Cleaning without water.
WHAT DRY CLEANING IS
Cleaning using a solvent rather than water.
WHAT IT SUITS
Fabrics damaged by water Structured garments Items that would lose shape
WHAT IT REQUIRES
A dry cleaning machine Solvent Filtration and distillation Handling and storage arrangements Waste management
WHY SOLVENT HANDLING MATTERS
Solvents are hazardous to health and the environment, and they are regulated.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
What solvent you use, its hazards, and the requirements applying to it.
WHAT TO OBTAIN
The safety data sheet.
WHAT VENTILATION REQUIRES
Extraction preventing vapour accumulating where people work.
WHY
Chronic exposure causes lasting harm.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
Protective equipment, and ensure it is used.
WHAT MACHINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRES
Filter changes on schedule Distillation operating correctly Seals and doors intact Solvent level and quality monitored
WHY SOLVENT QUALITY
Contaminated solvent redeposits soil onto garments.
WHAT TO MONITOR
Cleaning results, which indicate solvent condition.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT WASTE
Dispose of it through authorised handlers.
WHY
It is hazardous waste and improper disposal is an offence.
WHAT TO KEEP
Evidence of disposal.
WHAT PRE-SPOTTING INVOLVES
Treating specific stains before the cleaning cycle.
WHY IT MATTERS
Dry cleaning alone removes only some stains.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That garments are inspected before and after.
WHAT TO CHECK AFTER CLEANING
That stains were removed and the garment is undamaged.
