Commercial Laundry: Rodrigo Patron, Lace House Linen, Petaluma, Calif.
In the industrial laundry industry, achieving the best cleaning performance depends not only on advanced technology and machinery but also on paying close attention to various fundamental factors.
It’s crucial to check all the basics thoroughly. Often, issues in wash floors are not caused by one major problem, but rather a combination of minor issues that add up and affect overall effectiveness.
Addressing these basics—such as accurately measuring weights, proper chemical injection, allowing sufficient stand time and ensuring skilled operators—can significantly improve results.
Accurate measurement of weights is crucial for effective industrial washing. Each wash cycle needs to be customized for the specific load it handles. If the wash floor is overloaded, it can lead to inadequate cleaning because the system may not have the capacity to clean the materials effectively.
On the other hand, underloading can result in inefficient use of resources. By meticulously measuring and adhering to recommended load weights, one can ensure that the wash floor operates within its optimal parameters, enhancing both cleaning efficiency and operational cost-effectiveness.
Chemical injection is a crucial process that requires strict oversight. It is essential to carefully measure cleaning agents to achieve the desired cleanliness and sanitation standards.
An excessive or insufficient amount of chemicals can adversely affect the cleaning results and the equipment’s lifespan. Using too much chemical can lead to residue build-up and potential damage to your equipment and linen while using too little can result in inadequate cleaning.
Proper calibration and regular maintenance of the chemical injection system are vital to ensure consistent delivery of the correct amount of chemicals. A dependable chemical provider can be very helpful in this regard.
Stand time or the duration during which the cleaning agents and solutions are allowed to act before rinsing or further processing, is equally important. This often-overlooked factor can significantly impact the effectiveness of the wash cycle.
Chemicals need time to break down soils and contaminants, and insufficient stand time can result in subpar cleaning performance. Adhering to recommended stand times ensures that the chemicals have adequate opportunity to perform their intended functions, thereby maximizing the overall cleaning effectiveness.
The skills of the wash floor operators are crucial in the cleaning process. Even with the best equipment and chemicals, the effectiveness of a wash floor depends on the operators’ proficiency and attention to detail.
Skilled operators understand the equipment’s nuances, recognize when adjustments are needed and can troubleshoot minor issues before they become major problems. Their expertise ensures that all operational parameters are met, and they can implement best practices to promptly address anomalies.
To maintain an efficient wash floor, it is crucial to manage its fundamental aspects carefully. Most wash floor problems often result from a combination of small issues rather than one obvious fault.
Thoroughly measuring weights, accurately managing chemical injection, allowing sufficient stand time, and ensuring that operators are well-trained and attentive can significantly enhance the cleaning process.
Although these elements may seem basic, they play a critical role in achieving the desired cleaning results and in maintaining the operational integrity of the wash floor.
By paying attention to these details, you can not only ensure optimal cleaning performance but also contribute to the overall efficiency and longevity of your plant.
Uniforms/Workwear Manufacturing: Duane Houvener, ADI-American Dawn Inc., Los Angeles, Calif.
Improving the quality and efficiency of your wash aisle can involve several steps, focusing on operational practices and equipment maintenance. Here are some suggestions:
REVIEW AND ADJUST PROCESSES
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Ensure all staff follow SOPs accurately. Regularly review and update these procedures to ensure consistency.
Workflow Optimization: Evaluate the current workflow to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies. Simple changes like rearranging equipment or tasks might improve operations.
Staff Training: Provide ongoing training to ensure all team members are well-versed in the latest techniques and safety protocols. Rely on your equipment partners for assistance here.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
Routine Checks: Establish a routine maintenance schedule for all equipment.
Calibration: Regularly calibrate equipment to ensure it is working correctly, especially in areas like water temperature, chemical dosing and mechanical action.
CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT
Right Chemicals: Ensure you are using the correct type and amount of chemicals for the specific linen items. Overuse or underuse can lead to quality issues and inefficiencies.
Supplier Collaboration: Work with your textile, equipment and chemical suppliers to optimize formulas and ensure you are using the most effective and efficient products.
Water Quality Testing: Regularly test water quality to ensure it is not affecting wash results. Hard water, for example, will reduce the effectiveness of detergents.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Energy Audit: Conduct an energy audit to identify areas where you can reduce consumption. This could include optimizing wash temperatures, reducing cycle times or installing energy-efficient equipment.
Load Optimization: Ensure your machines are loaded to their optimal capacity to avoid under or overloading, which can waste energy, reduce wash quality and reduce linen life expectancy.
MONITORING AND FEEDBACK
Data Tracking: If you haven’t already done so, implement a system to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as turnaround time, rewash rates and PPOH.
Benchmarking: More important than comparing your operations against industry benchmarks is comparing your operations against your own history. Historical data vs. last week/month/year can indicate positive and negative trends and help you identify opportunities and issues.
Check back tomorrow for the conclusion with advice from textile/uniform rental, healthcare laundry experts.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].
