Dry Cleaner SOL

Perchloroethylene (PERC) is a widely used solvent in the dry cleaning industry due to its powerful degreasing and stain-removing properties.

Dry Cleaner SOL / Perchloroethylene (PERC) is a widely used solvent in the dry cleaning industry due to its powerful degreasing and stain-removing properties.

Application

How PERC is Used in Dry Cleaning

1. Cleaning Process Overview:

  • Clothes are loaded into a dry cleaning machine, which looks like a large front-loading washer.

  • Instead of water and detergent, PERC is used as the cleaning solvent.

  • The solvent dissolves oil, grease, and organic stains without damaging delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or rayon.

2. Cycle Steps:

  • Wash: PERC is pumped into the drum and circulated through the clothes.

  • Extract: The solvent is drained and extracted via spinning.

  • Dry: Clothes are dried with warm air, and the solvent is collected, condensed, and recycled for reuse.

Dose

Why PERC is Preferred (Historically):

  • Powerful cleaning agent for oils and greases

  • Non-flammable, making it safer for industrial use

  • Gentle on fabrics, preventing shrinkage and color fading

  • Recyclable within the machine, reducing waste

Technical specifications

What is Perchloroethylene (PERC)?

  • Chemical Name: Tetrachloroethylene

  • Formula: C₂Cl₄

  • Type: Non-flammable, chlorinated solvent

  • Appearance: Colorless liquid with a sweet, ether-like odor

Remarks / Precaution

Health & Environmental Concerns:

  • Toxic if inhaled in large amounts or over time (linked to liver, kidney, and nervous system effects)

  • Classified as a possible human carcinogen

  • Requires well-ventilated, sealed systems and PPE for operators

  • Strictly regulated in many countries (e.g., banned or phased out in California, EU restrictions)


Alternatives to PERC in Modern Dry Cleaning:

  • Hydrocarbon solvents (less aggressive, more eco-friendly)

  • Liquid CO₂ cleaning

  • Siloxane-based solvents (e.g., GreenEarth®)

  • Professional wet cleaning (water-based with special machines and detergents)


Conclusion:

Perchloroethylene remains effective but is increasingly being replaced due to safety and environmental concerns. Dry cleaners using PERC must comply with strict safety protocols and environmental regulations.

MSDS

Porduct Name               Dry Cleaner SOL
Part Number   RXSOL-19-3760-330

Company Details:

RX MARINE INTERNATIONAL
105, A wing , BSEL , TECH PARK.
VASHI ,NEW BOMBAY 400703 INDIA

Branch : Kandla, Mumbai , Chennai, Vizag, Kolkata, UAE , OMAN , CANADA and KENYA  

Phone +91 22 20871200 - 1400
Fax +91 22 27612100 :::AOH :0091 9821214367
Email mail@rxmarine.com
Website www.rxmraine.com

Chemical Name Cas No  EC No Weight Classification
Tetrachloroethylene 127-18-4 204-825-9 165,83 g/mol Skin Irrit. 2; Eye Irrit. 2; Skin Sens. 1; Carc. 2; 
Signal Word  Danger
Hazard Statements H300 + H310 Fatal if swallowed or in contact with skin.
Precautionary statements   P262 Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. P280 Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing. P301 + P310 + P330 IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER/ doctor. Rinse mouth. P302 + P352 + P310 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. Immediately call a POISON CENTER/ doctor.
Classification of the substance or mixture Not a hazardous substance or mixture according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
Supplemental Hazard      Statements None
Other hazards  This substance/mixture contains no components considered to be either persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT), or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) at levels of 0.1% or higher.

General advice Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance. 
If inhaled If breathed in, move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Consult a physician.
Eye Contact  After eye contact: rinse out with plenty of water. Call in ophthalmologist. Remove contact lenses.
Swallowed After swallowing: immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most). Consult a physician.
Skin Contact   In case of skin contact: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/ shower. Consult a physician.
Inhalation fresh air. Call in physician.
Ingestion Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Call a doctor or Poison Control Center immediately.
Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delaye The most important known symptoms and effects are described in the labelling (see section 2.2) and/or in section 11
Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed  No data available

Flammability                                                  May be combustible at high temperature.
Suitable extinguishing media  Use extinguishing measures that are appropriate to local circumstances and the surrounding environment.
Unsuitable extinguishing media For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture  Carbon oxides Hydrogen chloride gas Not combustible. Fire may cause evolution of: Hydrogen chloride gas, Phosgene Ambient fire may liberate hazardous vapours. 
Further information Suppress (knock down) gases/vapors/mists with a water spray jet. Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system
Hazardous combustion
products
Fire may cause the evolution of Sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides.
Advice for firefighters Stay in danger area only with self-contained breathing apparatus. Prevent skin contact by keeping a safe distance or by wearing suitable protective clothing.
Protective Equipment Use personal protective equipment.
Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical Has a fire-promoting effect due to the release of oxygen.
Ambient fire may liberate hazardous vapours.

Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures Advice for non-emergency personnel: Do not breathe vapors, aerosols. Avoid substance contact. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate the danger area, observe emergency procedures, consult an expert. For personal protection see section 8.
Spillage Oxidizing material. Stop leak if without risk. Avoid contact with a combustible material (wood, paper, oil, clothing...). Keep substance damp using water spray. Do not touch spilled material. Prevent entry into sewers, basements or confined areas dike if needed. Eliminate all ignition sources. Call for assistance on disposal.
Personal Protection Advice for non-emergency personnel: Avoid inhalation of dusts. Evacuate the danger area, observe emergency procedures, consult an expert. Advice for emergency responders: Protective equipment see section 8.
Enviromental Precaution Do not let product enter drains.
Methods and materials for
containment and cleaning
Contain spillage, and then collect with non-combustible absorbent material, (e.g. sand, earth, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite) and place in container for disposal according to local / national regulations (see section 13).
Reference to other sections    For disposal see section 13.

Advice on protection against fire and explosion Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking.Take measures to prevent the build up of electrostatic charge.
Incompatible materials  Keep away from alkalis, strong oxidizing agents and metals. Provide containment walls of adequate capacity to hold any accidental spills. 
Hygiene measures Immediately change contaminated clothing. Apply preventive skin protection. Wash hands and face after working with substance. For precautions see section 2.2. 
Advice on safe handling Work under hood. Do not inhale substance/mixture. Avoid generation of vapours/aerosols.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities  Tightly closed. Dry. Keep in a well-ventilated place. Keep locked up or in an area accessible only to qualified or authorized persons. Moisture sensitive.
Storage conditions Protected from light.Tightly closed. Keep in a well-ventilated place. Keep locked up or in an area accessible only to qualified or authorized persons. Recommended storage temperature see product label.
Storage class Storage class (TRGS 510): 6.1D: Non-combustible, acute toxic Cat.3 / toxic hazardous materials or hazardous materials causing chronic effects
Specific end use(s) Apart from the uses mentioned in section 1.2 no other specific uses are stipulated 
Advice on general occupational hygiene Advice on safe handling Observe label precautions. Change contaminated clothing. Wash hands after working with substance.

Exposure controls  No specific additional engineering controls are required. Provide good natural or artificial ventilation. 
Engineering Control Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Eye/face protection Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU). Safety glasses
Body Protection protective clothing 
Skin protection This recommendation applies only to the product stated in the safety data sheet, supplied by us and for the designated use. When dissolving in or mixing with other substances and under conditions deviating from those stated in EN374 please contact the supplier of CE-approved gloves (e.g. KCL GmbH, D-36124 Eichenzell, Internet: www.kcl.de). Full contact Material: Viton® Minimum layer thickness: 0,7 mm Break through time: 480 min Material tested:Vitoject® (KCL 890 / Aldrich Z677698, Size M) This recommendation applies only to the product stated in the safety data sheet, supplied by us and for the designated use. When dissolving in or mixing with other substances and under conditions deviating from those stated in EN374 please
Respiratory protection
Recommended Filter type: Filter A (acc. to DIN 3181) for vapours of organic compounds The entrepeneur has to ensure that maintenance, cleaning and testing of respiratory protective devices are carried out according to the instructions of the producer. These measures have to be properly documented.
Other Protection  Measure Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Control of    environmental exposure Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains.

Physical state Liquid
Colour Colorless
Odour No data available
Odor Threshold Not Applicable
pH No data available
Melting Point -22,0 °C
Boiling Point 120,0 - 122,0 °C
Flash Point 6 °C - closed cup
Evaporation Rate Not Applicable
Flammability (solid, gas) No data available
Explosive limits No Data Available
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits No data available
Autoignition temperature No data available
Decomposition temperature  No data available
Vapour pressure 25,3 hPa at 25,0 °C 17,3 hPa at 20,0 °C                                                     
Viscosity Viscosity, dynamic: 0,844 mPa.s at 25 °C   
Density 1,62 g/cm3
Relative Density No data available
Specific Gravity No data available 
Partition coefficient log Pow: 2,53 at 23 °C
Explosive properties No data available 
Solubility 0,15 g/l at 25 °C
Ignition temperature No information available.
Particle characteristics No data available 

Reactivity                        No data available
Chemical stability The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature) . 
Possibility of hazardous reactions Alkali metals Aluminum sodium amide Barium nitrogen dioxide Oxygen with alkali hydroxides Exothermic reaction with: strong alkalis Alkaline earth metals strong alkalis Light metals Powdered metals Oxidizing agents Strong acids Strong bases nitrous gases Risk of ignition or formation of inflammable gases or vapours with: zinc oxide with Aluminum 
Conditions to avoid Heat, flames and sparks.                                                                                         
Incompatible materials
various plastics 
Hazardous decomposition products In the event of fire: see section 5

Acute toxicity  LD50 Oral - Rat - male and female - 3.420 mg/kg (OECD Test Guideline 401) Remarks: (ECHA) Inhalation: No data available Dermal: No data available                     
Skin corrosion/irritation Skin - Rabbit Result: Skin irritation - 4 h (OECD Test Guideli
Serious eye      damage/irritation Eyes - Rabbit Result: Mild eye irritation - 24 h (Draize Test) Remarks: (RTECS)
Respiratory or skin    sensitization  Local lymph node assay (LLNA) - Mouse Result: May cause sensitization by skin contact. (OECD Test Guideline 429) Remarks: (ECHA) 
Carcinogenicity Suspected of causing cancer. 
Germ cell  mutagenicity  Test Type: Chromosome aberration test in vitro Test system: Chinese hamster ovary cells Metabolic activation: with and without metabolic activation Method: OECD Test Guideline 473 Result: negative Remarks: (ECHA) Test Type: Ames test Test system: Salmonella typhimurium Metabolic activation: without metabolic activation Method: OECD Test Guideline 471 Result: negative Remarks: (ECHA)
Reproductive toxicity  No data available
Specific target organ toxicity - single      exposure
No data available
Additional Information RTECS: UF9625000 Lung irritation, Cyanosis, Central nervous system depression To the best of our knowledge, the chemical, physical, and toxicological properties have not been thoroughly investigated.

Persistence and degradability No data available
Toxicity to fish  flow-through test LC50 - Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) - 5 mg/l - 96 h Remarks: (ECHA)
Toxicity to daphnia and other aquatic invertebrates EC50 - Daphnia magna (Water flea) - 7,50 mg/l - 48 h
Toxicity Toxicity to fish LC50 - Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) - 1.520 mg/l - 96 h
Toxicity to bacteria  EC10 - Bacteria - 14 mg/l - 72 h Remarks: (Lit.) EC5 - E.coli - 15.000 mg/l Remarks: (Lit.) (maximum permissible toxic concentration)
Toxicity to algae ErC50 - Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (green algae) - 3,64 mg/l - 72 h Remarks: (ECHA)
Products Biodegradation The methods for determining the biological degradability are not applicable to inorganic substances.
Mobility in soil No data available
Results of PBT and vPvB assessment This substance/mixture contains no components considered to be either persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT), or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) at levels of 0.1% or higher.
Endocrine disrupting       properties No data available
Other adverse effects No data available .

Product See www.retrologistik.com for processes regarding the return of chemicals and containers, or contact us there if you have further questions.

UN number ADR/RID:1897               IMDG:1897            IATA: 1897
UN proper shipping name  ADR/RID:TETRACHLOROETHYLENE   IMDG:TETRACHLOROETHYLENE IATA:TETRACHLOROETHYLENE 
Transport hazard class(es)      ADR/RID: 6.1                  IMDG: 6.1              IATA:6.1
Packaging group ADR/RID: III                    IMDG:  III               IATA:III
Environmental hazards ADR/RID: No                  IMDG: No               IATA: No
Special precautions for user No data available
Further information Not classified as dangerous in the meaning of transport regulations.

Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture This material safety data sheet complies with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006.
Other regulations Observe work restrictions regarding maternity protection in accordance to Dir 92/85/EEC or stricter national regulations where applicable. Take note of Dir 94/33/EC on the protection of young people at work.
Chemical Safety Assessment For this product a chemical safety assessment was not carried out

Other Information

The information above is believed to be accurate and represents the  best information   currently    available  to us.  However,   we   make no warranty of merchantability or any other warranty, express or implied, with respect to such information, and  weassume  no liability resulting from its use. Users should make  their  own  investigations  to determine the suitability of the information for their particular purposes. In no event shall be liable for any claims, losses, or damages of any third party or for lost profits or any special, indirect, incidental, consequential or exemplary damages, howsoever arising, even if Rx Marine International  has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY :The information in this SDS was obtained from sources which we believe are reliable. However, the information is provided without any warranty, express or implied, regarding its correctness. The conditions or methods of handling, storage, use or disposal of the product are beyond our control and may be beyond our knowledge. For this and other reasons, we do not assume responsibility and expressly disclaim liability for loss, damage or expense arising out of or in any way connected with the handling, storage, use or disposal of the product. This MSDS was prepared and is to be used only for this product. If the product is used as a component in another product, this MSDS information may not be applicable.

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