LAUNDRY

In any residential establishment, a lot of dirty linen accumulates in the various

units and departments. It is essential to ensure a continuous supply of linen,
which is well laundered so that operations can be carried out smoothly and
efficiently. Linen is an expensive item, so how it will be laundered requires
serious consideration. People involved in handling linen should have some
knowledge of the process.
Although it is essential that good quality linen is purchased, the life of the linen
depends on the care of linen in use and the treatment it gets at the laundry. A
good laundry facility ensures the following:
– Careful handling of linen articles while laundering
– Correct processing and use of a suitable laundry agent
– While materials are kept white, excessive bleach is not used
– Proper counting and records maintained to avoid shortages of linen
– Speedy operations to meet operational requirements
-Sound policies regarding damages or loss

Commercial & Off-site Laundry

A commercial or off-premises laundry refers to laundering activities performed
outside the establishment i.e. it is given on a contract basis to specialists in
the field. In a rare circumstance, the laundry is contracted and on-premises.
The laundered items can be expected to be returned to the hotel in one to two
days. Contracting out the laundry services comes with its own set of
advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages
1. Heavy investment in space and equipment is avoided.
2. Reduction in labour costs
3. Expensive technical experts need not be employed

Disadvantages
1. Higher linen par stocks are required
2. Reduced control over standard of cleaning
3. Greater chances of loss and damage of linen
4. The contractor may be less flexible in case of emergencies
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On-Site or On-Premises Laundry
An on-site or on-premises laundry refers to laundering activities carried on
within the establishment by staff employed by the hotel. The decision as to
whether to buy your own laundry or to use a rental service that provides clean
linen according to a contract is difficult and many factors must be considered.
Whether there should be a laundry on the premises in a property is a decision
that the management must take long before the building is built or is
extensively remodeled. Only occasionally it is possible to fit a complete facility
into a property after construction is completed. The decision is made after
careful comparisons that take into consideration not just the fairly substantial
cost of equipment, but also of labor and supplies

Advantages
• Time taken for laundering is reduced because transportation is eliminated.
• Linen is readily available especially in the case of emergency requirements.
• Control can be exercised over the wash process and the laundry agents
used making the wear and tear on linen comparatively much lesser.
• Pilferage is reduced.
• The ‘par’ stock required is reduced.
• Revenue is earned from guest laundry

Disadvantages
1. Cost of equipment and its maintenance is fairly high.
2. Must be justified by an adequate amount of linen.
3. More staff who are technically qualified and adequate space is required.

Flow process of Industrial Laundering involves following steps:-

1. Collection
2. Arrival
3. Sorting
4. Marking
5. Weighing
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6. Loading
7. Washing
8. Rinsing
9. Hydro Extraction
10. Tumble drying
11. Finishing
12. Folding
13. Airing
14. Storage
15. Transfer & Use

Here is chart showing the same:-

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Let’s Have look at all the steps one by one in a bit detail:-

Collection
Collection of linen may be done in the Linen Room if the laundry is off-site but
is usually in the laundry itself, if the laundry is on-premises. Certain linen items
are collected separately. For example, kitchen uniforms or dusters are
collected separately, as are butchery aprons and dusters, because they have
a specific type of soil. Similarly, in a hospital, linen from the surgical ward
would be collected separately. The linen is usually packaged in canvas bags
lined with polyvinyl. Eyelets on the rim of the bag facilitate passing a nylon
cord through, which can be tightened in order to shut the opening of the bag.
In some cases elasticized net bags called ‘skips’ are used to collect and carry
linen. Trolleys are most popular for transportation and the collapsible wire cart
can be used to transport clean as well as soiled linen. If planned at the
construction stage, an in-built chute is used for transporting linen from the
floor pantries. It is preferable to put linen into canvas bags before dropping it
down the chute so that wear and tear is reduced.

Arrival
On arrival, linen must be dealt with as quickly as possible. There must be a
separate section for guest laundry that is usually handled by the most
experienced staff. Processing linen for laundering as quickly as possible is
necessary:
– to ensure that linen items are available as and when required.
– to avoid transfer of stains and to prevent stains from becoming permanent.
– so that it does not provide a breeding ground for bacteria and pests.
– to prevent the formation of mildew on damp articles particularly bath linen.
– to reduce the possibility of linen getting misplaced or lost.

Sorting
Gloves may be used when handling or sorting linen. Sorting is carried out
according to the type of fabric and item, colour as well as the degree and type
of soil. Sorting is done to separate those articles that need dry cleaning from
those that will go through the normal wash process. Those that need mending
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or stain removal will be separated so that they can be dealt with accordingly.
Also, different articles take a different wash process in terms of temperature of
water, type of laundering agent, length of wash cycle, whether hydro-
extraction should be done and if so, the length of the hydro-extraction cycle. It
takes less effort to pre-sort linen than to post-sort washed linen which is 50%
heavier in weight due to water retention. Post-sorting is often essential in
healthcare processes.

Marking
Marking may be temporary (guest laundry) or permanent (monogramming of
hotel linen). It is the temporary marking that is carried out at this stage. Most
good establishments have a marking machine that attaches a heat sealed
tape in an inconspicuous place. The tag has scope for six characters and is
intended to indicate the initials of the guest as well as the room number. It
provides a clear identification for correct billing, and although it does not come
off in the normal wash process, it can be peeled off if so desired.

Weighing
Weighing is carried out to conform to the capacity of the washing machine. In
case of overloading, there is reduced centrifugal action because the linen
articles are too tightly packed in the drum. As a result, there is inadequate
friction and the deeply embedded soil is not removed so the wash process is
ineffective. Certain synthetics develop creases as a result of overloading that
are difficult to get rid of in the subsequent ironing process. Repeated
overloading can cause the machine to break down.
In case of underloading, there is inadequate friction because the linen articles
are too far apart It causes a good deal of wastage in terms of time, labour,
laundry agents, water and power.
Many modern machines have sensors that can gauge not only the load but
also the length of the cycle, temperature of water, water level, the type and
amount of laundry agent and when it will be dispensed in the wash cycle. This
is highly beneficial in the conservation of water and energy as well as
reducing wear and tear on the linen articles.
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Loading
This is often done manually or with a certain degree of automation. Shovel
type cranes may be used for lifting and depositing linen, thereby providing
complete automation by eliminating the need for handling by operators.
Alternatively, weighed linen in bags is transported along a track and directed
to the opening of the washer-extractor with the help of a nylon cord. A lock in
the lower half of the bag is released, dropping the soiled linen into the washer-
extractor. Machines that tilt provide ease in both loading as well as unloading.
Machines may be top loading, front loading or side loading.

Washing
This is the stage during which the actual cleaning of the items takes place. It
is designed to perform three basic functions i.e. remove soil from the textiles
and suspend it in solution so that it can be discharged from the machine
through the drain.

Rinsing
Once the wash cycle is completed, rinsing becomes essential. A running rinse
with an open drain is more effective but a larger volume of water is utilized.
Rinsing is carried out at least twice so as to ensure removal of residual
laundry agents and suspended dirt. It may also help to lower the temperature
of the wash load by using a cold water rinse.

Hydro-extraction
Draining followed by hydro-extraction will remove excess moisture through
centrifugal force by spinning the load at a high speed. The absorbency of the
fabric affects the length of the cycle (6 to 8 minutes) and the residue of
moisture. The most efficient extraction for cotton takes place at temperatures
higher than 38o C but lower than 55o C so that they are not too hot to handle.
Polyesters and blends should be extracted at a temperature below 38o C to
prevent wrinkling.
The compact mass of hydro-extracted clothes is referred to as ‘cheese’.
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Unloading
Transferring washed linen from the Hydro-extractor to the Tumble dryer is a
difficult task because of the added weight of moisture. Articles may be
manually removed and put into trolleys. Tilting and dumping machines reduce
the physical effort of manual unloading. A laundry cart can be positioned
under the door and a pushbutton-operated to rotate the cylinder.
and empty its contents. Alternatively, the machine can unload onto a conveyor
belt that will transport the linen to the next set of operations.

Tumble Drying
This process is capable of rendering the linen completely dry by blowing hot
air between 40o C to 60o C onto the articles as they are slowly rotated in the
drum. For articles that are susceptible to damage by heat, there is the option
of simply airing by circulating air at room temperature. To avoid wrinkles and
the risk of spontaneous combustion, many dryers have a cool-down cycle at
predetermined intervals. The process of tumble-drying creates a good deal of
wear and tear on the fabric as particles of lint come off the fabric in the drying
process. The time taken is approx. 30 minutes depending on whether the
article is to be completely or partially dried.

Finishing
For those articles that require a pressed finish, ironing and pressing are usual.
Articles like blankets, towels, candlewick bedspreads, hosiery, etc. that do not
require a pressed finish are only tumble-dried.

Folding
This can be done by machine but in most cases is carried out manually. The
use of a folding stand helps minimize this otherwise very labour-intensive
operation. Manual folding makes it possible to achieve the desired fold as well
as ensure quality control. Employees in this area are the one ones who ‘reject’
stained linen and are a good source for ascertaining what types and quantities
of stains commonly occur. Correct folding is important to the appearance of
the article and makes it convenient to store and use.
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Airing
This is essential prior to storage, especially if the articles are to be stored in
closed shelves. It ensures that any moisture that is likely to cause mildew will
be got rid of.

Storage
This should be properly done in a well–designed storage space. Linen should
be allowed a rest period to recuperate before it is used again. The lifespan of
linen is greatly increased if the proper rotation of stock is carried out, thereby
ensuring a ‘rest period’ between uses. As a general rule, at any given time,
approximately 50% of the total linen inventory should be on the shelves, 25%
in use and 25% in processing. The storage area must be isolated from the
soiled linen and kept clean

Transfer & Use

The linen is issued to the concerned department for use. Since the transfer of
clean linen is usually done by linen trolleys, it is important to keep the trolleys
clean. The linen is utilized for the purpose intended and the cycle begins all
over again.

The basic laundering operation is a physical-chemical process which utilizes

four major factors which determine the quality of textiles being laundered. The
four factors have become known as the detergent pie.
• Time
• Temperature
• Mechanical Action
• Chemical Action
The objective of these four components is to create the optimum cleaning
conditions. Any decrease in one of these variables must be compensated for
by an increase in at least one of the three remaining variables to prevent a
reduction in wash quality. For example, a decrease in time can be
compensated for with an increase in chemical concentration.
Time – This is a requirement for each step within the wash formula and is
usually based entirely on factors that exist within the individual laundry. For
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example A “suds bath” or “break” may average eight to ten minutes with a
surfactant or solvent type detergent but may require twelve to fifteen minutes
when utilizing an enzyme detergent. Other factors that directly affect time
include water temperature, water conditions, and water level. Load size and
soil classification can also affect time for a formula step.

Temperature – The ability to control the temperature of the water being

introduced to the washer in any given step during the formula is a crucial
element. The proper choice of temperature is driven by the composition of the
fabric that is being processed. Temperature selection can also be driven by
the step in the formula. For example: Rinses may start off at a higher
temperature and end up at a lower temperature. Enzyme-based detergents
usually can be less effective at higher temperatures than other types of
detergents. When bleaching, temperature directly affects chlorine and oxygen
differently. Other factors include linen classification, soil content and soil type.

Mechanical Action – This is the pounding action that the washer creates to
remove embedded soil. There are several variables that directly affect the
efficiency of this process. The most common throughout the industry is
overloading. It also does not allow complete dispersion of the chemicals within
the washer. Water levels may also affect mechanical action.

Chemical Action – This is the process of adding chemicals into the washer at
specific times during the wash formula to assist in removing soil, discoloring
stains, sanitizing and disinfecting, softening, and starching goods during each
step of the formula. Chemicals are added directly to the wash wheel through
different types of dispensing systems. Chemical selection is based on water
conditions, goods being processed, and the laundry’s individual needs and
goals.

Wash Formula or Wash Cycle

The wash formula or cycle is a proper balance using the four basic cleaning
factors and will vary according to the degree and type of soil. Proper sorting
and loading will help ensure that the cleaning factors-time, temperature.
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Mechanical action and chemical action are used to design a balanced
washing formula.
The basic steps of a washing formula are:

Flush : (2-3 minutes) This step in the wash process is designed to prepare
the laundry load for the washing procedure by loosening soil and heating up
the load. Classifications and soil content will directly affect the time,
temperature and chemicals required for this step in order to achieve optimal
outcomes though items are generally flushed at medium temperature and a
high water level. The flush will break-up and remove gross soils so that the
subsequent steps are effective.

Break: (5-10 minutes) The term break is derived from the fact that it is at this
point in the wash formula that the bulk of the soil is broken loose from the
fabric and suspended in the washing solution with the help of a highly alkaline
product that has been added at a medium temperature and low water levels.
This is an optional step.

Suds: ( 5-8 minutes) The actual wash cycle is known as ‘suds’ when the
articles are agitated in hot water and low water levels. The detergent is added
at this suds stage.

Carryover Suds/Intermediate Rinse: (2-5 minutes) This step usually

employs no chemicals but can remove or flush residual soils that were not
removed during the break/suds. Its main function is to lower the soil and
alkalinity concentration, usually prior to the bleaching step. It rinses linen at
the same temperature as the suds step.

Bleach: (5-8 minutes) This step is used for whitening or to discolor stains.
Bleach is added at high temperature and a low water level. Sodium
Hypochlorite is the most commonly used. This step is also affected by time,
temperature and mechanical action. For most operations, sanitizing and
disinfection is accomplished here.
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Rinse: (3-5 minutes) Once all the washing and bleaching is accomplished,
we can now begin to rinse out and flush the chemicals and soils out of the
goods. Typically this is a high water step and the temperature gradually
decreases through each rinse. Rinses usually average around two minutes
with up to three rinses per formula.

Intermediate Extract: (2-3 minutes) This is an optional high-speed spin that

removes detergent and soil from the linen. It should not be used after the suds
step to avoid driving the soil back into the fabric and also should not be used
on no-iron fabrics except at lower temperatures.

Sour or Softener: (3-5 minutes) Often called a “finish step,” the softener
and/or sour is added to this step to condition the goods for removal. The
chemicals added here will directly affect the quality of the goods after being
processed. Starch/sizing replaces the sour/softener step when cotton or
polyester items need to be stiffened. This cycle runs at medium temperature
and low water levels.

Extract: (2-12 minutes) This removes excess moisture from laundered items
through a high speed spin prior to drying. The length of the spin depends on
various factors such as fabric type, extract speed etc. This step is also
important to reduce the weight of the linen for ease of movement to the
dryers.

Clean linens and towels are crucial for providing excellent guest experience,
and having the right laundry equipment can make a significant difference. In
this blog, we’ll discuss the top 10 laundry machines and equipment you
should consider for your hotel business.

1. Commercial Washing Machines

Commercial washing machines are designed for heavy use and are larger
than regular household machines. They can wash more significant loads and
have faster cycle times. They come in various sizes and capacities, so make
sure to choose one that fits your hotel’s needs.
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2. Tumble Dryers
Tumble dryers are used to dry the washed laundry, and they come in both
electric and gas models. They can be stackable or side-by-side and have
different load capacities. Choose a tumble dryer that complements your
washing machine’s capacity.

3. Ironers
Ironers are used to press linens and other fabrics. They come in different
types, such as roller ironers, chest ironers, and finishing tables. Roller ironers
are perfect for sheets and tablecloths, while chest ironers are great for towels
and robes.

4. Folding Machines
Folding machines are designed to fold linens quickly and efficiently. They can
fold sheets, towels, and even napkins, and they come in different sizes and
capacities.

5. Stain Removal Machines

Stain removal machines are used to remove stubborn stains from fabrics.
They use steam and chemicals to break down stains, making it easier to wash
them away. They come in different sizes, so choose one that suits your hotel’s
needs.

6. Dry Cleaning Machines

Dry cleaning machines are used to clean delicate fabrics that cannot be
washed in water. They use solvents to clean the clothes and remove stains.
They come in different sizes and capacities, so choose one that suits your
hotel’s needs.

7. Spotting Tables
Spotting tables are used to remove stains manually. They come with a suction
system and a built-in steam gun to remove stains effectively.
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8. Garment Steamers
Garment steamers are used to remove wrinkles and freshen up clothes. They
are perfect for delicate fabrics and can be used for curtains and drapes.

9. Laundry Carts
Laundry carts are used to transport linens and other laundry items. They
come in different sizes and materials, such as plastic, metal, and canvas.

10. Laundry Scales

Laundry scales are used to weigh the laundry items. They come in different
sizes and can be digital or analog.
With these top 10 laundry machines and equipment, you can ensure that your
hotel business runs smoothly and efficiently.

Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right laundry equipment is essential for running a
successful hotel business. Whether you need to wash large loads of laundry
or remove stubborn stains, there is a laundry machine for every need. We
hope that this blog has provided you with valuable insights into the top 10
laundry machines and equipment you should consider for your hotel business.

What factors should be considered when designing a

laundry room layout?
The laundry should be designed in consideration to the amount of space
needed to hold a number of various items, for completing tasks, and for that
amount of needed space to increase when the cycle of cleaning is in rotation.
These items include: the washer/dryer units as mentioned, a countertop,
clothes, baskets, cleaning supplies, an ironing board, and more. Appropriate
lighting and ventilation should be considered as well.
When planning the layout of a laundry, consider the workflow and wherever
possible ensure that the plan does not hinder the smooth flow of operations.
To reduce turnaround time between loads, ease of loading and unloading
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equipment must be ensured – area for accumulating and sorting linen should
be located close to the washer extractor; dryers should be adjacent to the
washer extractor, to save time and employee effort; hinges on the washer
extractors and the dryers are adjustable and can be placed on the right or left
side of the door, so the proper choice must be made in accordance with the
laundry layout in order to avoid employees having to walk around the open
door to get from one machine to the next; the folding area should be located
near the area where laundered linen is stored.

When positioning laundry equipment, the following

must be considered:
• entrances and exits
• support columns and beams
• space between adjacent machines and adequate space between the back of
the machine and the wall which is essential to facilitate servicing and repair.
• power points for electrical supply and the required voltage. (gas and steam
supply in many other parts of the world)
• water supply lines with adequate pressure (10 gallons per Kg of linen
approx.) and preventing the occurrence of ‘water hammer’
• hot water supply lines must utilize heavy duty heating equipment which in
recent times is being substituted by the use of solar energy.
• water softening
• also the removal of iron, manganese and sulphur to eliminate staining and
enhance the action of the detergent.
• drain locations and proper drainage system that will keep up with the rapid
discharge rate of modern equipment. This is best met by a drain trough and
the normal floor drain is also installed to deal with overflows.
• a separate section to deal with guest laundry/valet service.
• local code for restrictions/ permit requirements.
• energy and water conservation, as well as safety factors, also affect decisions
regarding the selection of equipment.
• area must accommodate the total number of staff working at the busiest times
(approx.1 staff for 40Kg of laundry)
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• the size of the property and the type of services offered are major
considerations for planning.
As technology strives to automate every facet of hotel operations,
computerized laundry systems have been around for quite a while. The hotel
cannot sell a single room or a cover in the restaurant without the use of textile
products. With the realization of the potential benefits of cleaning up the
laundry operations, more and more streamlining processes are being
introduced. Apart from exploring the options of localized laundry operations
that service multiple properties, outsourcing laundry services, water
reclamation and heat recovery systems to reduce hotel energy consumption,
some hotels are experimenting with Windows-based laundry software and
ozone washing.

There are only a few major types of laundry agents there

• Detergents (Which is a major group)
• Alkali
• Bleaches
• Anti Chlors
• Sour/Acid Agent
• Fabric Conditioner
• Optical Brightener
• Starch

1. Detergents
Strictly speaking, the term detergent can be applied to any cleaning agent. Its
usage is known generally restricted to those cleaning agents containing
significant quantities of a group of chemicals known as surfactants. A number
of other chemicals are frequently included to produce a detergent suitable for
a specific use.

Essential properties
A good detergent will possess many or all of the following properties:
1. Reduce the surface tension of water so that the cleaning solution can
penetrate the soil and surface.
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2. Emulsify soil and lift it from a surface.
3. Suspend soil in the cleaning solution
4. Be soluble in cold water
5. Be effective in hard water
6. Be harmless to user and surface to be cleaned
7. Rinse easily to leave no streaks or scum
8. Be economical in use.

Chemical composition
Detergents are formulated from the types of chemicals described in the
following:
a. Surface active agents (surfactants) are chemicals, the molecules of
which when dissolved in water possess a water-seeking (hydrophilic) end and
a water-repelling (hydrophobic) end. They may or may not carry a negative or
positive electrical charge. The molecules are dispersed through the water so
that they reduce the surface tension of the water by overcoming the forces of
attraction between the water molecules, thus allowing the water and
surfactant molecules to penetrate the soil and surface. The hydrophobic ends
of the surfactant molecules are attracted to the soil, surrounding particulate
soil particles and lifting them from the surface while breaking and rolling up
grease into small particles and lifting them from the surface. The hydrophilic
ends of the surfactant molecules point out from the soil particles into the
surrounding water. As individual particles approach each other the hydrophilic
parts of the surfactant molecules on different particles repel each other
keeping the soil in suspension and preventing it from settling back onto the
surface.
b. Builders are alkaline chemicals that influence the effectiveness of cleaning
agents in one or both of the following two ways:
• They sequester (combine with) calcium ions in hard water to form water-
soluble salts, thus preventing the adverse effects of calcium.
• Enhance the emulsifying and dispersing properties of the detergent.
Complex phosphates e.g. Sodium Tripolyphosphate, are included in many
detergents powders and act in both of the ways described.
Sodium metasilicate and sodium carbonate are included in many liquid
detergents and function in the second of the ways described Builders, in
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general, can have damaging effects on many surfaces e.g. chrome,
aluminium, wool, silk, paints, wood and linoleum.
c. Water softeners are frequently comprised of complex phosphates e.g.
Sodium hexametaphosphate because of their sequestering properties.
d. Foaming Agents Increase or stabilize the foam formed by a detergent.
Foaming can be used to indicate surfactant activity, the level of foam is
dependent on the amount of surfactant active in a cleaning solution.
Alkalonamides derived from coconuts oil are frequently used for this purpose.
Other foaming agents can be used to produce stable, relatively thick foams in
which the other chemicals are dispersed. The foam will stick to the non-
horizontal surface and the cleaning chemicals.
e. Chelating agents are relatively complex chemicals which are included in
many liquid detergents to sequester calcium ion. In simple terms, a
combination of sodium carbonate or metasilicate and a chelating agent will
have a similar effect to tripolyphosphate alone. Tripolyphosphate is not
normally included in a liquid detergent because it tends to break down in an
alkaline solution. Chelating agents are now frequently used as descaling
agents, being a more acceptable alternative to strong acids.
Suspending agents e.g. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMS), increase the
amount of soil that can be held in suspension in the cleaning solution.
f. Bleaches will break down by oxidation, stains that have not been removed
from a surface by surfactants or builders. Sodium perborate, weak bleach is
included in detergents intended for washing textile.
Bulking Agents
Eg:- Sodium sulphate, contribute to the volume of detergent powders
Conditioning Agents
Ensure that the granules in detergent powders are crisp firm and dry
g. Whiteners: Absorb ultraviolet light and transmit it as visible white light. The
whiteness of a surface will normally depend on the amount of natural light
reflected from it and received by the eye. Whiteners, therefore, increase the
amount of light received by the eye.
h. Enzymes are complex proteins that will break down organic substances
e.g. bloodstains, adhering to a surface. They are most effective at 30-50 ̊C
and are inactivated at temperatures above 60 ̊C Anticorrosive Agents
Inhibit the formation of water films on a surface. Chemical reactions resulting
in corrosion are generally dependent on the presence of water
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i. Perfumes and dyes are included to increase consumer acceptability but
increase the risk of allergic reaction.
j. Suspending Agent
• The role of the suspending agent in cleaning is to hold the dirt in suspension
and prevent it from re-depositing onto the surface of the article.
• It plays a crucial role in the laundry agent due to the amount of time that the
clothes rotation in the machine while the dirt is in suspension.
• The suspending agent is carboxymethylcellulose.
k. Sequestering Agent
• [Link]
holding a greater amount of dirt in suspension thereby reducing the likelihood
of re-deposition.
• They also have the additional ability to dissolve lime salts that are responsible
for temporary hardness in water.
• Sodium polyphosphates act as sequestering agents.

2. Alkali
Alkalis used in the wash process include
1. Washing Soda (sodium Carbonate Na2CO310H2O) 2. Sodium Phosphate
3. Sodium Hydroxide
4. Sodium Metasilicate
5. Borax (Na2B4O710H2O)
6. Ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH)
The role of the alkali in the wash process
• Combines with calcium ions in hard water to form water-soluble salts, thus
preventing the adverse effects of calcium
• Enhance the emulsifying and dispersing properties of the detergents

3. Bleaches
• These are used on white articles only.
• They remove colouring matter by their oxidizing or reducing action.
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• If not in liquid form, they should be dissolved in hot water in order to ensure
that no powder residue remains in the washing machine which may affect
later loads.
• The bleaches commonly used in the laundry process are sodium perborate
and sodium hypochlorite (Javelle water).

[Link]. OXIDISING BLEACH REDUCING BLEACH

1 Chlorine bleach Oxygen Bleach

Reducing bleach which

2 Oxidising bleach which liberates the oxygen from Bleach
reduces the level of oxygen

3 It is stronger It is milder

4 It goes well with cold water It goes well with hot water

It is basically used on animal

5 It removes all type of stains, except animal
stains

Sodium hypochlorite( Javelle Water) (NaOCl)

Sodium Hydrosulphite(
Sodium Perborate (NaBO2H2O23H2) Sodium Chlorite
6 Na2S2O4) Sodium Bisulphite
(NaClO2) Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) Bleaching
Sulphorous acid (HSO3)
Powder (CaOCl)cotton

4. Antichlors
These are agents used to neutralize the chlorine bleach and are essential
particularly in the case of polyesters. The use of chlorinated bleaches has a
tendency to leave yellow deposits.

5. Sour/acid agents
• This is used only in industrial laundering in the final rinse, to neutralize any
alkaline soap residues that may be present.
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• It brings the pH of the linen articles to a level between 5 and 6.5, which is
agreeable to the human skin and also gets rid of yellow or brown deposits
caused by residue alkali.
• Acetic acid is used as the sour.
• In cases where there is a high iron content in the water, Oxalic acid is used
which
• serves a dual purpose, by also getting rid of the reddish, iron deposits.
• If starch is being used, sour should be added 2 minutes before the starch to
achieve a pH of 5.0 to 5.5. If a sizing agent is being used, the ideal pH is 7.0
to 8.0 so sour is generally not used.
a. Oxalic Acid
• Sold in white crystals
• Used for removal of fruit stains, bleaching of brown stains after using
potassium permanganate and tannin base of ink stains together with
Hydrogen peroxide.
b. Salt of lemon
• Salt of Sorrel
• Compound of Potassium Oxalate and Oxalic Acid referred as Potassium
binoxalate
• Used for neutralizing strong alkali.
c. Acetic Acid: Removes excessive bluing agents and as a neutralizing
agents
d. Oleic Acid
• Unsuitable for colored fabrics.
• Produces soap when mixed with alkali
• Used for grease and oil stain
e. Fabric conditioner/Softener
• A fabric conditioner or softener has surface-active agents like a detergent but
they don’t perform the function of cleaning.
• Fabric conditioners are based on cationic surface-active agents, carrying a
positive charge and creates anti-static properties.
• A fabric conditioner is never used on loads where starch or sizing will be used.
• The role of the fabric conditioner in laundering
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6. Optical brightener
• This is an optical brightener/ whitener, which is, in fact, a very fine dye, which
gets bleached in course of time.
• It has a fluorescent effect by reflecting the UV rays of the sun.
The laundry blue in a powder form tends to accumulate in the weave of the
fabric and causes it to turn grey and is no longer used in modern laundries

7. Starch
• This is a stiffening agent used to impart a better appearance to the fabric.
• The use of starch has declined due to the minimum-iron finishes on fabrics
and garments and the reduced use of cotton in favour of man-made fibres.
• However, there are some articles that have a better feel and drape when
starched and it is particularly essential for napkin folds.
• Since polyesters do not have the ability to absorb starch they are stiffened
with sizing agents.

Types of starch
• Hot-Water Starches
• Cold-Water Starches
• Gelatin
• Glue
• Synthetic Sizing

Dry Cleaning is a process by which textiles are cleaned using a solvent other
than water. This solvent is usually an organic liquid that acts first to remove
the layer of grease which bonds most grease particles to the surface and then
to carry this dirt away.

The solvents used are:

1. Perchloroethylene
2. Tri-chloro-tri-fluoro-ethane
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The solvent is removed first by centrifugal action and finally by evaporation.
The solvent being expensive is filtered and recycled.
Darker coloured articles are dry-cleaned after the lighter coloured ones. All
articles require being aired after the dry-cleaning process.
Where Perchloroethylene is not suitable, a system called Aquatex from Iowa
Techniques is used. It involves the use of bio-degradable chemicals and water
and a controlled stage-by-stage drying temperature that restores the article to
its original condition.
As technology vendors strive to automate every face of operations, some
might think that laundry service have been left behind. Computerized laundry
systems have been in use since the mid-eighties and today as hoteliers
realize the potential benefits of cleaning up the laundry operations, more and
more streamlining processes are starting to filter into the industry. Some
hotels are experimenting with Windows-based laundry software and ozone
washing.
Ozone washing is an energy efficient system that can cut laundry costs by
50%. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer formed when an electric current is passes
through oxygen. Ozone washing became popular in the US in the mid-
eighties. It is carried out by mass injecting ozone into the laundry system via
the cold water lines. The resulting ozonated water facilitates the breakdown of
insoluble soils leading to a whole host of benefits. Ozone washing, the
brainchild of Guest Care inc., cuts detergent use by 60%.
It reduces the need for hot water and can cut energy costs by 80%. The
returns on investment could be as little as two years. Little hot water, reduced
chemicals and shorter wash cycles greatly extends the life of linen and also
the life of the laundry staff.

Among the many amenities provided by a hotel, one of them is laundry

service for the guest. It is an amenity which is essential in resort hotels where
guests are long-staying and prefer to travel light. Even if a full-fledged laundry
service is not available, at least some facility for ironing is required as clothes
get crumpled in packing. It is a source of revenue in hotels and may serve as
a means of preventing them from washing clothes and hanging them out to
dry in hotel guest rooms.
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Laundry service may be Normal (Ordinary) or Urgent (Express) and provide
Drycleaning, Washing and Ironing. The time gap between the collection and
delivery is dependent on whether the laundry is on-premises or off-premises.
A guest may avail of laundry service by either telephoning the Housekeeping
Desk and a Room Attendant is sent to collect the laundry Alternatively, if the
Laundry is on-premises, the Order-taker in the Laundry cabin will receive the
call and the Valet Runner will collect the laundry. If the hotel provides a
Laundry Hanger, the guest may hang this out on the doorknob indicating that
there is laundry for collection.
Laundry lists are provided in the room or the format is printed on the laundry
bag. Should the guest wish to avail of laundry services, the necessary details
will have to be entered like the date, room no., name of the guest, no. of the
type of articles and service required. If a list is filled in, it is signed by a guest
and kept along with the articles to be laundered in the laundry bag. The staff
collecting the laundry must check the articles given against the entries made.
They must also look out for tears and damages or guest belongings left
behind on/in the articles. It is especially important to check if the guest has left
the laundry for collection when the laundry is off-premises.
It is absolutely essential to mark guest articles before despatch to an off-
premises laundry in order to prevent any mix-up. Marking is done on a
marking machine which usually indicates only the room number but may also
indicate the initials of the guest.
The heat-sealed tape used for marking does not come out in the normal wash
procedure but can be peeled off if so desired. The laundry list is used for
making the bill which is charged according to the service requested.
Extra care must be taken when handling guest laundry. If stains and damages
are present, they must be dealt with prior to the laundering process. As it is
directly related to guest satisfaction, staff working on guest laundry should be
most experienced. The machine capacity is also smaller to deal with smaller
loads and control the quality of the wash. Instructions for washing and
washing symbols on the garment must be strictly adhered to and small items
are tied loosely in a net, prior to loading to prevent them from getting lost.
When delivering guest articles, some will be folded while others are placed on
hangers. Folded articles are put together in a laundry bag with the room
number written on it while hanging articles are clubbed with a tie label
indicating the room number.
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STAIN REMOVAL:
A stain is defined as a discoloration brought about by contact with a foreign
substance which is difficult to remove.
Like first-aid in an accident, the treatment of stains requires immediate action.
Some of the first-aid treatments include blotting, grease absorbent, salt
absorbent and often a cold-water rinse.
It is virtually impossible to guarantee stain removal, as the agents that are
used to remove the stain often have an adverse effect on the fibre contained
in the fabric.
However, a set of general rules for stain removal may serve as a guideline.
• Identify the stain
• Deal with the stain as quickly as possible. Remove excess staining material
immediately.
• Test the stain removal agent in an inconspicuous place.
• Avoid hot water with an unknown stain.
• Use simple methods before resorting to the use of chemicals.
• Use milder agents then stronger ones.
• Repeated mild applications are better than one strong one.
• Ensure that the stain removal agent has been neutralized or washed away.
There are two major factors which are responsible for ensuring correct stain
removal. One is the stain removal agent and the other is the method of stain
removal. It is important to select the right stain removal agent. However, this
becomes complex due to the many fibres and fibre blends that are used in the
fabric since they may get damaged by the agents used.

Identification of stains
Identification of stains helps in selecting the reagents and procedures to be
used for stain removal. Stains can be classified based on:-
• Based on colour– for example, a red stain can be of tomato, lipstick, nail
polish, blood etc.
• Based on Texture-by touching surface of stain it can be deduced:- If hard it
may be an egg; if soft it may be oil, ghee, lipstick; if sticky can be of glue and
gum.
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• Based on Smell– every stain has a distinct smell like eggs, medicine, food,
perfume

Classification of Stains
BASED ON SOURCE
• Animal stains– such as blood, eggs, milk, meat etc
• Vegetable stains– these are caused by plant products such as tea, coffee,
juices, fruit etc
• Grease and oil stains– These stains are from grease or some pigmented
matter eg. Butter, oil, paint, tar, grease.
• Mineral stain– These stains are caused by rust, writing ink, medicines.
• Dye stains- Caused by henna, tobacco, chocolate, tea, coffee etc.
• Wax stains– Caused by nail polish, lipstick and shoe polish
• Acidic stains– these include vinegar, perspiration, urine, medicines etc.

BASED ON DEGREE OF ABSORPTION:-

• Absorbed stains– the stains which penetrate the fabric completely like ink,
tea, coffee, syrup
• Built up– These stains which leave residue on top of fabric like lipstick, nail
polish, chewing gum, chocolate
• Compound– when it is a combination of both of above

STAIN REMOVING AGENTS:-

There are five main stain removing agents: –
• Organic solvents
• Acids
• Alkalis
• Bleaches
• Enzymes

i)Organic solvents – These dissolve grease and require care because they
are inflammable and harmful if inhaled. Generally, it does not harm any fibres
or dyes. When using, an absorbent cloth should be placed underneath and
work from the outside of the stain inwards.
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E.g. Flammable-benzene, acetone, amyl acetate, methylated spirit, white
spirit,
Non inflammable-Carbon tetrachloride(Ccl4), Perchloroethylene(PERK),
trichloroethylene. These take out stains like chewing gum (after scraping),
grease, oil paint, lipstick, ballpoint ink, etc.

ii)Acids –Dilute acids can be used on most white fabrics, but most coloured
ones get affected. They affect all animal fibres. It is always better to use weak
acidic solutions several times than using stronger acidic solution. After
treatment, wash using detergent or thorough rinsing should be done. eg.
Acetic acid, Citric Acid, Oxalic Acid.
Acids remove metal stains (especially iron moulds, rust and iron stain left by
blood).

iii)Alkalis – Alkalis remove old and heavy vegetable stains (tea, coffee, wine,
etc.) from white linen or cotton effectively. Animal fibres may be adversely
affected by it. E.g. soda, borax.

iv)Bleaches – Bleaching is the process in which a coloured substance is

changed into a colourless one. Bleaching weakens fabrics; hence extreme
care should be taken.
Oxidizing bleaches liberate oxygen from the stain and render it colourless.
Most commonly used is Sodium Hypochlorite. It removes obstinate stains in
white cotton and linen but it ‘fixes’ iron stains. Hydrogen Peroxide is slower
acting and is used on white fabrics. Sodium perborate is the bleach present in
most detergents and safe on most fabrics.
Reducing bleaches remove oxygen from the stain and add hydrogen to the
coloured stain rendering it colourless. Sodium hydrosulphite is the most
commonly used one. It is used on white clothes for removal of iron stains and
stripping dyes.

v)Enzymes – Enzymes like powdered pepsin are used to remove protein

stains like egg, perspiration, blood, etc. at a temperature of 40-50 degrees.
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Stain Removal Method
According to mode of action:–
a)Solvent action- Here solvent or water is able to dissolve the stain like
ballpoint ink stain.
b)Mechanical action:- This dislodges the stain without dissolving it.
c)Chemical action- Chemicals produce an oxidation or reduction reaction
which helps to remove the stain.
d)Absorption- Certain powders such as fullers earth are able to absorb the
stain like grease and oil.

According to method of application:-

a)Drop method- the stained part of the fabric is stretched and small drops of
stain removal agents are poured on it with a dropper.
b)Dip method- The stained area of the fabric is immersed in the stain
remover solution. This is the ideal method when stain is large or if there are
many spots on the fabric.
c)Steam method- Stains on wool, silk or any coloured fabric can be removed
by steaming. The stained area is saturated with steam by spreading the cloth
over a basin half filled with hot water into which a small amount of appropriate
removal agent has been placed.
d)Sponge method- the stain removal agent is applied on the stained area of
the fabric with a sponge. This is the most frequently used method of stain
removal.

They may appear confusing but fabric care instructions are actually quite easy
to understand. Each laundry symbol should tell you what the fabric is made
from and include up to five laundry symbols which let you know how to care
for it.
Here’s our quick guide to what the laundry symbols mean.
• Machine Wash
• Hand Wash
• Never Wash
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• Wash Cold
• Wash Warm
• Wash Hot

• Bleach Permitted
• No Bleach
• Colour-safe Bleach Only
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• Tumble Dry
• Never Tumble Dry
• Dry Clean Only
• Never Dry Clean

• Iron Cool
• Iron Medium
• Iron Hot
• Never Iron
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