The color of dyed and printed textiles is sometimes damaged by the perchlorethylene effect used during dry cleaning. The fading resistance of the fabric against this effect is called dry cleaning fastness.

Fastness, as is known, is a concept that expresses the resistance of a dye or a dyed fabric to fade by light, air or other effects. These effects include dry cleaning. Perchlorethylene is the most commonly used chemical substance today during dry cleaning. This material is a non-flammable, volatile solvent. It has a sharp smell. Like all chlorinated solvents, it is effective on the nervous system. Repeated contact with human skin may dissolve the oil in the skin and cause a number of skin conditions. Today it is used as a solvent in many applications. Perchlorethylene is a widely used solvent in dry cleaning processes. However, due to these negative aspects, the future of perchlorethylene used in dry cleaning is questioned.

The use of perchlorethylene in dry cleaning is often tested by different techniques. Today, however, this material is still used in dry cleaning, and when not used correctly, the fabrics suffer from this.

The dry cleaning fastness, which is carried out with the aim of determining the damage that perchlorethylene used in dry cleaning may cause to the color and texture of the fabric, is determined in accordance with the following standard:

• TS EN ISO 105-D01 Textiles - Color fastness tests - Part D01: Color fastness to dry cleaning using perchlorethylene solvent

Although the enterprises generally carry out some test and analysis studies within their own bodies, the truth is that these studies should be performed in accredited authorized laboratories. These laboratories are able to provide the most accurate, reliable and precise results quickly with a strong technological infrastructure and trained and experienced staff.