When people ask us about dry cleaning, there’s one question that comes up more than ever recently: is dry cleaning actually safe?
It’s a fair concern. After all, dry cleaning uses chemical solvents instead of water to clean clothes. But what many people don’t realize is that “dry cleaning” isn’t a single, standardized process. The safety, smell, and overall impact on your clothes all depend on what type of solvent is being used.
For decades, many dry cleaners relied on a chemical called PERC. Today, more modern cleaners have moved toward alternatives like hydrocarbon, which offer a different approach to cleaning.
Understanding the difference between these methods can help you make a more informed choice – not just for your clothes, but for your own comfort and peace of mind.
PERC: The Traditional Dry Cleaning Solvent
For many years, the most commonly used solvent in dry cleaning was a chemical called perchloroethylene, often referred to as PERC.
PERC became the industry standard because it’s incredibly effective – especially when it comes to removing oil and grease stains. It works quickly, cleans deeply, and was widely adopted by dry cleaners across the country for decades.
However, over time, new research and concerns about PERC have led many cleaners to reconsider its use.
One of the most noticeable downsides is the strong chemical odor it can leave on clothes. If you’ve ever picked up dry cleaning that had a sharp, lingering smell, there’s a good chance PERC was involved.
Beyond that, PERC is also known to be harsher on certain fabrics, especially with repeated cleaning. Over time, this can add up to fading, stiffness, or general wear, particularly in more delicate garments.
But the biggest concerns? PERC has been linked to health and environmental risks, especially with long-term exposure or improper handling. Because of this, it’s become more heavily regulated, and many areas have begun phasing it out altogether.
As a result, a growing number of modern dry cleaners have moved away from PERC in favor of newer, gentler alternatives.
Hydrocarbon: A Modern Alternative
Hydrocarbon solvents come from petroleum, but they’re highly refined and specifically designed for clothing care. While they may not be quite as aggressive as PERC when it comes to heavy grease stains, they offer a much gentler overall cleaning process.
That gentleness is one of the main reasons for the shift. Hydrocarbon cleaning is easier on fabrics, helping clothes maintain their color, texture, and structure over time. For everyday garments, and especially for more delicate pieces, this can make a noticeable difference in how long items last.
Another key benefit is the reduced odor. Clothes cleaned with hydrocarbon solvents typically come back with little to no chemical smell, making them more comfortable to wear and store right away.
Finally, hydrocarbon doesn’t carry the health risk that PERC does for customers and staff alike.
For many modern dry cleaners, hydrocarbon is a more balanced approach: effective cleaning, improved garment care, less environmental damage, and a better overall customer experience.
So, Is Dry Cleaning Safe? It Depends on Who You Choose
So, is dry cleaning safe?
The short answer is yes, but it depends on how your clothes are being cleaned and who you trust to clean them.
Clearly, not all dry cleaning methods are the same. Older solvents like PERC are still used in some places, while many modern cleaners have moved toward safer, more balanced alternatives like hydrocarbon. That difference can impact everything from how your clothes feel and smell to how they hold up over time.
That’s why choosing the right dry cleaner matters.
A quality cleaner should be transparent about their process, use up-to-date methods, and prioritize both clothing care and customer experience.
At Kean, that’s exactly why we made the decision to phase out PERC entirely almost 26 years ago. By using modern cleaning methods, we’re able to deliver the same high-quality results while being gentler on your garments and more thoughtful about the overall process.
