Tetrachloroethylene, also known under the systematic name tetrachloroethene, or perchloroethylene, and abbreviations such as "perc", and "PCE", is a chlorocarbon with the formula Cl2C=CCl2. It is a colorless liquid widely used for dry cleaning of fabrics, hence it is sometimes called "dry-cleaning fluid". It also has its uses as an effective automotive brake cleaner. It has a mild sweet, sharp odor, detectable by most people at a concentration of 50 ppm.
Tetrachloroethylene
Advertisement for Dow Chemical's Tetrachloroethylene, 1952
Dry cleaning is any cleaning process for clothing and textiles using a solvent other than water. Clothes are instead soaked in a water-free liquid solvent. Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene), known in the industry as "perc", is the most commonly used solvent, although alternative solvents such as 1-bromopropane and hydrocarbons are also used.
A dry-cleaner in East Germany, 1975
Italian dry cleaning machine used in France in the 1960s
A modern dry cleaning machine with touchscreen and SPS control. Manufacturer: EazyClean, type EC124. Photo taken prior to installation.
Series 3 dry cleaning machine with PLC control. Manufacturer: BÖWE Textile Cleaning; Germany.