Dry cleaning is any cleaning process for clothing and textiles using a solvent other than water. Clothes are instead soaked in a water-free liquid organic solvent (usually non-polar, as opposed to water which is a polar solvent) typically inside a specialised dry-cleaning machine. The most commonly used solvent is perchloroethylene (known as "PCE" or "perc" for short), although other solvents such as hydrocarbon mixtures and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane are also used. Historical solvents include carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, trichlorotrifluoroethane, trichloroethane and n-propyl bromide.

Most natural fibers can be washed in water but some synthetics (e.g., rayon) react poorly with water and should be dry cleaned if possible.^[1] If not, this could result in changes in texture, colour, strength, and shape. Additionally, certain specialty fabrics, including silk, acetate, and rayon, may also benefit from dry cleaning to prevent damage.