The History of Dry Cleaning

When you drop off your favorite blazer or silk dress at Fazio Cleaners, you’re participating in a legacy of textile care that spans thousands of years. Though today’s process is high-tech and eco-conscious, dry cleaning has ancient roots. And the journey from clay pots to carbon filters is more fascinating than you might expect.

Let’s take a closer look at the history of dry cleaning, how it evolved, and why it still plays an essential role in modern garment care.

Ancient Origins: The First Cleaners

Dry cleaning may feel like a modern convenience, but its origins date back to ancient times.

In ancient Rome, a profession called “fullers” handled the task of cleaning garments. These early cleaners used a mixture of clay, ash, and even ammonia (often sourced from urine) to remove oils and dirt from woolen garments—essentially the first known solvents. They would scrub, stomp, and rinse the fabrics in large vats. A far cry from the gentle cleaning we rely on today.

While the concept of using a liquid to clean without water wasn’t fully formed yet, the groundwork for solvent-based cleaning had been laid.

19th Century Innovation: The Accidental Discovery

Modern dry cleaning, as we know it, has its origin in France during the 1840s. Jean-Baptiste Jolly, a French dye-works owner, noticed that his tablecloth became cleaner after a maid accidentally spilled kerosene (or turpentine, depending on the source) on it.

Recognizing the potential of this reaction, Jolly developed one of the first dry cleaning services using petroleum-based solvents. This method was adopted widely in the 19th century. And it became the basis for the dry cleaning industry in Europe and eventually the United States.

By the late 1800s, dry cleaning shops were becoming more common in American cities. They offered customers a new way to care for delicate fabrics that couldn’t withstand traditional washing.

The Rise of Commercial Dry Cleaning in the U.S.

As urban populations grew in the early 20th century, so did the demand for garment care services. Dry cleaning businesses began to pop up in cities and towns across the country, offering convenience for busy professionals and families.

However, the use of flammable solvents like gasoline and kerosene posed serious safety risks. Fires and explosions were not uncommon, which led to the development of safer cleaning compounds.

In the 1930s, the industry made a major leap with the introduction of perchloroethylene (PERC)—a nonflammable solvent that proved highly effective at removing stains without damaging fabrics. PERC quickly became the industry standard for decades.

The Shift Toward Eco-Friendly Practices

While PERC was revolutionary, concerns about its environmental and health impacts led to new regulations and industry shifts in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Today, many dry cleaners—including Fazio Cleaners—are moving toward green alternatives, such as:

• Silicone-based solvents (like GreenEarth®)
• Hydrocarbon-based solvents
• Wet cleaning using water and biodegradable detergents
• CO2-based cleaning

These newer methods are not only safer for the environment but also gentler on your garments. At Fazio Cleaners, we’re proud to embrace eco-conscious garment care, combining the science of innovation with our longstanding commitment to excellence.

Learn more about our eco-friendly practices.

The Evolution of Dry Cleaning Technology

Technology continues to refine the dry-cleaning process. From automated spotting stations to digital garment tracking systems, modern dry cleaning is a far cry from the labor-intensive methods of the past.

Here’s how today’s top-tier cleaners, like Fazio, are staying ahead:

• Barcode tracking ensures every item is processed correctly and returned to the right owner.
• Precision spotting techniques target specific stains with customized treatments.
• Gentle tumbling machines clean without shrinking or damaging fabrics.
• Eco-conscious filtration systems reduce waste and pollution.

Dry cleaning has gone from a risky and rudimentary process to a high-performance industry built on care, consistency, and innovation.

Why Dry Cleaning Still Matters Today

Despite advancements in washing machines and detergents, dry cleaning still plays an essential role in maintaining the quality and longevity of certain garments. Delicate fabrics like silk, wool, rayon, and many formalwear pieces are best preserved with solvent-based cleaning.

Here’s why clients still choose professional dry cleaning:

• Preserves fabric integrity and color
• Removes oil-based stains that water can’t
• Extends the life of garments
• Offers convenience and time-saving

For busy professionals, frequent travelers, and families who care about their wardrobe, dry cleaning is a timeless service that continues to evolve without losing its core value: trustworthy garment care.

Fazio Cleaners: Carrying the Tradition Forward

Since our founding, Fazio Cleaners has built a reputation rooted in craftsmanship, reliability, and care. We honor the history of dry cleaning while embracing the latest technologies to offer our customers the very best.

With locations across Southern California, one in Las Vegas, and a passion for perfection, our team continues to raise the standard for garment care—blending historic knowledge with forward-thinking solutions.

Learn more about our story and why generations of clients trust Fazio with their most treasured garments.

The Fazio Advantage

At Fazio Cleaners, we go beyond basic dry cleaning. Our specialists bring decades of experience in garment care, tailoring, and luxury fashion preservation. We understand that proper fit and finish go beyond fabric care. It’s about ensuring confidence and comfort in every piece you wear.

Whether you’re maintaining a high-end work wardrobe or caring for delicate couture, our team delivers personalized attention and expert handling. We treat every item with precision and respect, combining traditional craftsmanship with advanced fabric-safe technologies.

From detailed inspections to eco-friendly cleaning and master tailoring, we offer a full spectrum of luxury garment care services under one roof. Because when it comes to your most valuable wardrobe pieces, nothing less than excellence will do.