Which Fabrics Cannot Be Cleaned with Perchloroethylene

Perc is widely used as a dry cleaning solvent. 
However, not all fabrics can be treated with perc, so precise identification of fabrics is very important for avoiding laundry accidents and protecting clothes.

Details

Some materials may dissolve, deform, harden, or be damaged when exposed to perc.

● Plastics/Resins
- Specific
· Acetate fiber
· Polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane coatings, artificial leather.
· Plastic sequins and decorative elements.
- Possible results
Dissolution, melting, stickiness.
● Metal Accessories
- Specific
Some thin-coated metal or unstable metal decorative pieces, zippers, and buttons.
- Possible results
Oxidation
Loss of luster
The peeling of coating
● Coated Composite Materials
- Specific
Teflon: waterproof coatings
Front plackets of certain suits: with fusible interlinings
- Possible results
Coating peeling, cracking, adhesive failure. 
● Some Special Leathers
- Specific
Leather products with unstable dyeing or surface treatments.
- Possible results
Fading, hardening of texture, and coating damage.
● Silk
- Possible results
Discoloration

 
● Down Jackets
- Possible results
Damage the protein in the down and thermal insulation.
● Fabrics with Fluorescent Whitening Agents
- Specific
Fabrics with fluorescent whitening agents
- Possible results
It will dissolve. This results in duller colors after dry cleaning.
Professional Operation Suggestions
● Primary Principle: Check the Care Label
Circle with a “P” symbol: safe dry cleaning with perchloroethylene.
Circle with a “P” and a horizontal line below: dry cleaning requires caution, and people should adjust cleaning time, temperature, or humidity accordingly.
Circle with an “F” symbol: dry cleaning should use petroleum-based solvents.
Marked “Do Not Dry Clean”: Perchloroethylene dry cleaning is strictly prohibited.
- For any uncertain clothes, especially clothes with plastic decorations, coatings, or special fabrics, people should always perform a spot test on a concealed area (e.g., inner seam) first and observe for signs of dissolution, fading, or deformation.
For the above fabrics that cannot bear perchloroethylene, alternative cleaning methods such as petroleum-based solvent dry cleaning, silicone-based solvent dry cleaning (e.g., GreenEarth), or professional wet cleaning technology can be chosen. People should strictly adhere to care label instructions, and pre-cleaning tests are the key to avoiding laundry accidents and ensuring the safety of customers’ garments.

Alternative Solutions: Kingstar Professional Wet Cleaning Machines

For the above-mentioned fabrics that are intolerant to perchloroethylene, the Kingstar professional wet cleaning machine (15/20/25 kg) has become an efficient solution with its precise fabric matching design and safe washing technology. The core advantages are as follows.
● Intelligent Customized Programs 
The intelligent washing system, which is developed by professional software engineers and senior laundry experts together, can accurately set washing parameters for different materials. (silk, wool, down, coated fabrics...) A minimum speed of 15 revolutions per minute (rpm) ensures the safe washing of high-end fabrics. (mulberry silk, cashmere...) Kinsgtar supports the creation of multiple customized programs, and allows personalized adjustment of key indicators (main washing speed, temperature, and water level...) This prevents fabric discoloration, deformation, or coating damage. It perfectly meets the washing needs of fabrics that are sensitive to conventional cleaning methods. (silk, special leathers, down jackets...)
● Damage-Proof Structure
The laundry loading opening has a curled-edge design with a gap of only 4 to 6mm (smaller than that of similar European and American products). Combined with a convex glass door, it effectively prevents clothing zippers, buttons, or other accessories from getting stuck in the door gap and causing damage. The inner drum, outer tub, and all water-contacting parts are made of 304 stainless steel.
● Efficiency and Cost Control
The inner drum has a diamond-patterned mesh design with 3mm apertures. This increases friction to improve cleaning efficiency and prevents fabric scratches. Equipped with a spray system that filters lint, it ensures cleaner washing for clothes with decorations or coatings. The high dehydration design eliminates water spots when washing down jackets, shortens drying time, and boosts the efficiency of commercial laundry operations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right washing equipment is important for the safety of all clothes. Kingstar professional wet cleaning machines precisely solve the washing problems of special fabrics by intelligent programs, anti-damage structures, and efficient cleaning designs. They can both safeguard the quality of customers’ clothes and meet the efficiency and cost requirements of commercial laundry. It’s an ideal choice for improving the service capabilities of laundries.