“A” symbol: any solvent A circle with the letter "A" inside indicates that the dry cleaner can use any type of solvent in the cleaning process. This symbol is typically found on sturdy fabrics that can withstand a variety of cleaning methods.
Dry Clean Only Symbol
If you see a square with a circle icon on your tag, this means the clothing is dry clean only. You may also see a circle around the X over the bucket of water. If you see either of these symbols, it's time to take it to the dry cleaner.
The Circle Symbol denotes information for dry cleaning. This is usually specialist information that is given to a dry cleaner who can then determine the best type of treatment for the garment. An empty crossed out circle means do not dry clean. An empty circle indicates to dry clean only.
Perchloroethylene. Perchloroethylene (PCE or "perc", tetrachloroethylene) has been in use since the 1930s. PCE is the most common solvent, the "standard" for cleaning performance. It is a highly effective cleaning solvent, and it is thermally stable, recyclable, and has very low toxicity and a pleasant smell.
Any Solvent Except Trichloroethylene
A circle with a 'P' inside means that your chosen dry cleaner must not use trichloroethylene during any steps of the cleaning process. Trichloroethylene is a colourless liquid chemical that can be damaging to delicate items of clothing.
“A” symbol: any solvent
A circle with the letter "A" inside indicates that the dry cleaner can use any type of solvent in the cleaning process. This symbol is typically found on sturdy fabrics that can withstand a variety of cleaning methods.
Complete Ban on TCE
Trichloroethylene (TCE), widely recognized for its toxic effects, is now banned in all consumer and most commercial uses. For dry cleaners, this means any product or process involving TCE must be eliminated.
D5 is a clear, odorless and non-toxic silicone based solvent (siloxane) considered to be both non-toxic and non-hazardous. It is the lynchpin of the patented GreenEarth Cleaning solution.
Professional dry cleaners use a process that involves immersing garments in the solvent, and agitating them in a dry cleaning machine to help the solvent penetrate the fabric fibers. After which, the garments are rinsed and dried to remove the solvent and any dissolved dirt or stains.
Petrol is used as a solvent in dry cleaning because it is a highly vapourising organic solvent. It makes it easier to remove stains.
Symbols for dry-cleaning
P indicates that the fabric should be cleaned using tetrachloroethylene or one of the solvents listed for symbol F. A line under the symbol indicates that a lower level of agitation, reduced additional moisture and a reduction in temperature is required.
Dry cleaning code F means your professional dry cleaner will use petroleum-based solvents. Dry cleaning code P means your professional dry cleaner must not use trichloroethylene in the cleaning process as this chemical may be damaging to delicate items of clothes.
A tub with one or more lines underneath and a temperature simply means that your garment should be washed gently at the prescribed temperature. Avoid the spin cycle if possible. If you see this symbol, you should resist the urge to twist and turn fabrics to remove excess water, because wringing could damage the fibres.
Petroleum Solvent
If instead of a “P” you see the letter “F” inside the standard Dry Clean Symbol this means you professional dry cleaner will be using petroleum based solvents and cannot be machine dry cleaned.
Triangle. A triangle symbol means 'bleaching allowed' when necessary in a dilute solution, so one with a cross through it is the 'do not bleach symbol'. One with diagonal lines means you can use a non-chlorine colour-safe bleach only.
Use the gentle cycle. Use cool or warm water only (not hot). Use laundry balls instead of detergent. Use a gentle detergent like Woolite.
Hydrocarbon-based drycleaning solvents, such as Isoparaffinic Hydrocarbon, are colorless, odorless liquids that are a byproduct of gasoline manufacturing.
With no need for solvents or other toxic chemicals, wet cleaning is a much friendlier and safer way to launder “dry-clean-only” garments. Traditional dry-clean-only fabrics like delicate wool, silk, and viscose can be safely washed using the wet clean process.
Applying – apply a small amount of solvent to a high quality "shop towel" and wipe surface clean. Never allow the solvent to pool. Allow solvent to fully evaporate for 2 minutes before applying new Smooth-On material. Do not use low quality paper towels or cloth as fibers can be left behind on the surface.
Solvent degreasers are used in industrial cleaning to remove oils, greases, and other contaminants from metal and other surfaces. There are three main types of solvent degreasers: chlorinated, petroleum-based, and aromatic.
Dry Cleaning Symbols
Petroleum Solvent Only: Recommends using petroleum-based solvent for dry cleaning. Perchloroethylene (PCE) Only: Specifies the use of perchloroethylene solvent for dry cleaning.
Perchloroethylene (PERC), a potential human carcinogen, is the most commonly used dry cleaning solvent. Symptoms associated with exposure include: depression of the central nervous system; damage to the liver and kidneys; impaired memory; confusion; dizziness; headache; drowsiness; and eye, nose, and throat irritation.
Trichloroethylene has been sold under a variety of trade names. Industrial abbreviations include TCE, trichlor, Trike, Tricky and tri. Under the trade names Trimar and Trilene, it was used as a volatile anesthetic and as an inhaled obstetrical analgesic.
A common and widely used chemical may be fueling the rise of the world's fastest growing brain condition–Parkinson's disease. For the past 100 years, trichloroethylene (TCE) has been used to decaffeinate coffee, degrease metal, and dry clean clothes.
Exposure to TCE, a ubiquitous chemical mostly used in manufacturing as a solvent for degreasing metal parts, may increase the risk of PD. Genes and environment often work together to increase the risk of developing PD.