For decades, perchloroethylene (PERC) has been the main solvent used in dry cleaning, because of its ability to remove stubborn stains and grease. However, PERC can be aggressive on certain fibers and can strip dyes from fabrics. It is considered a reproductive toxicant, neurotoxicant, environmental pollutant, and potential human carcinogen and has documented immunological effects.
In this article, we will explore what PERC is, why it is being phased out, how this transition affects not just the drycleaning industry but also the restoration industry, and what alternatives are stepping in to fill the gap.
What Is PERC: Perchloroethylene, also called tetrachloroethylene, PERC, or PCE, is a nonflammable, colorless chlorinated solvent. It evaporates easily and has a distinctive odor. It has been the dominant solvent in manufacturing, auto repair shops, and dry cleaning for decades because it is highly effective at dissolving oils, grease, and tough stains.
Why It’s Problematic: Studies have linked prolonged exposure to PERC to respiratory and neurological issues, as well as an elevated risk of certain cancers. The chemical also falls under the banner of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to air pollution and groundwater contamination if leaks occur. Drinking water contaminated with PERC can damage the liver, kidney, and nervous system.
Regulations: In the United States, the EPA has been regulating PERC emissions for years. But some states, especially California, are taking even stronger actions. California began phasing out PERC in 2007, banning new machines that use it by 2023 and requiring existing machines to be retired shortly thereafter. Other regions in the U.S. and worldwide have followed suit by rolling out stricter rules or outright bans.
The Evolution of Dry Cleaning Equipment
When I entered the industry in the early 90’s, we were already starting to hear about tighter regulations and concerns over air quality, water contamination, and health risks not only for workers but for the residences around drycleaning facilities. They had already made great advancements from the first generation “wet-to-dry” machines, where wet clothes were physically transferred from a washer to a separate dryer, to the second generation “dry-to-dry” machines, which could wash and dry garments in the same unit. However, it vented solvent vapors from the washing drum when the door was opened after drying directly into the atmosphere with no filtration. Then came the third generation “closed loop” machines that recovered vapors using a refrigerated condenser. The fourth-generation machines continued to use refrigerated condensers but added carbon absorbers to recover even more solvent vapors and improve air quality. Today’s fifth-generation machines still use those same features but have included inductive fans, sensors, and devices that prevent access to the machine door, button trap, or filters until solvent vapor levels drop below certain levels at the end of the dry cycle, which is typically below 300 parts per million (ppm).
Fast forward to the present, and the industry is at a tipping point. Government agencies, environmental groups, and even consumers have pushed hard to restrict, and in many cases outright ban, the use of PERC. The National Library of Medicine estimated in 2017 that 60–65% of dry cleaners in the United States still use PERC as their primary solvent, with the remainder relying on high-flashpoint hydrocarbons and other solvents, which are steadily gaining ground as safer alternatives. However, a more recent estimation suggests that the figure of those still using PERC has dropped to around 30-35%.
The Impact on the Dry Cleaning and Restoration Industry
The industry has been moving away from PERC for many years, but in December 2024, the EPA issued a final rule regulating PERC. Compliance timelines vary based on the type of drycleaning machine used, with older types of machines being phased out sooner than newer ones. Cleaners that have older, third-generation drycleaning machines would have to stop using PERC and switch to alternative solvents within three years. Cleaners with newer dry cleaning equipment, like the fourth and fifth generation machines, would have 10 years to make the transition because they recover and store PERC more effectively than older generation models.
While this move has been praised for improving public health and environmental safety, it poses serious operational and financial challenges for smaller mom-and-pop dry cleaners and restoration professionals who must upgrade equipment, invest in training, and obtain new certifications. Switching from PERC to alternative solvents involves new cleaning processes and potentially different garment finishing procedures. Staff members need training to use these alternative technologies effectively. Depending on the solvent, cycle times or drying times may vary, potentially slowing down productivity if staff are unfamiliar with the new methods or alternative machines. The cost of transitioning or replacing their equipment can be high. However, President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget requested funding to support small business efforts and ease the economic strain. If approved and implemented, these grants could be used to support small businesses in their transition away from PERC.
Alternatives That Are Changing the Game
Whether for traditional dry cleaning or restoration work, where garments and textiles may be heavily soiled from smoke or water damage, safer substitutes do exist, but they each have their pros and cons.
These include:
- Hydrocarbon Solvents (e.g., DF-2000, EcoSolv, PureDry)
- Pros: Less aggressive on fabrics, lower toxicity than PERC, and require only minor modifications to existing dry cleaning equipment.
- Cons: They remain VOCs and pose some level of environmental, health, and safety concerns. They are also classified as combustible liquids and must be kept away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces.
- Silicone-Based Solvents (e.g., GreenEarth)
- Pros: Formulated with silicone (D5), these solvents are gentler on both humans and fabrics, produce minimal odor, and are considered more environmentally friendly.
- Cons: Although it is not regulated by the EPA, the Safety Data Sheet classifies it as a combustible liquid and recommends preventing its release into drains and waterways.
- Liquid CO₂ Cleaning
- Pros: Using pressurized carbon dioxide eliminates VOC emissions, leaves no chemical residue, and poses less risk to workers’ health.
- Cons: The biggest hurdles are the high initial costs for specialized equipment and the technical expertise required to maintain pressure systems.
- Professional Wet Cleaning
- Pros: Recommended by the EPA for its safety and effectiveness, wet cleaning relies on water and biodegradable detergents. It avoids hazardous chemicals entirely, making it safer for employees, customers, and the community.
- Cons: It requires specific training and equipment to handle delicate or hard-to-clean materials, a process that some businesses find challenging at first.
The Road Ahead
As the industry continues to evolve, PERC’s days are numbered. Regulations will only become more stringent, and consumer demand for greener, healthier cleaning solutions is on the rise. The good news? The growing variety of safer, more sustainable alternatives like hydrocarbon solvents, silicone-based solutions, liquid CO₂, and wet cleaning means that both dry cleaners and restoration professionals can find methods that deliver excellent results without compromising on safety or environmental impact. Safer, greener methods are already here, and they are only getting better.
For those of us who remember when perc was the only game in town, it is certainly the end of an era. But it is also the beginning of a more forward-looking approach to fabric care, one that benefits not just our customers and employees but our communities and the planet as well.
James Copeland
James Copeland is the Director of Technical Services at Prism Specialties, where he has spent the last 11 years providing technical training, business consultation, and support on commercial losses for the Prism Specialties franchise network. Previously, he honed his expertise in the drycleaning and commercial laundry field as a service technician and high-pressure boiler technician, designing and installing dry cleaning plants. Outside of work, James enjoys spending time with his family, especially his grandson. For more information, contact James at 734-718-8802 or [email protected]
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