dry cleaning (or dry-cleaning) is any cleaning process for clothing and textiles using a chemical solvent (a chemical that can dissolve certain compounds) rather than water. the solvent used is usually tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene). the solvent is called "perc" in the industry and "dry-cleaning fluid" by the public. it is often used instead of hand washing delicate fabrics. people use dry cleaning because it takes less work than hand washing.