Dry cleaners use a variety of solvents and chemicals to remove stains from clothes, depending on the type of stain and the fabric of the garment. Some of the common solvents and stain-removal agents used by dry cleaners include:
Perchloroethylene (Perc or PCE): This is one of the most widely used solvents in dry cleaning. It's effective for removing oil-based stains, grease, and certain other organic stains. However, it can be harsh on some fabrics and may cause damage if not used correctly.
Hydrocarbons: Dry cleaners may use hydrocarbon solvents as an alternative to perchloroethylene. These solvents are less harsh on fabrics and have a lower environmental impact.
Silicone-based Solvents: Silicone-based solvents are gentle and suitable for delicate fabrics. They are often used to remove stains from fabrics that cannot tolerate traditional dry-cleaning solvents.
Water-based Cleaning Agents: Some dry cleaners use specialized water-based cleaning agents for certain types of stains and fabrics. This process is often called "wet cleaning" and is more environmentally friendly.
Spot Cleaning Agents: Dry cleaners use spot cleaning agents for targeted stain removal before the actual dry-cleaning process. These agents can vary depending on the type of stain (e.g., protein-based, tannin-based, oil-based) and are applied directly to the affected area.
Bleaches and Enzymes: Dry cleaners may use mild bleaches or enzymes to treat specific types of stains like protein-based stains (e.g., blood) or tannin-based stains (e.g., coffee, tea).
It's important to note that dry cleaning is a specialized process, and the specific chemicals and techniques used can vary from one dry cleaner to another. Professional dry cleaners have the knowledge and expertise to choose the appropriate stain-removal agents based on the fabric and the nature of the stain. If you have a particularly delicate or stubborn stain, it's best to take the garment to a professional dry cleaner for proper treatment.