Updated December 28, 2025
Wondering when was dry cleaning invented?
Drycleaning was invented in the early 19th century with modern dry-cleaning developing around the 1820s and 1830s.
It is true that ancient civilizations used early solvents to clean fabric and textiles. However, it was not the same dry-cleaning process that we recognize today. Today’s drycleaning involves chemical solvents that remove stains without water.
What is Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is a clothing care method using liquid solvents instead of water.
It is known for its effectiveness in cleaning delicate fabrics that may shrink, fade, color-bleeding, or lose its shape during a traditional machine washing. With the evolution of more complex fabrics and clothing design, the dry-cleaning process became a necessity.
Over the years, dry cleaning businesses received some backlash involving health and environmental concerns in the United States.
How Drycleaning Has Become Safer Over the Years
- Closed-loop cleaning systems now capture and recycle solvents. This helps reduce emissions and exposure.
- Stricter environmental and safety regulations protect workers, communities, and air quality.
- Improved filtration technology removes impurities before solvents are reused.
- Greener alternative solvents (such as hydrocarbon, liquid silicone, and CO₂-based systems) reduce environmental impact.
- Advanced machine design minimizes solvent loss and improves efficiency.
- Ongoing industry training and certification ensure that the best environmentally friendly practices are followed consistently.
Communities should feel safer knowing dry cleaners have more advanced education of environmental issues and are also held to a high standard. Significant advancements designed to protect people, garments, and the environment but still providing expert clothing care.
A Timeline of Dry Cleaning’s Evolution
Earlier, we mentioned Ancient Rome and its dry-cleaning connection. They understood the benefits of solvents – and their stain-removal properties.
Up until mid-19th century, dry cleaning looked very different. Earlier methods utilized petroleum-based solvents. Although highly effective as stain removes, they pose risks to the environment. (They also are quite harsh on fabrics as well.)
Dry cleaning slowly evolved bringing new solvents. One of the earlier (and less harmful) solvents is naphtha. The dry-cleaning industry didn’t stop there. They continued and continue to adapt.
Early 1800s Discoveries
Unfortunately, the early dry cleaning history is tainted by its hazardous chemical usage. Let’s take a look at the early dry cleaning process.
In the early 19th century, Jean Baptiste Jolly made a discovery that shaped modern drycleaning. After kerosene accidentally cleaned a stained tablecloth, he began experimenting with solvents and later opened one of the first dry cleaners.
Gasoline, kerosene, and other flammable petroleum-based solvents were the main go to. Were they effective stain removers? Yes. Were they highly volatile and dangerous? Yes, as well. Professional garment care continued to evolve. This led to less flammable solvents such as carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene.
1930s Commercial Expansion
In the 1930s, dry cleaning became more widespread. Perchloroethylene (perc) was a driving force for its growing popularity. Although effective, early processing brought both environmental and health concerns. Perc (and other petroleum solvents) is still popular today, but there have been advancements to reduce exposure. In addition, there are many strict environmental guidelines in place to protect your community (and dry clean workers).
The dry cleaning industry rallied to find innovative solutions. Modern-day dry cleaning establishments have embraced green cleaning agents, such as liquid silicone, which offer exceptional cleaning power while being non-toxic and biodegradable. These eco-friendly solvents ensure that the fabrics’ integrity remains intact while providing an impeccable level of cleanliness.
Thomas Jennings’ Patent
Before Jolly’s discovery in France, Thomas L. Jennings filed for a “dry scouring” patent through the U.S. Patent Office. As a clothier and tailor, Jennings’ clients relied on him for their clothing care.
Without proper stain removal, his clients stopped wearing and trashing his designs. Instead of taking advantage of the situation, he wanted to find a solution that saved clothing from being tossed. Thomas Jennings experimented with various solutions and solvents.
After testing on a few fabrics, he found his solution! With this, he requested a patent. Certainly, an accomplishment, but this dry scouring patent was so much more. Thomas L. Jennings is the first African-American man to receive a patent. In addition to paving the way, Jennings took his hard-earned money and put it towards various abolitionist activities. A true community hero!
Thomas L. Jennings is widely recognized as the first person in the United States to patent a dry cleaning–related process, known as “dry scouring,” in 1821.Modern Eco-friendly Solvents
Fashion is ever-changing. Dry cleaners play a vital role in your wardrobe. When risks were discovered, the dry cleaning community took them seriously and researched alternative solvents. The environment, the community and dry-cleaning workers deserve safer alternatives without losing quality care.
Overview of Dry Cleaning Solvents
Perchloroethylene solvent (PCE or Perc)
Once considered the standard in dry cleaning chemicals, perc remains a highly-effective stain remover and also gentle on fabric. The dry cleaning community aimed to mitigate risks involved with perc usage. Here are a few key trouble areas that were addressed:
Closed-Loop Systems: Today’s dry cleaning machines are designed with a closed-loop system. This capture and recycles perc reducing process emissions.
Improved Filtration: During the extraction process, advanced filtration systems remove impurities from the perc. By allowing the solvent for reuse, filtration reduces the need for fresh solvent. Less excess solvent left over means less waste.
Regulatory Compliance: Stricter regulations and industry standards are in place and always evolving. We are always looking for ways to less environmental impacts, maintain health of workers, and overall long-term exposure to any dry cleaning chemicals. Dry cleaners must adopt all best practices to protect both laundry workers and the community from carcinogenic risks. Learn about Hallak Cleaner’s green efforts here – including our EPA Certificate of Environmental Stewardship.
Hydrocarbon Solvents
Hydrocarbon solvents revolutionized the dry cleaning industry. It is an effective solvent and is a safe and eco-friendly alternative. Exceptional cleaning power. Minimizes color fading. Less fabric deterioration. Your designer garments receive the utmost care and attention they deserve with minimal risk.
Best part? Cleaning with hydrocarbon solvents (and other organic solvents) pose no significant risks to human health or the environment.
Supercritical CO2
Supercritical CO2 is revolutionary, effective cleaning solvent. A true game changer, Supercritical CO2 offers superior cleaning capabilities without compromising fabric quality. It’s odorless, non-toxic, non-flammable, and leaves no harmful residue.
The Future of the Dry Cleaning Industry
There was a time when “dry cleaning” was considered a dirty industry. At times, it was a necessary evil for your wardrobe. Clean clothes sometimes require a different level of care outside of your domestic washing machine. Delicate clothing is often labeled “dry clean only” and should be followed.
As a family-owned and operated couture cleaner, we can assure you we are not evil. We care a lot about our employees, clients, and the environment. Hallak Cleaners proudly leads the charge in adopting modern machines and innovative practices. You invest in your wardrobe and we are invested in you. It is the reason we implement eco-friendly solvents, utilize cutting-edge technology, and regularly provide training.
Hallak Cleaners was the first of Manhattan’s dry cleaners to be a licensed GreenEarth cleaner (using GreenEarth cleaning process). Today’s dry cleaning machines and solvents are designed for eco-friendly practices with maintaining their effectiveness. Learn more about Hallak’s specialized services or schedule your pick-up today.
