# Dry clean with tetrachloroethylene (P) | Launderwise

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Professional cleaning

![Dry clean with tetrachloroethylene (P)](/images/care-symbols/dry-clean-tetrachloroethylene-solvent.svg)

# 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

Do not override a dry-clean or professional-cleaning instruction just because the fabric feels sturdy.

For the broader method, use the [Silk care guide ](/blog/wash-silk-without-ruining-it/index.md)and then return to this term when the label changes the safe option.

## Related terms

- [Dry clean](/glossary/dry-clean/index.md)
- [Dry clean with hydrocarbon solvent (F)](/glossary/dry-clean-hydrocarbon-solvent/index.md)
- [Dry clean, any solvent](/glossary/dry-clean-any-solvent/index.md)

## Sources

- [ISO 3758:2012 Textiles — Care labelling code using symbols ](https://www.iso.org/standard/42918.html)— International Organization for Standardization

[ Back to the full glossary](/glossary/index.md)