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May 16, 2012
Panel of Experts: Stains and the Worst of the Worst (Part 2 of 2)

CHICAGO — Input from at-large, linen supply and hotel/motel/resort sectors

MEMBER AT LARGE: DOUGLAS STORY, SWISHER HYGIENE

There are a lot of stains out there that we all work to try to remove in our day-to-day efforts, everything from medical stains in the healthcare industry to various types of waterproof make-up stains in the hospitality industry, but the stain that I find most difficult to remove is the idea of producing linen with “no or zero stains.” This is an extremely difficult issue to deal with because many actually believe they can produce linens/fabrics with absolutely zero stains every time, every day.

Is this possible? Well, yes, it is possible. We could process all linens on wash formulas that would produce a quality level in most classifications about as close to a “zero stain” program as possible. So why don’t we? Why don’t we go with what many of the manufacturing QC gurus call a zero-defect operation, or in our case the zero-stain process? In manufacturing, would a zero-defects operation cost you more money than a process that yields a few defects?

Yes, especially in an operation where we do not technically have control over the quality of the raw material coming in the door. Linen or fabric is our raw material. Unfortunately, hundreds or thousands of 100% cotton sheets having the same structure and design were not necessarily produced from the same raw material. Some need a greater level of soil removal than the rest. Our goal is to provide our customers with linens that are as clean and structurally sound as the linens were when the items were new.

OK, so why don’t we launder the product to produce zero stains? Isn’t that what the customer wants? Yes, but in reality they do not want stains delivered, so our quality control operation should make sure that doesn’t happen. At the same time, the customer and/or the laundry want to make sure the finished goods are protected from excess damage via wear and tear. Laundering fabrics of all types is one of the few “manufacturing” processes in which the raw material and the finished goods are structurally and generally the same.

Here are a few reasons why we shouldn’t process work to deliver zero stains:

  • In every wash load, there are a mix of linens from heavy soil to light soil, while the average washer formula is written to deal with moderate- to heavy-soiled items.
  • If we processed the linens for zero stains, we would be subjecting the lightly soiled items in every load to excess mechanical, chemical and processing treatment that could damage or shorten the life of the majority of finished products. Lightly soiled items generally constitute 50-70 % of a washer load (there are exceptions, i.e. bar towels).
  • Extra time (increased labor), extra water, wear and tear on equipment, more chemicals, shortened linen life, and higher energy consumption are just a few of the costs that will be increased in one’s drive to produce a zero-stain product.

So what’s a laundry manager to do in search of a zero-stain product? Keep quality control on top of product quality delivered to the customer while the plant works to maximize quality while minimizing the downside potential to the final product and the operation.  

Over the years, many studies have developed acceptable levels of stain/rejects for various operations. The averages of these studies are as follows:

  • Hospitality (hotel/motel linen) — 2.5-4.0% rejects
  • Healthcare — 3.5-5.5% rejects
  • Nursing Home — 4.0-5.5% rejects
  • Linen Supply — 5.0-6.0% rejects

The secret to a highly efficient laundry operation is not to have zero stains. No, in this case of production management, it is better to have a percentage of stains within acceptable levels in order to protect the finished product and the sustainability of your operation or business.

We all want to produce the best product possible, but we are going to have to accept a level of rejects that many in true manufacturing businesses could not.

LINEN SUPPLY: STEPHEN MARCQ, GENERAL LINEN SERVICE

The most stubborn stains to remove (as opposed to those that defy removal, such as stainless steel and cement stains) are mildew, ink from pens left in pockets, and a variety of medical ointments.

steve marcqI am sure others will provide excellent technical advice here on how to contend with these after the fact, but this is truly a case of prevention being the best cure. Ongoing customer education and gaining early buy-in to linen conservation practices is the key, beginning with training on using a product for its intended purpose, and providing the appropriate grade article for that use. Other tips include recommending higher-grade towels for light duty in the front of the house, and saving second-quality ones for the heavy cleaning tasks.

Pre-sorting of linen immediately after use is critical to prevent stains. This include bagging tablecloths and napkins separately from bar mops and aprons, keeping shop towels separate from industrial garments, and so forth. As always, encouraging customers to only put linen into the soil bags will help prevent staining, especially in situations with weekly pickup schedules. Selling bags of ragged-out towels at a good price to “hard” users can be a good strategy as well.

Place laminated signs with pictures of the items that should go in each bag on the wall over the bag stands, and replace as necessary. Convince the customer that taking good care of your linen while it’s in his establishment is not only good for you, it’s also good for his long-term linen costs.

HOTEL/MOTEL/RESORT LAUNDRY: JR NORRIS, DELTA UNIFORM AND LINEN

Stubborn stains can be a real challenge in today’s commercial laundry facilities, because stains can have a negative effect on production, leading to a smaller profit margin. We are lucky to have an experienced dry cleaner as our owner. We also have two ex-dry cleaners on our production staff, so stubborn stains have met their match here.

jr norrisThe key to not setting stains or avoiding a mountain of rewash is sorting. Proper sorting in your facility can eliminate headaches and money being washed down the drain. Make the minimum effort to pre-sort those pillowcases and terry and your production times and rewash will be greatly reduced. If the stains are caught during the sorting process, they can be pre-spotted and processed without incident.

On occasion, no matter how hard you try, stains will slip by the attentive eyes of the sorters. The majority of the stains we encounter are lipstick and make-up, primarily mascara. Make-up wears off during the night on pillowcases and sheets. Other times, the mascara is whipped off using hand towels, bath towels or washcloths. These oil-based stains are then transferred to the linen and terry. As we all know, oil-based stains need chemicals in order to be removed effectively.

Mascara, make-up and any other oil-based stains are best removed by using a solvent-based stain remover such as Pyratex. At Delta, once a stain is discovered, it is separated and sent to rewash. We employ one person who is responsible for stain removal. Once the type of stain is determined, the linen is treated based on the spotter’s recommendation and experience, then sent for rewashing. Always remember to wash treated textiles shortly after spotting.

Click here for Part 1.

April 24, 2012
Texcare International Preview: Buzzword is Sustainability

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — Around 250 exhibitors and 15,000 trade visitors expected

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — Sustainability will be the dominant theme of Texcare International — World Market for Modern Textile Care when it returns here in two weeks.

Show organizer Messe Frankfurt says all international market leaders—including the Alliance International brands, Barbanti, Beirholms Vaeverier, Ecolab, Girbau, Heprotex, Jensen, Kannegiesser, Kreussler, LG Electronics, Lavatec Laundry Technology, Macpi, Miele, Multimatic, Pellerin Milnor, Renzacci and Veit—have registered to exhibit during the May 5-9 show.

Altogether, Messe Frankfurt expects to welcome around 250 exhibitors and 15,000 trade visitors. As in previous shows (the event is staged every four years), the proportion of manufacturers from outside Germany will exceed 60%; the most important exhibitor nations besides Germany are Italy and the United States, Messe Frankfurt says.

“Texcare International is the leading meeting place for the sector,” says Wolfgang Marzin, president and CEO of Messe Frankfurt. “Only in Frankfurt do the top companies from all around the world launch so many new products. Only here is it possible to make so many business contacts. And only at the world’s leading trade fair for the sector can visitors gather so much detailed information.”

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND BUSINESS SUCCESS

One of the main objectives of industrial textile care is sustainable economic development because business success depends greatly on efficient machinery and plant coupled with effective processes and durable textiles.

As an information platform, Texcare International plays a key role by offering a comprehensive overview of the latest trends in the mechanical engineering sector, as well as in the fields of detergents and textiles, Messe Frankfurt says.

Plant and control systems that provide energy at the right time and in the right quantity are the key to the future. Thus, steam-on-demand is the starting point for highly efficient, low-loss heating processes. But other developments in the field of consumption-dependent control technologies are also expected at Texcare.

Recycling is another key issue and includes highly efficient recovery systems for the optimum use of heat energy, as well as the best possible circulation system and practical, economical process-water treatment processes. Additionally, existing technologies, such as solar energy and bioenergy, are generating new impulses in the world of industrial textile care.

IT’S IN THE WASH

Sustainability is also of great importance to manufacturers of detergents and washing additives. With the development of effective low-temperature processes, the chemical industry is making a significant contribution to the reduction of energy consumption.

New, customized concentrations of active agents improve washing results while cutting the need for post-treatment or rewashing. Other important issues at Texcare will include ecologically harmless “green” detergents, washing and impregnating agents. Discussion will be offered on a variety of topics, including nonhalogen solvents that are not marked as hazardous, as well as alternatives to hydrophobizing agents.

Moreover, increased attention is being given to the ecological balance of a product and the sector will pay increased attention to systems such as carbon footprint, cradle-to-cradle and life-cycle assessment.

MODERN COLORS, DESIGNS

Instead of the monotone royal blue and standard twill fabric of the traditional boiler suit, modern colors and designs, as well as multi-faceted materials and surfaces, now characterize the image of trade and industry. Elegance and style have conquered large sections of the workwear sector. Even protective clothing is oriented more than ever before to fashion.

Exhibitors from the textile and apparel industry, as well as the accessories and finishing sectors, will present the latest trends for a modern, functional and professional appearance. Concepts for corporate fashions will also play an important role.

Designs and colors are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fabric manufacturers are taking up decorative elements from the 1970s, using striped patterns in herringbone and satin weaves, creating new Panama looks, reinventing the cavalry style and interpreting denim for workwear applications.

In addition to vintage-look hues, the current color spectrums are supplemented by fashionable natural and earth shades. Other highlights are classics from the world of suits and costumes, such as black, graphite, anthracite and night blue, which are now playing a leading role on the workwear stage.

Streetwear trends mainly influence the collections. The outfits are more robust in appearance, the pockets bigger, the cut more casual although practical, the material combinations and color mix less conventional, and the details more stylish.

INTEGRATING PROTECTION, COMFORT

In the past, the focus was on providing comprehensive protection against as many possible dangers at work as possible. Now, aspects such as moisture management, breathability, climate comfort and freedom of movement are growing in importance.

The latest developments in the fiber, yarn and textile industry diminish the symptoms of physical stress by minimizing the effects caused by perspiration and an increased core-body temperature. Special mixtures make it possible to produce fabrics for modern protective clothing that combines quality protection with a comfortable wearing climate. Additionally, the industry is working on further improvements to the elasticity of protective and professional clothing.

TEXCARE FORUM

Apart from the activities surrounding what is sure to be a busy exhibition floor, the international Texcare Forum will give the sector an opportunity to find out about the latest developments in the fields of science and research, as well as to exchange ideas and opinions with colleagues from home and abroad.

The Association of the Textile Service Industry (Industrieverband Textil Service – intex) and the German Dry Cleaning Association (Deutscher Textilreinigungsverband – DTV), in cooperation with Messe Frankfurt, will treat attendees to a free educational program for two hours each afternoon.

For the first time, each day of the Forum is individually themed. The conference will be of particular interest to dry cleaners and laundries on May 5-6 and to textile service companies and laundries on May 7-8. Here are some of the topics (tentative):

  • May 5, Future Day — Professional textile care in 2012; E-DryClean: online instruction for European dry cleaners; experiential marketing of dry cleaning; how textile service providers can face the challenges of the future.
  • May 6, Innovation Day — Teamwork between research and practice; recycling of personal protective equipment from the standards and certification perspective; innovative control options for laundry and finishing processes using test fabrics; antimicrobial textiles from laboratory to practical usage.
  • May 7, Sustainable Day — Holistic view of sustainability; ISO 26000 standard; energy efficiency; efficiency management in commercial laundries; water and energy savings for laundries.
  • May 8, Market Day — Regulatory and market trends for European textile services; the U.S. textile services market; HORECA (hotel/restaurant/café) market and the potential for textile services; professional textile services and the market demand in 2030; workwear developments.

WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION

Texcare will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 5-8 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 9. Admission tickets can be purchased quickly and easily online at Texcare.com. Cost in advance is 15 euros (roughly $20) for a one-day ticket, 35 euros (roughly $46) for the entire show. If purchasing at the box office, cost will be 22 euros (roughly $30) for a one-day ticket, 48 euros (roughly $63) for the entire show.

For additional show information and updates, visit Texcare.com.

American Laundry News will be attending the show — Watch for updates beginning May 7!

April 4, 2012
Clean Show Selects GES as Official Contractor

ATLANTA — Show committee picks Las Vegas-based company from

ATLANTA — The Clean Executive Committee has selected Global Experience Specialists (GES) to serve as the official services contractor for the 2013 Clean Show in New Orleans.

Three companies submitted proposals for the June 2013 show. “GES did our show in New Orleans in 2009 and did a great job,” says John Riddle, president of Riddle & Associates, the Clean Show’s management company. “We look forward to working with them again in 2013.”

Chicago hosted the first Clean Show in 1977. United Exposition Service Co. was the official services contractor for that event and subsequent shows. GES purchased United in 1993, and the Las Vegas-based company has continued its partnership with the Clean Show for many shows since.

GES produces 3,000 exhibitions and events annually.

The Clean Show—officially titled the World Educational Congress for Laundering and Drycleaning—attracts people across all segments of the textile care industry, from single-owner, coin-operated laundry and drycleaning establishments to giant industrial and institutional laundries and textile rental companies.

 

January 26, 2012
Equinox Chemicals Acquires Adco Cleaning Products

ALBANY, Ga. — Equinox Chemicals has announced that it has acquired Adco Cleaning Products, based in Sedalia, Mo. Terms of the acquisition were not announced.

Equinox will move Adco’s manufacturing operations to its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Albany, according to Yalda Harris, Equinox’s executive vice president for Global Product Management.

Dr. Jim Schreiner, Adco’s chief product technology officer, will also be relocating, she says.

Customer-service and order-taking staff will remain in Sedalia, and there will be no changes to the way customers or distributors order from Adco, Harris adds. The national sales team will remain the same.

Equinox is a specialty chemical manufacturer with specialty research, innovation, product development and commercialization capabilities that reach markets spanning the globe, the company says.

Adco manufactures a comprehensive line of specialty cleaning chemicals and detergents used in dry cleaning, commercial laundry, and janitorial and institutional cleaning applications. It offers more than 300 proprietary products through the Adco and Laidlaw brands.

“This latest acquisition will continue our aggressive strategy to revolutionize and revitalize the laundry, dry cleaning and cleaning chemical industry,” says Mark Grimaldi, CEO of Equinox Chemicals.

Mentor Partners had owned Adco since 2007.

November 21, 2011
High-Production, Enviro-Friendly Solutions in Demand at Texcare Asia

BEIJING, China — Texcare Asia, the International Trade Fair for Modern Textile Care, wrapped its three-day run here on Saturday afternoon. Attendance figures from show organizer Messe Frankfurt were not available as of this morning, but activity was brisk throughout the event.

The exhibition was 10% larger than Texcare Asia 2009, a show that Messe Frankfurt had described as the “largest one yet.” The 2011 edition occupied approximately 10,000 square meters (approximately 108,000 square feet) in three halls of the China International Exhibition Center, with one main aisle connecting the three.

There were approximately 130 exhibitors on hand. The show continues to grow as China’s laundry and drycleaning market presents significant opportunities for suppliers of resource-saving technologies as the government implements measures to reduce its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2020.

This has created a demand for environmentally friendly products such as centralized laundry systems, advanced drycleaning equipment, green solvents, energy-saving dryers, and water reclaimers, Messe Frankfurt says.

While there were drycleaning elements to the show, it was clear that the emphasis was on laundry services and particularly in high-production systems. Several companies displayed complete tunnel washers.

Alliance Laundry Systems, American Dryer Corp., Dexter Laundry, Dow Chemical, Forenta, Hoffman/New Yorker and Pellerin Milnor were among the U.S. companies listed as exhibitors here.

Some equipment, such as a tunnel exhibited by Sealion, displayed signs warning against the taking of photos. But attendees could be seen freely using cameras, smart phones and even tablet computers to photograph and record videos of equipment demonstrations throughout the vast building.

Despite the language and cultural differences, there were plenty of similarities between Texcare Asia and trade shows held elsewhere in the world. Booth workers handed out bags and other freebies carrying their company’s logo, and pushed brochures into the hands of any willing recipient passing by.

Away from the show floor, experts in professional textile care (PTC) led a series of seminars at the Texcare Forum Asia, co-organized by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co. and CINET International Committee of Textile Care.

Topics included sustainability, laundry technologies, logistics and planning, textiles, outsourcing, and certification.

Everyone who attended Texcare Asia first had to enter through metal detectors, and some were checked further by security wielding handheld metal-detecting “wands.” Uniformed officers were stationed throughout the complex and walked the exhibition floor.

Texcare Asia is scheduled to return in fall 2013 at a site to be determined. This year’s visitors survey asked if attendees would favor Texcare Asia being held annually and in alternating cities in China.

Tomorrow: Learn why a U.S. laundry consultant believes China’s laundry services are many years behind those in the States, plus we have show reactions from U.S. exhibitors.

November 2, 2011
Texcare Asia Preview: Back to Beijing

BEIJING, China — Suppliers from China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United States have confirmed their participation in Texcare Asia, the region’s foremost trading platform for modern textile care. It is scheduled for Nov. 17-19 at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing.

Held every other year, the trade fair consistently attracts key players such as Castic-SMP, Dow, Hoffman/New Yorker, Jensen Group, Maxi Companies, Primus, Pony, Via-trade and Weishi, says Messe Frankfurt, the show’s organizer.

These suppliers and more—the exhibitor list stands at approximately 110 companies—will present a range of sophisticated, energy-efficient washing, drying and ironing technologies in a trade space of more than 10,000 square meters (approximately 32,000 square feet).

China’s laundry and dry cleaning market presents what Messe Frankfurt calls “significant opportunities” for suppliers of resource-saving technologies as the Chinese government implements a raft of measures to reduce its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2020.

This has created a demand for environmentally friendly products such as centralized laundry systems, advanced dry cleaning machines, green solvents, energy-saving dryers, and water reclaimers.

Alliance Laundry Systems will launch Over-Dry Prevention Technology (OPT)—which it debuted in the States earlier this year—at the fair. The innovative technology shortens drying time and decreases utility consumption while extending linen life, Alliance says.

“We get to see customers, new and old, from across the Asia-Pacific region at Texcare Asia,” says Kitty Zhang, area sales manager for Alliance. “It is the ideal venue to launch our latest energy-efficient products.”

The Jensen Group from Switzerland hopes to impress visitors with innovations in sustainable laundry automation. “Representatives from our three core technology centers—washroom, flatwork and garment technology—will be at the fair to show how our tools can increase efficiency and boost productivity,” says Gerda Jank, head of marketing at Jensen. “These products will be especially interesting for visitors working in heavy-duty laundries.”

Shanghai Sailstar Machinery Co. is confident that its new SGS Cleaning System will be a popular draw.

“As governments enact ever more legislation to combat climate change, we expect our green SGS Cleaning System will generate a lot of excitement,” says Ivy Zheng, Sailstar’s marketing manager. “This system enhances energy conservation in medium- and large-scale laundry plants. It maximizes output, making washing more economical.”

The fair’s long-standing professional reputation continues to attract new exhibitors wanting access to China’s developing textile care market, Messe Frankfurt says. One such company is German-based BÖWE Textile Cleaning GmbH, which manufactures 12-30-kilogram dry cleaning machines for commercial use and 70-200-kg dry cleaning machines for industrial use.

“Texcare Asia has an established reputation for facilitating trade. We are looking forward to participating in the fair and increasing the visibility of our brand in China,” says Frank Ziermann, managing director.

Kunshan Yingelan Commercial Laundry Equipment is another company exhibiting at the fair for the first time. The Taiwanese firm will present its front- and rear-tilt automatic washer-extractors, front-input and rear-output auto-fast-dryers, dry cleaning machines and solvent recovery dryers, along with finishing and ironing equipment.

“Texcare Asia provides textile care specialists a professional platform for trade,” says Lin Qingguo, vice general manager of Yingelan. “By joining the fair, we hope to get a better understanding of the textile care market in China; this will be useful in marketing the Yingelan brand.”

The 2009 event featured 133 suppliers from 17 countries and regions and welcomed 5,977 visitors from 51 countries and regions, including the United States.

To learn more about Texcare Asia 2011 or to register, visit texcare-asia.com or send an e-mail to texcareasia@china.messefrankfurt.com.

October 4, 2011
Lack of Skills Illustrates Need to Beef Up Educational Programs

CHICAGO — Based on discussions over the last several years with folks having just completed educational programs sponsored by various entities, I am astonished that many managers in the laundry industry are still unable to complete essential tasks that are key components to making them a success.

An AmericanLaundryNews.com Exclusive

CHICAGO — Based on discussions over the last several years with folks having just completed educational programs sponsored by various entities, I am astonished that many managers in the laundry industry are still unable to complete essential tasks that are key components to making them a success.

It is not totally the fault of teaching establishments. The number of dedicated, knowledgeable professionals in our field is becoming less and less due to attrition and the inability of certain organizations to fill vacancies with qualified individuals who have demonstrated proven abilities in laundry management.

Many new managers (and some old) are not able to properly design a new laundry system. They seem to not know or have forgotten that things like water, steam, air and chemicals are the basis by which one begins the design process. For example, do not start designing a wash system without knowing what type of ancillary design systems exist to support the effort.

You don’t design a new laundry that doesn’t have adequate steam pressure or facilities to support new systems. You don’t build a new laundry without incorporating employee facilities such as restrooms, dining areas, parking, etc. You don’t specify a new item of equipment if you cannot get to the spot of installation.

You specify washing and drying systems based on production capabilities demonstrated in a proposal, and then hold the supplier responsible for meeting those requirements. Never, ever specify how many wash chambers you need for a continuous batch washer, as the technology that has evolved over 10 years demonstrates a vast difference between what top- and bottom-transfer designs can achieve.

Writing specifications for textiles can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be this way. I recently read a specification in which the customer stated only that it desired a 180-thread-count sheet. I was shocked, but not for the first time. Absent were finished sizes/dimensions, fabric construction, shrinkage allowances, colors (if required), fabric weights, types of fabric, labeling requirements, country of origin restrictions/requirements, delivery expectations, and applicable ASTM requirements, and I’m sure I may have missed some other points.

I retrieved some information that was part of the International Fabricare Institute (IFI)—now the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute (DLI)—educational program, where you went to school for months, studying everything from operations to the nuts and bolts of laundry and drycleaning chemistry. IFI did much work to restore products for the Smithsonian Institution in those days.

If you are placed in a position to specify a textile product, think of the following:

• Quality of fibers, fabrics and manufacturer

• Aesthetic appeal

• Comfort expectations

• Does it fit the purpose?

• Does it meet the target market?

• How well is it designed and constructed?

• What are the expectations, and will it perform?

While the corporate logistics novice desiring to make a name for himself or herself will never understand or appreciate this, standardization of laundry equipment and systems for an organization or corporate entity goes beyond making any sense (I’m being nice here).

Every laundry is built and designed differently. There are differences in floor structure, roof-load situations, clear ceiling heights, HVAC locations, water conditions, installation requirements, structure access, system loading/unloading needs, production needs, and types of items to be processed. Drain configurations and utility designs always vary from one plant to the next, and all have different ancillary support systems—air, water, chemicals, steam quality and pressure, thermal, etc. Expectations for automation are always unique; I could go on and on.

If you do not know laundry operations and the systems that process laundry, rely on those with true experience and expertise; keep in mind that titles and supporting programs like contracting do not necessarily demonstrate expertise or experience. Buyers should rely on technical expertise before making contractual decisions.

Most importantly, understand that standardization doesn’t permit determining best value and won’t allow one to take advantage of changes in the state of the art, which is always evolving.

I challenge our industry to step up to the plate, to get more involved in educational programs, to develop unbiased experts who can really inform customers and buyers of the pros and cons.

The old warhorses of our industry are fading or have faded away. I am proud to say that I learned from many of these giants. We need to regenerate or create the same type of environment that these true experts left for many of us.

July 6, 2011
Solving the Compact-Laundry Dilemma (Part 1 of 2)

CHICAGO — Anyone who has ever been challenged to shoehorn a functional laundry into a tiny space knows that they can perform such a feat, but the sequel is making that laundry work properly.

Nowhere is this situation more profound than in the cruise line industry, where a square foot of space is like gold. And nowhere in the annals of commercial/industrial laundry design are there as many examples of laundries that do not work because they were designed by people not qualified nor practiced in process (work) flow. An example might help to illustrate the point:

During a recent cruise ship start-up operation, a machinery company had sold several hundred thousand dollars of equipment to a prominent, prestigious and well-known cruise line company. Upon entry into the laundry space, an individual could stand in the middle and turn around with outspread arms and touch two of the opposite walls.

Rather than placing the equipment along a wall so there would be room to work in front of the machines, the washers were placed in front of the dryers. The total space behind the washer-extractors was 2 feet, and the spacing between the washers and dryers was 3 feet. To make matters worse, the 34-inch-wide carts came in contact with the machines every time a dryer needed to be unloaded.

Another confounding issue was a flatwork ironer in the middle of the floor, right in front of a single door used for ingress and egress into the laundry processing area. Furthermore, this space had to be used for both laundry and guest drycleaning services. There was no soiled-linen storage area, and the laundry crew actually sorted the textiles into the washers as they were coming down from the guest floors.

Granted, this illustration highlights extreme conditions, but it is typical of what can happen when too little thought and experience is applied to a compact-laundry layout. There are specific guidelines that should be followed when a compact laundry is being planned.

Form Follows Function

The function and size of the laundry must be calculated first based on the work to be processed. It is not a cardinal sin to say to an owner, “There is not enough space to do what needs to be done,” but be prepared to offer some viable alternative.

So now, the thought process must be re-engineered. In some cases, it may be necessary to open up options and revisit the hours of operation. Instead of operating a compact laundry 8 hours a day, it may be necessary for that laundry to operate 16 hours a day in order to get all of the textiles processed within a specified block of time.

The functional task of every laundry is to process soiled textiles and convert those textiles into clean, usable textiles. Certain parameters must be followed:

  • First and foremost, compact laundries must comply with all municipal, state and federal safety regulations.
  • Workflow must follow a prescribed pathway without any cross traffic patterns.
  • All equipment must be sized to meet the hourly production task. Do not install just one machine type. At the very least, install two machines: one smaller and one larger.
  • Temporary storage of “in-process goods” must be provided.
  • The laundry should be devoid of unnecessary items. It is not a storage closet.
  • All laundry associates must understand the operational process.

Safety and Regulatory Considerations

Owners or general managers sometimes try to save money by skirting regulatory requirements. Don’t do it. Those regulations are in place for health and safety.

Some of the germane regulations that must be followed no matter the size of the laundry are:

  • clearance requirements around all machines for maintenance and repairs
  • fresh-air provisions for proper gas-fired equipment operation
  • ventilation requirements for laundry and equipment to operate efficiently
  • adequate water volume and temperatures to remove stains
  • proper wastewater sewage elements; adequate line sizes for all machines dumping simultaneously; removable wastewater lint traps; sufficient sewer line clean-outs and vent lines
  • electrical disconnects within 3 feet or line of sight for every machine using electricity
  • water and natural gas valves within 3 feet of machines using those utilities
  • a twin-compartment utility laundry sink for special laundry procedures
  • fire sprinkler systems (even though not all municipalities mandate them, they are recommended)

Tomorrow in Part 2: Operational issues that should be considered and implemented during the planning and design process…

June 9, 2011
Clean ’11 Product Debuts: Proteus Solutions, Dickies Occupational Wear, Sobel Westex

LAS VEGAS — Companies often use the Clean Show to unveil new products or services to the industry. Here is a sampling reported to American Laundry News:

Proteus Solutions: Proteus™ Activator Washing System

Proteus Solutions LLC, a joint venture between Standard Textile Co. and Diversey, presented the Proteus™ Activator Washing System.

The system combines a unique activator unit with proprietary chemistry to deliver a fully integrated laundry cleaning and sanitizing solution. The unit utilizes electro-chemically activated water to generate cleaning agents that are combined with specially formulated chemicals. Designed to fit within a customer’s existing facilities, the system makes water work harder to clean fabrics as well as, or even better than, current methods, the company claims.

The system is backed by Proteus Solutions’ deep knowledge of textiles and the laundry process to provide customers with a custom solution for their commercial laundry needs.

May 17, 2011
Diversey, Standard Textile Form Joint Venture, First Offering Debuting at Clean

STURTEVANT, Wis., and CINCINNATI — Diversey Inc. and Standard Textile Co. have formed a joint venture to bring “innovative, cost-effective and sustainable laundry cleaning solutions for the lodging and healthcare industries,” the companies announced in a joint press release.

Called Proteus Solutions LLC, the joint venture combines Diversey’s expertise in commercial cleaning and sustainability applications with Standard Textile’s unique capabilities in linen management, textiles and activated water.

December 17, 2010
Texcare Asia Plans November 2011 Return to Beijing

HONG KONG — Texcare Asia will return to Beijing and the China International Exhibition Center on Nov. 17-19 next year for its sixth edition, event manager Messe Frankfurt has announced.

The international trade fair will cover more than 10,000 square meters of trade space in presenting a wide array of products and services, including laundry, ironing, drycleaning, dying machinery and agents, equipment, textiles and accessories for rental services, and laundry- and drycleaning-related measuring instruments.

November 2, 2010
Registration Opens for Clean Show 2011

LAS VEGAS — Registration for Clean 2011—scheduled for June 6-9, 2011, at the Las Vegas Convention Center—is now open via the show’s website, www.cleanshow.com.

October 28, 2010
Hotel Registration Opens for 2011 Clean Show

ATLANTA — Hotel registration is now open for the 2011 Clean Show, set for June 6-9, 2011 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. A variety of accommodations is available to suit any budget at 11 properties.

The Association of Laundry Management (ALM) has picked Planet Hollywood as its headquarters for the show. The Textile Rental Service Association (TRSA) and Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA) have staked out the Las Vegas Hilton, and Bally’s will host the Coin Laundry Association (CLA).

October 8, 2010
Opryland Resort Rebuilds in Record Time (Part 2)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Gaylord Opryland Resort is taking guest reservations for a Nov. 15 reopening, just six months after massive springtime flooding from the adjacent Cumberland River left the hotel, the legendary Grand Ole Opry and the company’s other area facilities severely damaged.

As of mid-September, clean-up and remediation work had been completed and construction was under way, according to Pete Weien, senior vice president and general manager, who posted an update on the resort’s website.

August 6, 2010
Recession-Weary Sailstar USA Ceases Operations

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sailstar USA Inc., which offered laundry washer-extractors, drycleaning machines and finishing equipment in the United States, has ceased business operations, American Laundry News confirmed today.

June 1, 2010
Clean 2011 Opens Exhibit Sales

ATLANTA — Exhibit space sales are under way for Clean 2011, which takes place June 6-9, 2011, in the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 400 companies will offer virtually every product and service used in the textile-care industry at the world’s largest trade show for laundry, drycleaning and textile services.

May 6, 2010
All Textile Products Are Not Created Equal (Part 2 of 3)

“How can we tell if we’re getting our money’s worth from the textiles we’re using? What are the characteristics of a high-quality textile after it has been processed a dozen times, 50 times, or more? And can item type — flatwork or garment — actually influence textile durability?”

Long-Term-Care Laundry — Gary Clifford, Pines of Sarasota, Sarasota, Fla.

October 30, 2009
Texcare Exhibitors Eye Extending Brands in Rapidly Growing China Marketplace

BEIJING, China — With two days of Texcare Asia under their belts, representatives of exhibitors based in the United States or with significant operations there spoke favorably of the event during interviews Thursday.

While still carrying a great deal of activity, the show floor at the China International Exhibition Centre wasn’t as busy on this second day. Final attendance figures won’t be available until after the show.

October 1, 2009
As China Thrives, So Does Laundry Sophistication

BEIJING, China — China’s continued economic growth, improving living standards, and thriving tourism are generating a huge demand for sophisticated laundry and drycleaning systems here, says Messe Frankfurt, the trade fair organizer preparing for this month’s Texcare Asia.

The International Trade Fair for Modern Textile Care, slated for Oct. 28-30 at Beijing’s China International Exhibition Centre, will try to build on the success of Texcare Asia 2007. That event attracted more than 5,700 visitors to Shanghai to see more than 135 exhibitors.

September 29, 2009
Washex Closes Plant, Lays Off Remaining Employees

WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Washex Inc., a longtime manufacturer of automated laundry processing systems and computerized data-management systems, reportedly closed its Wichita Falls plant and laid off its remaining employees on Friday.

It’s unknown if Washex, headquartered in Wichita Falls since 1973, has ceased business operations, however, as the company has released no official statement.

September 18, 2009
CLEC Wins Awards for Promoting Green Solutions

GULF BREEZE, Fla. — Commercial and Coin Laundry Equipment Co. (CLEC), Gulf Breeze, Fla., recently won two awards for its active involvement in promoting green laundry solutions.

The commercial laundry equipment distributor won UniMac’s Top Sales Performer Award for promoting UniMac’s “Green” product line of washer-extractors and drying tumblers, as well as one of ArtiClean Ozone’s top sales awards for promoting ozone washing.

August 25, 2009
Riddle & Associates Contracts with Clean Through 2015

ATLANTA — The Clean Show's management company, Riddle & Associates, recently contracted with the Clean Executive Committee to continue management through the 2015 show. In addition, it's moved its office and the show's headquarters to 3091 Maple Drive, Ste. 305, Atlanta, GA 30305. Telephone and fax numbers and e-mail addresses did not change.

July 6, 2009
The Challenges of the Clean Show

CHICAGO  — As many of you know, I had the privilege of sitting on the Clean Executive Committee (CEC) during the planning and execution of four Clean Shows, and strongly believe in the importance of Clean to our industry.

An AmericanLaundryNews.com Exclusive

June 22, 2009
Messe Frankfurt to Premiere Texcare Forum Russia

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — Messe Frankfurt will premiere Texcare Forum Russia, the International Forum for Modern Textile Care, in Moscow Sept. 30-Oct. 1. The event will include a conference and exhibition area for Russian and international providers of laundry and textile-cleaning technology to show their products.

After the premiere, Messe Frankfurt, the German trade-fair company, along with the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre IEC Moscow, will organize Texcare Forum Russia once a year.

June 21, 2009
Drycleaning Company Enters Laundry Market with Washers, Closed-Loop Dryer

NEW ORLEANS — Renzacci, a company that many U.S. Clean Show attendees may know for its drycleaning equipment, has opened Renzacci Laundry USA, headed by Greg Barber, president, to cater to the commercial laundry market, and the company had a few of its machines on display at its Clean Show booth.