Perchloroethylene
Perchloroethylene is a chlorinated organic solvent mainly used in dry cleaning, and is a substance involved when checking the solvent resistance, adhesive condition, and appearance changes of garments and subsidiary materials.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Perchloroethylene is an organic solvent sometimes used in dry cleaning, which removes dirt with solvent instead of water. It is not the fiber name or fabric name of the material itself, but a cleaning solvent related to the product’s care method and durability.
It is handled for removing oily stains, but depending on the combination with the material, dyeing, coating, printing, and adhesive processing, it may affect appearance and performance.
Effects on Texture and Appearance
Perchloroethylene does not improve the texture or appearance of fabric. Changes after cleaning are determined not only by the fibers of the base fabric, but also by the product construction, including resin finishing, lamination, pigment printing, synthetic leather, and adhesives.
In particular, coatings containing polyurethane, films, foam, stretch materials, and bonded areas may harden, become sticky, peel, or crack. It is important not to assume that they are suitable for dry cleaning, and to confirm suitability for each material used.
Main Uses
For wool suits, coats, formal wear, and other clothing where shape loss or shrinkage from washing with water should be avoided, products may be designed on the assumption of dry cleaning. However, the actual solvent used varies depending on the cleaning shop and the care label instructions.
In addition to clothing, items with fusible interlining, products with printing or decoration, and products combined with synthetic leather require confirmation of solvent resistance during the cleaning process. Resistance to perchloroethylene is evaluated not only for the outer fabric, but also for subsidiary materials.
- Jackets, suits, and coats intended for dry cleaning
- Collars, front panels, and facings using interlining or adhesives
- Products including polyurethane finishing, coating, or lamination
- Products combined with printing, transfer printing, or decorative parts
Handling and Labeling Notes
During planning, confirm changes caused by the intended cleaning method using test specimens made from the finished product or combined materials. Check for color fading, color transfer, shrinkage, adhesive peeling, surface stickiness, and changes in gloss, and set the care label and handling instructions as necessary.
If the product contains subsidiary materials that are not suitable for perchloroethylene, it may be specified to recommend another method such as a petroleum-based solvent. In sewing, confirm the full construction, including sewing thread, interlining, tape, printing, and accessories, and do not judge based only on partial resistance.
Differences from Similar Terms
Dry cleaning fastness is a quality item that evaluates resistance to color change and staining of other materials caused by dry cleaning. Perchloroethylene, on the other hand, is the name of a solvent that may be used in that evaluation and cleaning.
Solvent resistance broadly refers to a material’s resistance to change when exposed to solvents. Suitability for perchloroethylene is part of solvent resistance and does not mean resistance to all solvents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there materials that cannot be dry cleaned with perchloroethylene?
Yes. Coatings, films, foam, adhesives, synthetic leather, and printing that use polyurethane may deteriorate, become sticky, peel, or change in appearance. Do not judge only by the material name; it is necessary to conduct a preliminary test in a state close to the finished product and follow the care label.
Are perchloroethylene and petroleum-based solvent the same?
No, they are not the same. Perchloroethylene is a chlorinated organic solvent, and its properties differ from those of petroleum-based solvents. Therefore, even with the same dry cleaning, the effect on materials may differ. In product specifications, clearly identify the intended cleaning solvent and confirm the suitability of each component.
How do you confirm resistance to perchloroethylene?
Confirm it not only with the outer fabric, but also with test specimens or finished products combining interlining, adhesives, sewing thread, printing, and accessories. After cleaning, check color difference, color transfer, shrinkage, peeling of bonded areas, hardening or stickiness, and surface gloss. Set the necessary test conditions according to the trading partner and application.
