Dry cleaning (or dry-cleaning) is any cleaning process for clothing and textiles using an organic solvent rather than water. In fact, the term "dry cleaning" is misleading; it is called dry cleaning because the fluid contains little or no water and does not penetrate the fibers as water does. Dry cleaning uses perchloroethylene (perc) to remove soil and stains from fabric. It is able to dissolve greases and oils and prevents shrinkage, loss of color, and fabric distortion. Dry cleaning is necessary for cleaning items that would otherwise be damaged by water and soap or detergent. Dry cleaning is necessary for fabrics that are delicate and may not do well in daily washing.