Dry clean with tetrachloroethylene (P)
An ISO 3758 circle containing the letter P, indicating professional dry cleaning with tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) and all solvents coded F.
What it means
The letter P limits cleaning to the perchloroethylene solvent system (and the milder hydrocarbon solvents). Any bar beneath the circle calls for a gentler, lower-moisture or lower-temperature process to protect a more sensitive item.
What to do
Use a professional cleaner equipped for perchloroethylene or hydrocarbon cleaning — this is the most common high-street setup, so it is rarely a problem. Mention any bar under the symbol so they choose the gentler programme.
How to use this term
Use this professional-cleaning symbol when the item may need a dry cleaner or wet-cleaning specialist instead of home washing.
- Read dry clean with tetrachloroethylene (p) with the other symbols on the same care label; the strictest symbol wins.
- Match the instruction to the garment's most fragile part, including trims, lining, prints and finishes.
- If the label, fabric behaviour and stain method disagree, test a hidden area or choose the lower-risk route.
Common mistake
A freshly perc-cleaned garment can carry a faint solvent smell, so it is worth airing it before you wear or store it. The plastic film from the cleaner is meant for transport, not storage: slip it off and let the item air on an open hanger rather than sealing it in a closed wardrobe or wearing it straight from the bag. Hydrocarbon (F) and wet-cleaning tend to smell less.
For the broader method, use the Silk care guide and then return to this term when the label changes the safe option.
Related terms
Sources
- ISO 3758:2012 Textiles — Care labelling code using symbols — International Organization for Standardization