What is Dry-Cleaning:

Dry-cleaning was discovered by a French dye works owner, Jean-Baptiste Jolly, in Paris in 1825, as a result of a simple accident. A kerosene lamp had fallen on a tablecloth leaving the area in which the kerosene had spilled very clear and the surrounding areas of the cloth much dirtier. As the practice of cleaning with kerosene grew, other countries started using this method and referred to it as French Cleaning. While dry-cleaning uses little or no water, the process is not "dry". It does involves the use of liquid solvents (substances that dissolve other substances). Over the years due to concerns over environmental issues, new technology has been used to create several new safer types of cleaning solvents. However, perchloroethylene (CCl2.CCl2) is still the most common solvent used by dry cleaners in the USA Today, as it has been for many years. Many machines manufactured for the dry-cleaning process perform the complete process in a self contained unit. The whole dry-cleaning operation is performed in sequence (cleaning, drying, aerating and so on) producing garments ready for inspection, and finishing. The three solvents used at National Gown Cleaners (141, Petroleum and Valclene) are most often used by top end cleaners specializing in furs, leathers or other expensive and delicate fabrics.