Panel of Experts

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The ‘Tech’ of Textiles (Conclusion)

“What specific challenges do ‘high-tech’ textiles present to the average laundry, and how can they best meet them?”

Chemicals Supply: David Barbe, U.N.X. Inc., Greenville, N.C.

New synthetic fabrics present problems in multiple ways. Microfiber products and new athletic fabrics tend to hold oily stains tightly. New high-thread-count linens and stretchy fabrics hold soil mechanically within the fibers. Dyes applied to newer synthetic materials are more sensitive to heat, alkalinity and bleaches. Some fabrics can absolutely not use bleach.

The list goes on and on. New commercial cooking oils, sunscreens, skin care products and everything else may be improving, but they can present new problems for processing textiles they contact.

Of course, there isn’t a single solution to all these problems. Different materials, construction of the fabrics, new oils and lotions, etc., can be dealt with, but not in the same way. And, with efforts to reduce energy, lower temperatures compound these problems.

First, read the material label. If possible, contact the fabric manufacturer for its wash recommendations. Forward these recommendations to your chemical supplier and discuss solutions with its representative. Always try its recommendations first.

Second, if you still have problems, experiment with the detergent. Newer oils and fabrics respond well to specific surfactants. All detergents have different blends and ratios of surfactants. Some contain varying amounts, and different types, of solvents. Most companies have a wide variety of detergents for different applications. Send soiled samples of new fabrics to your chemical supplier’s lab for testing. Many times, a different detergent will make a huge difference.

Third, realize that changes in the wash formula will be needed. Some synthetics respond well to a high-alkali flush at the beginning of the load. Other goods need longer wash times at certain temperatures. More heat, if the material can tolerate it, increases chemical activity and helps remove oils and soil. Again, read the fabric manufacturer’s recommendations, but don’t be afraid of trying things outside their guidelines.

Many problems with stains and soiled areas can be minimized with proper pre-spotting. Try to keep stains from setting. Test your pre-spotting products on newer fabrics for compatibility and effectiveness. Again, consult with your chemical supplier for specific recommendations.

Lastly, with any goods, but especially those from healthcare operations, realize that as many fabrics restrict bleach and temperature, sanitizing your goods properly is much more difficult.

Commercial Laundry: Rick Rone, Laundry Plus, Bradenton, Fla.

As processing pertains to “high-tech” linens, we are not overly involved in the various segments of the laundry industry that utilize those new materials. With our specialty being hospitality linens and laundry, our challenges pertain more to the fact that most hotels are making an effort to upgrade their bedding and bath package.

As many hotels are going to California king-sized beds, that obviously necessitates the need for larger sheets as well as duvets and duvet covers. These larger items will no longer fit through a standard 120-inch-wide ironing line without folding. Most all flatwork ironer manufacturers market a 130-inch machine, or even a 138-inch model, to accommodate these larger items.

As many hotels also progress to higher-thread-count linens, as well as potentially going to 100% cotton sheets and pillowcases, the complexity of providing a professional ironing service also increases.

The proper combination of speed and temperature is but one concern. Ironer tape marks and lines can become a challenge if the pads, pressures on the rolls, and movement of the tapes are not monitored and adjusted as necessary.

These concerns go hand in hand with the fact that as the threads are woven tighter and tighter, soil and stains become more of a challenge to release and remove. The need for higher water temperatures, as well as more aggressive chemical formulations, comes into play. Since we process almost 100% customer-owned garments, we must always be diligent in our care of the linens and do everything within our power to enhance their life span.

One of my early mentors told me something that I have never forgotten: “Doing the perfect load of laundry is like growing the perfect rose—it happens rarely, but we must always strive for perfection.”   

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