Shift to chlorinated solvents After World War I, dry cleaners began using chlorinated solvents. These solvents were much less flammable than petroleum solvents and had improved cleaning power. Early solvents were carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene (TCE), but they gradually were phased out as their adverse health effects became more known. TCE may still occasionally be used for spot cleaning of difficult stains.
Shift to chlorinated solvents After World War I dry cleaners began using chlorinated solvents These solvents were much less flammable than petroleum solvents and had improved cleaning power Early solvents were carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene (TCE) but they gradually were phased out as their adverse health effects became more known TCE may still occasionally be used for spot cleaning of difficult stains