.
- If your clothes have a strong chemical odor, air them out in a well-ventilated space and ask your cleaner what solvent they use.
- Choose a non-toxic cleaner for items your kids and pets touch most, like comforters, throws and curtains. Our household items cleaning covers these.
Myths About “Chemical-Free” Cleaning
You may see cleaners advertise “chemical-free” dry cleaning. Every cleaning method uses some kind of chemical, even water and soap. The better question is whether those chemicals are harsh or gentle. A non-toxic solvent cleans well without the health concerns tied to PERC.
Environmental Impact of Dry Cleaning
When PERC is handled or disposed of poorly, it can seep into soil and groundwater, where it is hard to remove. It can also escape into the air and add to pollution. Choosing a cleaner that avoids PERC helps protect your community’s air and water, not just your closet.
Safer Alternatives to PERC
The industry has developed several alternatives:
- Organic cleaning solvents: In dry cleaning, “organic” means carbon-based. Modern organic solvents clean effectively and are much gentler than PERC.
- Silicone-based solvents: Gentle on fabrics and break down more easily in the environment.
- Liquid carbon dioxide: Uses pressurized CO2 as the cleaning fluid.
- Professional wet cleaning: Uses water, mild detergents and special machines designed for delicate fabrics.
At Green Cleaners, we use a non-toxic organic cleaning solvent and do not use PERC. It removes dirt, body oils and odors while being gentle on silk, wool and tailored pieces. See our professional dry cleaning service for details.
How to Choose a Non-Toxic Dry Cleaner
- Ask directly: “What solvent do you use? Do you use PERC?”
- Look for clear answers: A safe cleaner will tell you plainly what it uses.
- Use your nose: Clothes should come back clean and fresh, not smelling of chemicals.
- Check the FAQ: Many cleaners, including us, answer this on their website. See our FAQ page.
For more tips on spotting real eco-friendly cleaners, read Is Your Dry Cleaner Really Green?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dry cleaning toxic?
Traditional dry cleaning that uses PERC raises health and environmental concerns. Non-toxic dry cleaning, like the process Green Cleaners uses, avoids PERC and is a safer choice.
Does Green Cleaners use PERC?
No. Green Cleaners uses a non-toxic organic cleaning solvent and does not use PERC.
Is non-toxic dry cleaning safe for kids and pets?
Non-toxic dry cleaning avoids harsh solvents like PERC, so clothes, bedding and curtains do not bring chemical fumes into your home. That makes it a better choice for households with children and pets.
Are clothes safe to wear after dry cleaning?
Yes, especially when they are cleaned with a non-toxic solvent. If clothes from any cleaner smell strongly of chemicals, remove the plastic and air them out before wearing.
Does non-toxic dry cleaning remove stains as well?
Yes. Modern non-toxic solvents remove dirt, body oils and most common stains effectively. Fresh stains are easiest to treat, so bring items in soon.
Choose Safer Dry Cleaning Today
Protect your clothes, your family and your community with non-toxic dry cleaning from Green Cleaners. We offer same-day turnaround and free pickup and delivery. Call our Surprise store at (623) 584-2777 or our Litchfield Park store at (623) 535-9402, or request free pickup.
