Is Dry Cleaning Safe?

Authored by La Jolla Vitality Co.

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Dry cleaning is an effective way to clean delicate fabrics, remove stains, and help clothing maintain its shape. But despite its name, dry cleaning isn't actually "dry": it uses liquid solvents instead of water. Whether it's safe depends largely on which cleaning method and solvents are used.

Traditional Dry Cleaning

For decades, many dry cleaners have used perchloroethylene (also called perc or PCE). While modern equipment greatly reduces solvent exposure, perc has been linked to health concerns in workers who experience repeated, long-term exposure. Research has associated high occupational exposure with effects on the nervous system, liver, kidneys, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

For the average customer, occasional exposure from wearing dry-cleaned clothing is believed to be much lower than occupational exposure. However, some solvent residue and odor may remain on freshly cleaned garments, especially if the cleaning equipment is older or poorly maintained.

Safer Alternatives

Many dry cleaners now offer alternatives that reduce or eliminate perc, including:

• Professional wet cleaning, which uses water and specialized detergents designed for delicate fabrics.

• Liquid carbon dioxide cleaning, which uses pressurized CO₂ as the cleaning medium.

• Modern solvent systems, which may have lower toxicity than perc, although not all alternatives have been studied equally.

  
  

Tips for Consumers

• Choose a cleaner that advertises professional wet cleaning or perc-free cleaning methods.

• Air out freshly dry-cleaned garments outside or in a well-ventilated area before storing them in a closet.

• Reserve dry cleaning for garments that truly require it, rather than routinely dry cleaning all clothing.

• Whenever the care label allows, machine washing or hand washing is generally the simplest and lowest-exposure option.

  
  

The Bottom Line

Dry cleaning can be a useful service, especially for wool suits, silk garments, and structured clothing. While occasional use is unlikely to pose a significant health risk for most people, choosing cleaners that use professional wet cleaning or other lower-toxicity methods can help reduce unnecessary chemical exposure. For everyday clothing, washing with water is often the healthiest and most environmentally friendly choice.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health or chemical exposures.