Check firstCheck with your care teamHome exposure

Dry-cleaning solvents and freshly cleaned clothing

An occasional dry-cleaned garment is different from repeated workplace or poorly ventilated solvent exposure.

Direct guidance

What to know or do

Air a garment that has a strong chemical smell and return it to the cleaner if the odour persists. Dry-cleaning workers should request a task-specific exposure review rather than relying on smell alone.

What changes the answer

  • The exact product, task, temperature, duration and ventilation
  • Whether exposure is through breathing, swallowing, skin contact or injury
  • Any label warning, spill, symptoms or repeated occupational-level exposure

Check with your care team

When to get individual help

Check the exact item or situation with a doctor, midwife, pharmacist or relevant clinician; the name of a broad category is not enough for a personal decision.