Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Dry Cleaning: Building Code Definition

How the IFC 2009 define dry cleaning, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

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Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

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Direct answer

Dry cleaning is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Dry Cleaning. The code's own words are: “The process of removing dirt, grease, paints and other stains from such items as wearing apparel, textiles, fabrics and rugs by use of nonaqueous liquids (solvents).” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IFC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 8 chapters of this corpus, most often in Dry Cleaning (IFC 2009), Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009), Definitions (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.

Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.

What does this term mean?

Dry Cleaning — IFC 2009, Dry Cleaning:

The process of removing dirt, grease, paints and other stains from such items as wearing apparel, textiles, fabrics and rugs by use of nonaqueous liquids (solvents).

Labeled code-term definition diagram: Dry Cleaning: Building Code Definition — How the IFC 2009 define dry cleaning, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

What must be verified before using this guidance?

Dry Cleaning is defined once in this corpus, in the Dry Cleaning chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:

The process of removing dirt, grease, paints and other stains from such items as wearing apparel, textiles, fabrics and rugs by use of nonaqueous liquids (solvents).

Where dry cleaning is used in the code

The term appears in 8 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

Chapter	Code	Mentions
Dry Cleaning	IFC 2009	81
Exhaust Systems	IMC 2009	13
Definitions	IFC 2009	11
Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy	IBC 2009	6
Flammable and Combustible Liquids	IFC 2009	6
Scope and Administration	IFC 2009	6
Use and Occupancy Classification	IBC 2009	4
Definitions	IMC 2009	2

The term in use

How the code actually writes about dry cleaning, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

Dry cleaning plants and their operations shall comply with the requirements of this chapter.

— IFC 2009 §1201.1

An operational permit is required to engage in the business of dry cleaning or to change to a more hazardous cleaning solvent used in existing dry cleaning equipment.

— IFC 2009 §105.6.12

Dry Cleaning: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.

Check	Where	Confirmed
Read the definition in the adopted IFC	Dry Cleaning
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Dry Cleaning (IFC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Definitions (IFC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009)
Local amendment to any of the above	Jurisdiction's amendment list

A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.

Sources and method

Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

Source links

Frequently asked questions

What is the code definition of dry cleaning?

The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Dry Cleaning as: “The process of removing dirt, grease, paints and other stains from such items as wearing apparel, textiles, fabrics and rugs by use of nonaqueous liquids (solvents).” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.

Which parts of the code depend on dry cleaning?

In this corpus the term is used across 8 chapters, led by Dry Cleaning in the IFC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.

What is the NAICS code for a dry cleaning business?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Dry Cleaning: “The process of removing dirt, grease, paints and other stains from such items as wearing apparel, textiles, fabrics and rugs by use of nonaqueous liquids (solvents).” It is defined in IFC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.

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