Yes, dry cleaning uses water, but not in the way you might think

Dry cleaning does use water, though the amount varies by the solvent and method the cleaner uses. The term "dry cleaning" is misleading—it does not mean the process avoids water entirely. Instead, it refers to cleaning clothes in a liquid solvent other than water, usually perchloroethylene (perc) or hydrocarbon-based solvents. Water still plays a role in the process, both during the main cleaning cycle and in finishing steps like pressing and steaming.

Most dry cleaners use water in at least two ways: as part of the solvent mixture itself (some solvents contain small amounts of water), and separately during the finishing stage when they steam or press garments. A few dry cleaners use water-based cleaning methods as an alternative to traditional solvent cleaning, which means water becomes the primary cleaning liquid instead of perc or hydrocarbon.

Key Takeaways

  • Dry cleaning solvents like perc and hydrocarbon are not water, but water is often added to the solvent in small amounts to help with cleaning certain stains.
  • The finishing stage of dry cleaning almost always involves water in the form of steam or wet pressing to remove wrinkles and set the fabric.
  • Some dry cleaners offer water-based or "wet cleaning" as an alternative method that uses water as the main solvent instead of chemical solvents.
  • The amount of water used in traditional dry cleaning is much less than in home washing, but it is not zero.

How water fits into traditional dry cleaning

In a traditional dry cleaning cycle, the solvent—usually perc or a hydrocarbon blend—does the main cleaning work. However, dry cleaners often add a small amount of water to the solvent tank, typically between 0.5 and 2 percent by volume. This water helps break down certain stains, especially water-based ones like sweat, food, or dirt, that the solvent alone might not lift completely.

The water is mixed into the solvent before the clothes go into the machine, so it is not a separate rinse step. The garments tumble in this solvent-and-water mixture for 20 to 45 minutes, depending on how soiled they are. After the main cycle, the solvent is drained and the clothes are spun to remove excess liquid. The small amount of water in the solvent evaporates during this spin cycle and the drying phase that follows.

Water used during finishing and pressing

After the solvent cleaning is complete, nearly all dry cleaners use water during the finishing stage. This is where steam pressing happens. A garment is placed on a pressing machine or hand-pressed with a steam iron, and the heat and moisture from the steam help relax the fabric, remove wrinkles, and set the shape of the garment.

Some dry cleaners also use a process called "spotting," where they explore water or a water-based solution to specific stains before the main cleaning cycle. This pre-treatment helps loosen stubborn marks so the solvent can remove them more effectively. Spotting is especially common for protein-based stains like blood or egg.

Water-based dry cleaning as an alternative

A growing number of dry cleaners offer water-based or "wet cleaning" services as an alternative to traditional solvent cleaning. In this method, water is the primary cleaning liquid, not perc or hydrocarbon. The clothes are washed in specialized machines that use precise temperature control, humidity, and gentle agitation to clean delicate fabrics without damaging them.

Water-based cleaning can handle many garments that traditionally go to the dry cleaner, including wool, silk, and linen. However, not all fabrics or finishes work well with water—some dyes bleed, and certain interfacings or linings can shrink. Dry cleaners who offer this service will tell you which items are safe for water-based cleaning and which still need solvent cleaning.

Why dry cleaners add water to solvent

Water is added to solvent for a practical reason: it improves cleaning power for certain stains without requiring a separate rinse step. Solvents like perc are excellent at removing oils, grease, and wax-based stains, but they struggle with water-soluble stains. By adding a small amount of water, the dry cleaner gets the best of both—the solvent handles oils while the water handles sweat, salt, and food residue.

The amount of water is carefully controlled because too much water can damage some fabrics or cause dyes to bleed. Dry cleaners monitor the water content in their solvent tanks and adjust it based on the types of garments they are cleaning that day. Delicate silks and wools may be cleaned in solvent with less water, while sturdy cottons and linens can handle a higher water content.

How much water is actually used

The total amount of water in a traditional dry cleaning load is small compared to home washing. A typical home washing machine uses 15 to 40 gallons of water per load. A dry cleaning machine uses a solvent load of 10 to 30 gallons, of which only 0.5 to 2 percent is water—so roughly 0.05 to 0.6 gallons of water mixed into the solvent. The steam pressing adds a small amount more, but it is still far less water than a washing machine uses.

If you choose water-based dry cleaning instead, the amount of water used is closer to home washing, though the machines are designed to use less water overall because they recycle and filter it more efficiently than a standard washing machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will dry cleaning shrink my clothes if it uses water?

The small amount of water mixed into solvent is unlikely to cause shrinkage because it is diluted and the garment is not soaked. However, the steam pressing stage can cause shrinkage if the fabric is not heat-stable or if the cleaner uses too much heat. Tell your dry cleaner about any garments prone to shrinking so they can adjust their process.

Is dry cleaning with water the same as washing at home?

No. Water-based dry cleaning uses specialized machines with precise temperature and humidity control, gentler agitation, and different detergents than home washing. These machines are designed to clean delicate fabrics safely. Home washing machines use hotter water, stronger agitation, and different chemistry, which can damage some garments.

Can I ask my dry cleaner not to use water?

You can ask, but most dry cleaners will not agree because the small amount of water in the solvent improves cleaning results. If you want to avoid water entirely, ask whether they offer solvent-only cleaning or whether they can use a different solvent blend. Some cleaners can accommodate this request, though it may cost more.

Does the water in dry cleaning affect the environment?

The water itself is not the main environmental concern—the solvent is. Perc and some hydrocarbon solvents can contaminate groundwater if not handled properly. Dry cleaners are required to follow strict disposal rules. Water-based cleaning is generally considered more environmentally friendly because it avoids chemical solvents, though the water used still needs proper treatment before disposal.