The main chemical in dry cleaning is perchloroethylene, and it poses real health risks at high exposure but minimal risk from wearing cleaned clothes
Most dry cleaners use a solvent called perchloroethylene (also called tetrachloroethylene or PERC) to dissolve oils and stains from fabric. PERC is not toxic in the way that, say, cyanide is toxic — it does not kill you on contact. But it is a chemical that can cause health problems if you breathe it in regularly or in large amounts, and it can contaminate groundwater.
The actual risk to you depends on where the exposure happens. A person who works in a dry cleaning shop and breathes PERC fumes eight hours a day faces a real occupational hazard. A person who wears dry-cleaned clothes does not. The chemical evaporates during the cleaning and pressing process, and what remains on the garment is negligible.
Some dry cleaners use alternative solvents — liquid carbon dioxide, silicone-based cleaners, or hydrocarbon blends — which carry lower toxicity profiles. A few use wet cleaning, which is water-based. These options exist partly because of health concerns, but they cost more and are less common.
Key Takeaways
- Perchloroethylene (PERC) is the standard dry cleaning solvent and poses health risks mainly to workers who inhale it daily, not to people wearing cleaned clothes.
- The chemical evaporates during cleaning and pressing, leaving only trace amounts on fabric that pose negligible risk through skin contact or normal wear.
- Some dry cleaners use alternative solvents or water-based methods, which are safer but more expensive and less widely available.
- If you are concerned about chemical exposure, airing out dry-cleaned clothes outdoors for a few hours before wearing them reduces any residual odor and allows further evaporation.
- Workers in dry cleaning shops face real occupational exposure and should work in well-ventilated spaces and follow safety protocols.
How perchloroethylene works and why it is standard
PERC is a solvent — a liquid that dissolves other substances. It breaks down the oils, waxes, and dirt that water alone cannot remove from delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and rayon. It evaporates quickly at room temperature, which means clothes dry fast and the solvent does not leave a wet residue.
Dry cleaners have used PERC since the 1930s because it works well, it is relatively inexpensive, and the equipment to use it is standard across the industry. A typical dry cleaning machine tumbles clothes in PERC, then spins them to remove excess solvent, then heats them gently to evaporate what remains. The solvent is then filtered and reused.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies PERC as a probable human carcinogen based on animal studies and some human epidemiological data. This classification means there is evidence it could cause cancer, but the evidence is not conclusive in humans at low doses. The agency has been phasing out PERC use since the 1990s, but it remains the most common solvent in the United States.
Health effects from breathing PERC fumes versus wearing cleaned clothes
Workers and dry cleaning shop owners who breathe PERC fumes regularly face the real health risk. Studies of dry cleaning workers have found associations between long-term PERC exposure and kidney disease, liver damage, and neurological effects like dizziness and memory problems. The risk is dose-dependent — the more you breathe, the higher the risk.
A person wearing a dry-cleaned shirt or dress is not breathing PERC fumes. The chemical has evaporated during the cleaning and pressing process. Testing of dry-cleaned garments shows that PERC residue, if present at all, is in parts per million — amounts so small that skin contact poses no documented health risk. You would absorb more PERC from a single visit to a dry cleaning shop than from wearing dry-cleaned clothes for a month.
Children and pregnant people sometimes worry about chemical exposure from dry cleaning. The data does not support a special risk for these groups from wearing cleaned clothes. If you are pregnant and work in a dry cleaning environment, that is a different situation — you should talk to your doctor about ventilation and safety measures at your workplace.
What happens to PERC after it leaves your clothes
During the dry cleaning process, most PERC evaporates into the air inside the machine. The solvent that does not evaporate is spun out of the clothes and collected. Dry cleaners are required by EPA rules to capture and recycle this solvent or dispose of it safely — they cannot pour it down the drain.
However, PERC can still escape into the environment through air emissions from the shop and through improper disposal. In some areas, PERC has contaminated groundwater near dry cleaning facilities. If you live near a dry cleaning shop and your well water has never been tested, that is worth doing — not because of clothes you wear, but because of the shop's operations.
The EPA has set drinking water standards for PERC. If PERC is found in your water supply, your local water authority is required to notify you and take steps to remove it. This is a separate issue from the clothes themselves.
Alternative solvents and methods that some dry cleaners use
Liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂) cleaning is one alternative. The process uses pressurized carbon dioxide as a solvent instead of PERC. It is less toxic and does not bioaccumulate in the body, but it requires specialized equipment and costs more. Some high-end cleaners offer it.
Silicone-based solvents (like GreenEarth cleaning) are another option. These break down naturally in the environment and are less likely to cause the health effects associated with PERC. They also cost more and are less common.
Hydrocarbon solvents are petroleum-based alternatives that some cleaners use. They are flammable and carry their own health and environmental concerns, though they are generally considered less hazardous than PERC.
Wet cleaning uses water, detergent, and specialized equipment to clean delicate fabrics. It works for many garments but not all — some fabrics will shrink or lose shape. A few cleaners offer it as an option for specific items.
What to do if you want to reduce any residual chemical exposure
If you are concerned about PERC residue on newly dry-cleaned clothes, the simplest step is to air them out. Hang the garment outside or in a well-ventilated room for a few hours before wearing it. This allows any remaining solvent to evaporate completely. You will often notice the chemical smell fade during this time.
You can also ask your dry cleaner whether they use PERC or an alternative solvent. If they use an alternative, they will usually mention it — it is a selling point. If they do not advertise an alternative, they almost certainly use PERC.
For garments you wear frequently or that sit close to your face (like scarves or collars), you might choose a cleaner that uses an alternative solvent, even if it costs more. For occasional-wear items like dress pants or blazers, the difference in exposure is negligible.
When to talk to a doctor about dry cleaning exposure
If you work in a dry cleaning shop or own one, talk to your doctor about occupational exposure. You should work in a space with good ventilation — either a dedicated ventilation system or regular air exchange with the outside. Wear gloves when handling solvent-soaked clothes. If you notice symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, or memory problems, mention them to your doctor and describe your work environment.
If you live near a dry cleaning facility and are concerned about groundwater contamination, contact your local health department or water authority. They can tell you whether PERC has been detected in your area and whether your water supply is monitored.
If you straightforward wear dry-cleaned clothes, there is no medical reason to see a doctor about it. The exposure is not significant enough to warrant screening or special precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get sick from wearing dry-cleaned clothes?
No. The amount of PERC residue on dry-cleaned garments, if any, is too small to cause health effects through skin contact or normal wear. You would need to breathe PERC fumes regularly over months or years to develop the health problems documented in workers.
Should I wash new dry-cleaned clothes before wearing them?
You do not have to, but airing them out for a few hours will allow any remaining solvent smell to fade. If you prefer to wash them, that is fine — it will not hurt the garment and will remove any residue, though there is no health reason to do it.
Is dry cleaning with PERC being banned?
The EPA has been phasing out PERC since the 1990s, but it is not yet banned. Some states and cities have stricter rules than others. Check your local regulations if you own or work in a dry cleaning shop, but as a customer, you are not affected by these rules.
What is the safest dry cleaning option?
Liquid carbon dioxide and silicone-based solvents are considered safer than PERC, but they are less common and more expensive. Wet cleaning is also an option for some garments. Ask your dry cleaner what methods they offer.
Can dry cleaning chemicals cause cancer?
PERC is classified as a probable carcinogen based on animal studies, but there is no proven link to cancer in people who wear dry-cleaned clothes. Workers with long-term exposure to high levels of PERC fumes face a higher risk, which is why occupational safety matters.