Content about JOSEPH

Equipment Manufacturing: Steve Hietpas, Maytag Commercial Laundry, St. Joseph, Mich.

Although not directly related to the manufacturing of commercial laundry equipment, for some of our customers this topic is a major concern. Professional laundry managers can do two things to help stem the flow of objects found in dirtied linens: an employee training program and, where applicable, conveniently placed containers for depositing razor-sharp objects.

In healthcare settings, a number of pointed objects—hypodermic needles, for example—are used on a regular basis. These needles, if left in soiled linens, are dangerous to professionals processing the laundry. By incorporating collection receptacles in or near every patient’s room, it makes disposing of these items properly more convenient and more likely. Coupled with a program to train staff of the importance of sharps disposal, laundry processing is much safer for all parties involved.

In the food and beverage industry, training again plays an integral role in reducing the amount of cutlery found within soiled linens. The awareness gleaned from training helps to protect those processing the linens and ensures the vast majority of utensils are available for patrons.

Textile/Uniform Rental: Tom Peplinski, Golden West, Oakland, Calif.

Sharp objects can be a safety concern to all those handling soiled linen. Each year, millions of workers suffer workplace injuries that could have been prevented. Approximately 30% of all workplace injuries involve cuts or lacerations, and about 70% of those injuries are to the hands or fingers.

Some practical steps can help minimize the risk of contact with sharp objects:

• Include the issue of sharp objects in your hazards safety meeting
• Post reminders that sharp objects may be present in soil area
• Be sure that gloves (puncture-resistant, when possible) are worn
• Be sure all personnel are trained in the procedures of handling soil
• Have a clear, written policy and procedure covering first aid
• Keep good housekeeping rules that include eliminating sharp objects and edges
• When sharp items are found in soil, try to identify customers from which they came and inform them of the issue.
• Post anti-sharp/anti-garbage posters at customer’s soil area
• Offer to speak at customer’s safety meeting to address the potential problem
• Inspect the area where the soil container is placed to see if there might be a safer area elsewhere
• Inform all service personnel when sharps are found so they are aware of the risk

Finally, review past incidents/injuries involving cuts and lacerations. Have participants discuss the cause of the injuries and possible solutions as to how the worker or employer could have prevented them. Apply suggestions for improvements to your “Cuts and Abrasion” policy and procedures.

Commercial Laundry: Richard Warren, Linen King, Conway, Ark.

Laundries don’t put the sharps into the linen stream, and we can’t keep them out.

I find that infection control staffs at hospitals are embarrassed about the issue, so we need to be sensitive in our approach. I find them quite willing to work with a laundry that maintains a professional attitude toward what they perceive as their own problem. We certainly can’t be heavy-handed when we discuss this issue.

We have done some things physically that have practically pushed this problem into extinction. We contact the infection control people, our point of contact in the linen department, and the linen committee to talk about how to keep the sharps out. They need to know where the offending item came from, so we help by taking a picture of the item. Sometimes it’s identifiable. If the discovery is made in the sorting department, we make note of the specific carts we are working with at the time. We e-mail all this information to personnel at the hospital so they have something to work with. Calling them to complain just keeps the adversarial relationship alive.

Not all hospitals recognize the urgency of the situation, but those that do have shown a dramatic decrease in incidents. We apply the same procedure to all manner of rogue hospital items, some of obvious value. Any customer would appreciate that attention.

There are commercially manufactured machines that “scan” the soiled laundry for foreign objects, and are used at the point of linen collection. I don’t have any first-hand knowledge regarding their effectiveness.

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — As word continues to spread about the various benefits of using less energy and water in daily tasks, much of the hospitality industry is now working to make its on-premise laundry (OPL) facilities more energy- and water-efficient. As a result, many hotel owners are finding that the conservation of natural resources is not only good for the environment, but also for business. It can lead to lower utility bills and increased productivity, as well as an improved image in the eyes of hotel guests.

Though it may be tempting to jump right in and start buying new equipment, it’s important for hotel owners to first take a close look at the many options available to them, leading to a more informed decision.

There are a variety of things to do and consider as they begin their research on improvements, which can ultimately lead to higher energy and water efficiency, as well as a higher return on investment (ROI).

FIRST, FIND A DISTRIBUTOR

Whether looking to buy laundry equipment for a new hotel or upgrading an existing operation, hotel owners would be wise to first begin a relationship with an established distributor for product guidance and future maintenance. Look for laundry distributors who have a long history in the business and a well-known reputation for good customer service, both before and after the sale.

It also is a good idea to choose a distributor that offers solid warranty and service agreements, factory-trained service technicians and a full parts inventory, so replacement parts can be obtained with minimal downtime. It is crucial that the distributor send a service technician out promptly with the replacement parts needed for repairs so the laundry facility can keep up with guests’ needs.

ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY

Though the costs of operating an OPL are considerably lower than sending laundry to an outside business, selecting the right equipment for the job can reduce costs even further. Hotel owners can significantly cut utility costs by investing in the latest energy-efficient commercial laundry equipment, including multi-load high-speed washer extractors.

High-Speed Multi-Load Washer-Extractors — The best way to improve overall OPL efficiency is by incorporating multi-load, high-speed washer-extractors. Extracting water in the washer instead of the dryer through higher spin speeds means linens will dry more quickly and gently, and less energy will be consumed.

For the highest level of performance, hotel owners should look for soft-mount washer-extractors with a G-force (G), or spin speed, of at least 300, though certain soft-mount washer-extractors can feature high-speed extraction of up to 350 G.

Higher G-force simply means more water is removed. For example, a 55-pound washer operating at 100 G will leave about 50 pounds of water to be extracted in the dryer, which will take 45 minutes to dry. A 350-G washer, however, will only leave 33 pounds of water, which will reduce drying time to 31 minutes and save linens from additional wear.

When compared to laundries operating with 100-G washers, those operating with 350-G washers can save substantial labor dollars. A laundry operating with 350-G washers can process 10 loads in approximately 2½ hours less time than the laundry operating the 100-G washers. At $10 an hour, increasing washer speed to 350 Gs has the potential to save more than $8,000 a year in labor. Plus, shorter drying time at 170 F will cause less linen wear and tear.

High-speed washer-extractors are an ideal option for OPL operators, as they drastically reduce labor and other operational costs. Of course, to complete the efficiency upgrade package, OPL facilities also need an energy-efficient multi-load dryer.

Multi-Load Dryers — Like multi-load washer-extractors, today’s multi-load dryers can hold larger loads of laundry, reducing the number of loads that need to be dried. These highly efficient dryers come in varying sizes, with the largest ones being able to accommodate loads of more than 150 pounds.

For the highest energy efficiency, hotel owners should look for large dryers with high-performance airflow distribution systems that dry clothes faster using less energy, and sufficient insulation and sealing to prevent the leakage of heated air. This allows the machine to dry clothes faster using less energy.

Washer-Extractors for Smaller Facilities — In addition to the individual size and performance of machines, the size of the OPL facility is an important factor to consider. Though multi-load equipment is ideal for larger facilities, it might not be as good of a fit for some smaller OPLs. Fortunately, there are also equipment options for laundry facilities in smaller hotels.

Owners of smaller OPLs stand to reap the most substantial benefits from an equipment upgrade, usually from a traditional top-loading washer to a front-loading high-speed washer-extractor. When comparing on-premise high-speed washer-extractors with traditional top-loaders, the front-loaders are generally recognized as the more energy-efficient option, and they also use water more efficiently.

For example, a top-loading machine needs enough water to cover all of the fabrics in its drum, while a front-loading machine only requires one-third of that amount of water. The drum in front-loading washer-extractors is horizontally set, so as it turns, it uses gravity to drop the fabrics back into the water. This allows front-loading washer-extractors to use several gallons of water a year less than traditional top-loading machines.

Another front-load washer-extractor advantage is that these machines have no agitator in the middle of the drum, allowing them to hold larger loads, which also saves time and energy. Additionally, agitators inflict gradual wear and tear on fabrics over time, so fabrics washed in a front-load machine should last longer.

ELEMENTS OF PROPER OPL DESIGN

For hotel OPL facilities to operate efficiently, it is also important for owners to properly design the facility, ensuring that all OPL components are positioned in the most beneficial way for hotel staff members.

First, OPL facilities must have a wide swinging door that will easily accommodate in-and-out foot traffic. Then, there’s the placement of the different areas used for separating soiled laundry prior to washing and folding clean laundry after it’s processed. Placing folding stations near washers and dryers helps staff members to be more efficient, as they only have a minimal distance to carry laundry, and also helps keep clean laundry from potentially being dragged on the floor.

Washers and dryers should be in close proximity, while allowing for staff members to easily maneuver laundry carts within the space. Store clean linens near the entrance/exit door for easy access to both housekeeping and other hotel staff members.

Most distributors will have someone on staff who specializes in laundry facility design, or will be able to recommend an outside interior designer or architect who can assist the hotel owner with producing a more efficient laundry room layout.

IN SUMMARY

Under the guidance of a reputable, well-established commercial laundry distributor, hotel owners can make huge improvements to the energy- and water- efficiency of their OPL and significantly reduce operational costs.

High-speed washer-extractors and multi-load dryers are a wise investment for all OPL facility owners, as they help achieve all of these goals and allow staff to spend less time handling laundry and more time on other important duties.

In addition, due to the ROI of the equipment, hotel owners can expect to recoup the price difference between this equipment and traditional less-efficient OPL equipment in utility savings over just a few years.

High-speed multi-load washer-extractors and multi-load dryers also help decrease a hotel’s impact on the environment. So, by making informed energy- and water-efficient decisions for their OPL facilities, hotel owners are not only making a smart move for their bottom line, but are also doing their part to preserve the environment of future generations.

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Worldwide Laundry Inc., Miami, was recently recognized with the On-Premises Laundry (OPL) Excellence Award during the Maytag® Commercial Laundry 54th Annual Meeting in Marco Island, Fla.

The honor acknowledges the distributor’s effective and efficient service to its OPL customers.

“Worldwide Laundry consistently delivers exceptional results by responding to customers’ inquiries in less than 24 hours, through its strategic direct-marketing efforts and by fostering relationships within the OPL market,” says Bob English, general manager of global commercial laundry at Whirlpool Corp.

“Our reputation as an efficient and dependable distributor is a top priority for us,” says Marco Giancola, vice president at Worldwide Laundry. “Maytag® Commercial Laundry manufactures top-of-the-line products with industry-leading warranties, which help meet and exceed customer expectations daily.”

Worldwide Laundry is a full-service laundry equipment, parts and supplies company with 40 years of combined experience in the distribution of on-premise, coin laundry, and drycleaning equipment at competitive prices worldwide.

Marco and Chuck Giancola and Robert Gonzalez were on hand to receive the award for Worldwide Laundry. Also present at the awards dinner was Fritz Maytag, great-grandson of founder Fred Maytag.

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — When striving toward a properly equipped hotel laundry facility, owners and operators have a number of factors to consider, including the right equipment mix, new technologies, types of machines and unique industry challenges.

The proper selection of commercial laundry equipment can have a significant impact on several key operational factors—namely time, money and utilities.

Before the Equipment, You Need A Distributor

Whether shopping for laundry equipment for a new hotel/motel or looking to upgrade an existing operation, it is important to connect with a reliable, established distributor for product guidance and future maintenance. The best laundry distributors are those that have a long history in the business and have received positive reviews for the customer service they provide — both before and after the sale.

It also is wise to look for a distributor with solid warranty and service agreements, factory-trained service technicians and a full parts inventory, so replacement parts can be obtained with minimal downtime. For example, if laundry equipment stops working on a busy Saturday, having a distributor that will send a service technician out promptly with the replacement parts needed for repairs is crucial to keep up with the flow of guest needs.

A reputable distributor will help ensure the laundry room is designed to efficiently meet the needs of the hotel staff and guests. The arrangement should accommodate a good workflow and have proper ventilation and enough space on all sides of the equipment for maintenance and operation. Distributors also can help owners calculate how many loads of laundry will be required to accommodate the average flow of guests.

Finding the Right Mix

To maximize a laundry operation’s efficiency, there are a few variables that need to be considered. For example, how many hours will the equipment operate per day? The answer to this question is dependent on the number of rooms, types of linens laundered, etc. and directly affects the variety and size of the equipment needed.

Another factor that needs to be addressed is the hotel’s target market. If hotel guests are generally business travelers, the type and the amount of linens vary greatly compared to a full-service resort where multiple towel types, robes, linens, etc., are required for daily guest use. Depending on the types of linens and the amount of laundry at the on-premise facility, a distributor can help determine where more or less equipment would ensure a smooth laundry operation.

A simple rule of thumb for preliminary discussions about the capacity of equipment needed to stay ahead of hotel/motel laundry needs is one pound of washer capacity for each guestroom. For instance, if a hotel has 100 rooms, it would need approximately 100 pounds of washer capacity. For dryers, hotel owners and operators would want to select equipment that provides approximately 30-50% additional capacity, in this example, around 150 pounds of dryer capacity.

Generally, owners and operators with more than 40 to 50 rooms opt for two smaller washers, which allow for laundry to be done continually throughout the day, instead of waiting to do all of the linens at one time. Also, in case the equipment breaks down, a second unit is there to keep up with the guests’ linen and towel needs.

Technologies Save Money, Time and Linens

The largest cost in a hotel laundry is labor, which can comprise 50-60% of every dollar spent. One of the best things a hotel owner can do is to upgrade the washers to models that have higher spin speeds, which remove more water from linens. This leads to a reduction in the amount of natural gas consumed in the drying process by shortening the dry times. Higher-extraction washers can cut drying times 20-40%.

Housekeeping operators stand to recoup the price difference between efficient and less-efficient on-premise laundry equipment in labor savings over a few years.

High-spin washers help hotels keep the cost of linen replacement down, as shorter dry times help increase linen life. Most of the damage to linens occurs in the dryers, when linens are tumbling in temperatures of 160-180 F for anywhere from 25 to 50 minutes.

Tomorrow: An additional challenge...

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Maytag Commercial Laundry awarded John Morris Equipment & Supply Co. of Springfield, Mo., this year’s Red Carpet Service Excellence Award. Pride Laundry Systems of North Hills, Calif., took the On-Premises Laundry (OPL) Excellence Award. The honors were presented during Maytag’s 53rd Annual Meeting in Palm Springs, Calif.

The Red Carpet Service Excellence Award is presented to a company that best exemplifies the excellent service and dependability characterized by the Maytag Commercial Laundry brand, Maytag says.

“John Morris Equipment & Supply Co. has been affiliated with Maytag Commercial Laundry for more than 50 years,” says Craig Kirchner, global director of Maytag Commercial Laundry. “Year after year, their dedication to quality service, our brand and their customers is truly remarkable.”

“Dependability and reliability are a major part of our job, and we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best service available,” says Terry Gideon, general manager of John Morris Equipment & Supply Co. “This award demonstrates our dedication to the long-standing Maytag Commercial Laundry brand, and our current and future customers.”

John Morris Equipment & Supply Co.’s territory covers Missouri and portions of northern Arkansas, eastern Kansas and western Illinois. The company is a past recipient of Maytag’s OPL Excellence Award.

But this year’s On-Premises Laundry (OPL) Excellence Award, an honor that recognizes a company’s effective and efficient service to its OPL customers, went to Pride Laundry Systems.

“Excellence, dependability and exemplary service are synonymous with the Maytag Commercial Laundry brand,” says Kirchner. “Pride Laundry Systems embodies what our company stands for, and we’re pleased to recognize them with this distinguished honor.”

“We take great satisfaction in our reputation as an efficient and dependable distributor to the OPL market,” says Mark Goodman, president of Pride Laundry Systems. “Our loyal association to the dependable Maytag Commercial Laundry brand reinforces our dedication and promise to provide the best equipment and service to our customers.”

Pride Laundry Systems, Inc. serves Southern California and Nevada as a commercial laundry equipment specialist and an authorized Maytag Commercial Laundry distributor. The company specializes in developing coin-laundry stores, multi-housing laundry sales and services, OPL equipment and design, and laundry equipment parts and service.

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Pierce Commercial Laundry, Mandeville, La., recently received the prestigious Fred Maytag Award during Maytag® Commercial Laundry’s 53rd Annual Meeting in Palm Springs, Calif.

The Fred Maytag Award, with a history of more than five decades, is the longest-running award in the commercial laundry industry, Maytag says.