In 1821, Thomas Jennings patented a method for removing dirt and grease from clothing that would lead to the dry cleaning process used today. “An item in the New York Gazette from March 13 of that year announces Jennings’ success in patenting a method of “Dry Scouring Clothes, and Woolen Fabrics in general, so that they keep their original shape, and have the polish and appearance of new.” 

But we will never know precisely what the scouring method involved.” from the Smithsonian

Dry cleaning uses a solvent to dissolve stains and dirt on fabrics. Some chemicals used in dry cleaning are considered toxic by the EPA. There are alternatives to PERC making headway towards a safer way to dry clean, such as SYSTEMK4, hydrocarbon, and professional wet cleaning

What is Dry Cleaning? 

Dry cleaning is a method of cleaning clothing that does not use water. Dry cleaning is a convenient and professional service that cleans garments you typically cannot wash at home. It typically involves a special solvent, detergent, and a dry-cleaning machine. 

In the dry-cleaning process, garments are placed in a special programmable machine that regulates the temperature, textile chemistry, and times for the cleaning. Before going into the machine, garments will be checked for stains. Some stains will be pretreated before cleaning the garments. Unlike professional wet cleaning, where water is the solvent, the solvent primarily effectively removes oily/greasy stains in dry cleaning. “Soil that would wash away in wet cleaning needs special attention.” 

Cleaning and drying clothes could not be easier to process with a dry-cleaning machine. Clothes are cleaned and dried in a straightforward machine; the machine processes garments from dirty to clean without water. The dirty solvent is collected, distilled, and purified to be reused for the next load. 

How Does SYSTEMK4 Dry Cleaning Work? 

Our experienced Research and Development chemists worked hard in our laboratories in Germany to create an alternative solution for dry cleaners that would clean and PERC without the negative attributes that make it unsafe. SYSTEMK4 was the answer! 

Before launching at Clean Show in 2011, SYSTEMK4 was extensively tested in our labs in Germany, at a manufacturing plant in Italy, and with select dry cleaners in the United States. A global project from Germany to Italy to the United States ensured that thought leaders from R&D chemists to machine manufacturers to dry cleaners used solvents daily and added their expertise to the final product. 

SYSTEMK4 makes cleaning more accessible, more convenient, and more efficient. 

SYSTEMK4 is an environmentally friendly and safe cleaning process. Its essential component is a halogen-free component, SOLVONK4. SOLVONK4 is non-toxic and highly effective.  

SOLVONK4 is a powerful cleaning solvent that matches or exceeds PERC’s cleaning performance. The product is not classified as a hazardous or hazardous material. The product is biodegradable and has been dermatology tested with the result: “Very Good.” 

Types of Clothes That Can be Dry Cleaned 

Dry cleaning is safe for almost all fabric types, and depending on the solvent being used, most dyes and ornamentation, but ideally, the type of garments going into the dry-cleaning machine are the finer pieces like wool suits, sport coats, structured silk, and some rayon items. Garments worn directly against the body or made of cotton, linen, polyester, and blends generally contain more water-soluble soil and lend themselves better to professional wet cleaning or, in some cases, general laundry. In today’s modern dry-cleaning plants, the dry-cleaning machine is just one of many tools the cleaner has available to safely and effectively clean textiles. 

Is Dry Cleaning Bad for the Environment? 

Like all things, we have adopted over time to address risks as our understanding of chemicals and their chronic characteristics improved; the cars we drove in the ’60s and ’70s are not as safe or environmentally friendly as the ones we have today; the same is true for the professional textile care industry.  

Dry cleaning is performed in a closed-loop sealed machine that captures and reuses up to 99% of the solvent being used. Modern dry-cleaning machines recycle cooling water, have efficient heating systems, and use very little energy to operate, giving them a small carbon footprint.  

Any waste generated by cleaning clothes is captured, collected, and given to companies that recycle and convert it into energy. 

How do I Select a Dry Cleaner? 

Convenience still is the most dominating factor when choosing a local dry cleaner. Still, you should take the same approach when deciding on a hair salon, fitness center, or even a family doctor.  

 Choose a dry cleaner that has a clean, well-lit customer service area. You should not be able to smell chemicals or solvents in the store. Are there signs explaining all the things the cleaner is not responsible for? If so, find another cleaner. A professional, well-skilled cleaner will take the time to explain unique risks but knows how to handle most items safely and accepts the responsibility for servicing them.  

Ask what services they offer. Do they have after-hour drop boxes, pick-up, and delivery? Can they make minor repairs on-site?  

If you are concerned about the type of solvent they use then ask, what is it and how old is the dry-cleaning machine they use it in and make sure they have other methods of cleaning, a modern shop will offer professional wet cleaning, easy-care washing as well as general laundry and may even have more than one type of solvent for dry cleaning.  

Finally, inspect your finished goods and ensure they smell clean, have no solvent smell, are free of stains, and are finished correctly. When investing in well-made garments, it is essential to factor in professional upkeep costs, just as you would with cars or houses. A skilled cleaner can keep your favorite items in like-new condition for years, well worth the few extra dollars they charge.