What is Dry Cleaning History?

Dry cleaning has a long history that began with ancient roman civilizations and continued to modern day. Dry cleaning actually involves the use of liquid solvents so it isn’t truly "dry." The term simply refers to the fact that dry cleaners are able to clean apparel without using water.  

Although the Ancient Romans performed a dry cleaning process, their methods are so different from methods currently used that it’s almost a stretch to refer to the differing processes with the same name. The “products” used by the Ancient Romans to dry-clean clothing included ammonia and a clay compound to wash garments. The ammonia came from urine and the clay came from the earth. 

In the 1800s, the French pioneered the use of petroleum-based solvents for dry cleaning. These solvents included highly flammable materials like gasoline and kerosene which would often combust. The frequent occurrences of fires and explosions at dry cleaners prompted the government to heavily regulate dry cleaners for the protection of both employees and customers.

Tetrachloroethylene, also referred to as “perc” and “dry cleaning fluid” replaced the use of petroleum-based solvents after the First World War and by the mid-1930s most dry cleaners used the substance. Although the solvent is still used by present-day cleaners, it’s been deemed a highly hazardous substance and cleaners are starting to look at safer, more environmentally friendly “wet-cleaning” methods to replace its use.

In the early part of the century, most dry cleaning was done in a large building away from the dry-cleaning shop that processed orders but over time dry cleaning business began housing the equipment at the shop. Today, small, locally owned dry cleaning businesses can be found in small towns and large cities.