அகர முதல சம்ஸ்கிருதம்! ஆதி பகவன் சம்ஸ்கிருதம்!
9 years ago
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
SATIN SATEEN WEAVE & FABRIC
Satin weave is one of the three important textile weaves. (The other two are plain and twill weave.) The satin weave is distinguished by its lustrous, or 'silky', appearance. Satin describes the way the threads are combined, and the yarn used may be silk or polyester, among others, giving different fabrics.
Satin Weave
Satin Weave Satin weave is a more flexible type of weave than the plain weave but it is more complicated. In this weave construction, the interlacing of the threads are arranged in such a way that the face of the cloth is covered with the warp yarn or filling yarn and no twill line is distinguishable. It is made by "floating" warp or weft yarns across many yarns to bring them to the surface. The interlacing float over 4 or more than 4 yarns before a single interlacing like 4/1, 7/1 or 11/1.
If filament fibers are used such as silk or nylon, the resulting fabric is termed as "satin." If the short-staple yarns are used like cotton, the corresponding fabric is said to be a "sateen." In satin, the float is in warp direction where as in sateen, it is in the filling direction.
Characteristics of Satin Weave
* It is flat and lustrous with a smooth surface.
* The surface slides easily for linings.
* The long floats like 7/1 or 11/1 and filament fabrics are subject to snagging and is poor resistant to abrasion.
* The shorter floats like 4/1 or ¼ and spun fabrics may be tough, compact and durable with low luster.
What is THREAD COUNT and why does it matter?
Or, Hints for buying sheets
You are most likely to see references to thread count on packaging and advertising for sheets. Thread count is the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven in one square inch of fabric. Thread count can range from 80 to 1000 (and maybe more by now). In general, the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric feels and the more pill-resistant it is. But, when buying sheets, there are things to consider besides the number of threads.
High quality sheets have at least 180 threads per square inch. The Linenplace web site http://www.linenplace.com/ describes 200-220 as a good thread count, 230-280 as better, and 300-400 as best. Higher thread count sheets are usually significantly more expensive and not everyone agrees that the higher count means a better sheet.
Three additional components are important when considering thread count: yarn size and ply.
Yarn size refers to the thickness of the yarns that are used to make the fabric. A higher yarn size means a finer yarn. Generally sheets are made from a yarn size range of 40 to 100. Obviously, the finer the yarn, the more of them will fit in a square inch.
Ply refers to the number of individual yarns used as a strand. Single ply fabric is woven from one, individual yarn; 2-ply fabric is made from yarns that are twisted together and then woven. If 2-ply yarn is used, the finished construction will have twice the thread count of the same construction made from single ply yarn. 2-ply yarn must be made from a very high yarn size (like 100) or they will feel thick and heavy.
Another important consideration is fiber. Sheets may be made from various cottons, various cotton blends, polyester, or other man-made fibers. Cotton/polyester blends outsell cotton sheets largely because they wrinkle less and cost less. Be sure the read the label to determine the amount of cotton in the sheets. It may say Egyptian or Pima cotton (high quality, soft, strong types of cotton), but contain only a small percentage of it.
You are most likely to see references to thread count on packaging and advertising for sheets. Thread count is the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven in one square inch of fabric. Thread count can range from 80 to 1000 (and maybe more by now). In general, the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric feels and the more pill-resistant it is. But, when buying sheets, there are things to consider besides the number of threads.
High quality sheets have at least 180 threads per square inch. The Linenplace web site http://www.linenplace.com/ describes 200-220 as a good thread count, 230-280 as better, and 300-400 as best. Higher thread count sheets are usually significantly more expensive and not everyone agrees that the higher count means a better sheet.
Three additional components are important when considering thread count: yarn size and ply.
Yarn size refers to the thickness of the yarns that are used to make the fabric. A higher yarn size means a finer yarn. Generally sheets are made from a yarn size range of 40 to 100. Obviously, the finer the yarn, the more of them will fit in a square inch.
Ply refers to the number of individual yarns used as a strand. Single ply fabric is woven from one, individual yarn; 2-ply fabric is made from yarns that are twisted together and then woven. If 2-ply yarn is used, the finished construction will have twice the thread count of the same construction made from single ply yarn. 2-ply yarn must be made from a very high yarn size (like 100) or they will feel thick and heavy.
Another important consideration is fiber. Sheets may be made from various cottons, various cotton blends, polyester, or other man-made fibers. Cotton/polyester blends outsell cotton sheets largely because they wrinkle less and cost less. Be sure the read the label to determine the amount of cotton in the sheets. It may say Egyptian or Pima cotton (high quality, soft, strong types of cotton), but contain only a small percentage of it.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thumb Rule for Laundry Expenses.
Typical Inhouse Laundry expenses % is given below.
Variable cost.
Water 8%
Chemical 13%
Electricity 10%
Steam (fuel) 25%
Manpower 35%
Packing 3%
Repair & Mtn 6%
However the above cost may vary depend upon the unit cost.
Variable cost.
Water 8%
Chemical 13%
Electricity 10%
Steam (fuel) 25%
Manpower 35%
Packing 3%
Repair & Mtn 6%
However the above cost may vary depend upon the unit cost.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Whiter, Softer, Sanitized, Fresher-Smelling and Longer-Lasting Linen = Huge Savings!
What is Ozone?
Ozone is oxygen (O2) with an extra atom of oxygen attached, thus forming 03
Ozone is formed naturally during a lightning storm. The creation of Ozone is nature's way of purifying the atmosphere, and is what gives clothesline-dried linen that "fresh air" smell
Ozone is an extremely effective sanitizing and disinfecting agent. In fact, Ozone kills bacteria faster than chlorine. Most new water treatment plants are treated with Ozone instead of chlorine.
Ever notice that bottled water tastes and smells much better than tap water?
That is because bottled water is purified with Ozone instead of chlorine. The bad taste and smell in your tap water is nothing more than residual chlorine.
How does Ozone work in a laundry?
Ozone carries an electrical/chemical charge in the washing solution, which actually starts to dissolve soil on contact. This process activates the chemicals in cold water instead of using hot water at 140-160 degrees.
Sanitizing of your linen is equal to standard laundry procedures.
Ozone Laundry gives you several advantages over standard laundry practices.
Longer Linen Life
Did you know that whenever chlorine bleach and extremely hot water are mixed together, a chemical reaction occurs which actually damages the linen fibers? With Ozone, this chemical reaction is eliminated. Our customers have reported that their linen life has increased by 30% or more.
Major Reduction in Natural Gas Cost
Approximately half of the natural gas used in the laundry is for heating water. The other half is used in drying linen. ArtiClean can eliminate 90% or more of your hot water usage.
Some facilities have turned their water heaters off!
An average 100-bed nursing home could save a minimum of $1200 per month on utility bills.
Faster Fill Rates
ArtiClean Ozone Laundry Systems utilize an extra large Ozone-resistant water valve to fill your washers. These valves work separately from your existing fill valves, and in most cases will fill your washers in half the normal time. This saves you time, which in turn saves you money!
Shorter Wash Cycles
Under normal conditions, the "cleaning window" of a wash cycle is limited to the detergent and bleach steps. This window is usually 1/3 of the total cycle time. With ArtiClean, the entire wash cycle is the cleaning window…When your washer fills with water, in most cases, it is cold-Ozonated water. This means that every time your washer fills (most wash cycles fill at least five times), it is getting a fresh dose of Ozonated water. This, in effect, makes the cleaning window the entire cycle. By lengthening the cleaning window, we are able to shorten the entire cycle by as much as 20%. What does this do for me?
20% faster wash cycles mean the possibility of running your laundry 20% fewer hours per day…week…year!
Shorter Drying Times
Ozone actually penetrates the fibers of your linen. This is evident in the thicker, fluffier towels that are dried after being ozonated. The ozone helps to release moisture in a dryer or on a flatwork ironer, thus creating much faster drying times as well. In most cases drying time has decreased by 20%. This decrease also also reduces gas consumption by up to 20%.
Thankx : Commercial Laundry equipment company
Ozone is oxygen (O2) with an extra atom of oxygen attached, thus forming 03
Ozone is formed naturally during a lightning storm. The creation of Ozone is nature's way of purifying the atmosphere, and is what gives clothesline-dried linen that "fresh air" smell
Ozone is an extremely effective sanitizing and disinfecting agent. In fact, Ozone kills bacteria faster than chlorine. Most new water treatment plants are treated with Ozone instead of chlorine.
Ever notice that bottled water tastes and smells much better than tap water?
That is because bottled water is purified with Ozone instead of chlorine. The bad taste and smell in your tap water is nothing more than residual chlorine.
How does Ozone work in a laundry?
Ozone carries an electrical/chemical charge in the washing solution, which actually starts to dissolve soil on contact. This process activates the chemicals in cold water instead of using hot water at 140-160 degrees.
Sanitizing of your linen is equal to standard laundry procedures.
Ozone Laundry gives you several advantages over standard laundry practices.
Longer Linen Life
Did you know that whenever chlorine bleach and extremely hot water are mixed together, a chemical reaction occurs which actually damages the linen fibers? With Ozone, this chemical reaction is eliminated. Our customers have reported that their linen life has increased by 30% or more.
Major Reduction in Natural Gas Cost
Approximately half of the natural gas used in the laundry is for heating water. The other half is used in drying linen. ArtiClean can eliminate 90% or more of your hot water usage.
Some facilities have turned their water heaters off!
An average 100-bed nursing home could save a minimum of $1200 per month on utility bills.
Faster Fill Rates
ArtiClean Ozone Laundry Systems utilize an extra large Ozone-resistant water valve to fill your washers. These valves work separately from your existing fill valves, and in most cases will fill your washers in half the normal time. This saves you time, which in turn saves you money!
Shorter Wash Cycles
Under normal conditions, the "cleaning window" of a wash cycle is limited to the detergent and bleach steps. This window is usually 1/3 of the total cycle time. With ArtiClean, the entire wash cycle is the cleaning window…When your washer fills with water, in most cases, it is cold-Ozonated water. This means that every time your washer fills (most wash cycles fill at least five times), it is getting a fresh dose of Ozonated water. This, in effect, makes the cleaning window the entire cycle. By lengthening the cleaning window, we are able to shorten the entire cycle by as much as 20%. What does this do for me?
20% faster wash cycles mean the possibility of running your laundry 20% fewer hours per day…week…year!
Shorter Drying Times
Ozone actually penetrates the fibers of your linen. This is evident in the thicker, fluffier towels that are dried after being ozonated. The ozone helps to release moisture in a dryer or on a flatwork ironer, thus creating much faster drying times as well. In most cases drying time has decreased by 20%. This decrease also also reduces gas consumption by up to 20%.
Thankx : Commercial Laundry equipment company
Laundry-Room, a quick guide to choosing the best room for your laundry.
Things to check before building a laundry room. Insider tips.
When you decide to build your Laundry-Room, it is most important to start with at least one outside wall for the fresh air ventilation.
An outside wall will also have a drain or waste pipe within close proximity of the wall to allow the waste from the the washing machines to be disposed of without any hassle.
You may think this is so basic it's not worth mentioning but I can assure you I have been asked to place a range of laundry machines inside a building where there was no fresh air which had to be delivered to the room by a range of ducts at vast expense, because the architect was unaware of the need.
Check for water supply both hot and cold, is the header tank high enough above the room to provide enough head to fill the machines?
Is a decent power supply distribution box anywhere near? Power is the easiest to to remedy, but still expensive if it has to come a long way.
Is the fuse box capable of taking the heaters from the washers and dryers should they all come on at once? A Laundry-Room can use a considerable amount of power in short bursts, Typical heaters for a washer are 6kW at least. Then multiply by the number required and you have some idea of the power needed.
A good Laundry-Room will have heated cold fill washers which will provide a better wash than ones with a warm fill from the mains supply boiler. See How to do Laundry for the reasons.
Access. Can the washing machines get into and out of the Laundry Room?
Unless you would like to pay for cranes and removing the roof for service and repalcement of machines check the doors are wide enough for the machine to enter. They cannot be dismantled and reassembled inside.
Cellars are a nightmare for a Laundry-Room, avoid at all costs.
I try to walk away from people who insist that the laundry must be placed in the cellar and their office has to stay in the one large airy room that would fit the bill.
The problems with ventilation, drainage alone are enough to say no. Then there is the problem of gas dryers, steer clear of all cellars for a laundry. OK for a Nightclub but not a Laundry-Room. Access down the stairs for heavy machinery is also a big problem.
________________________________________
A quick summary of Laundry-Room needs and solutions.
Always check what power is available on site, is there enough, is it three phase and neutral?
The correct machines for the job cannot be ordered before the power and water supplies have been confirmed.
If gas is to be used which type of gas is it? LPG, or natural gas from the oil fields. Or gas produced from coal.
Water supplies may need to be supplied via a break tank which isolates the mains water from the laundry room.
Most washing machine require a minimum of 1bar pressure or 37psi so if you have several machines in a row large pipes and adequate flow will be required to ensure a fast fill and a clearance of the soap from the hopper.
Are the machines pump drain or gravity drain, most commercial machines are gravity drain. In which case a fall from the rear of the machines to the sewage system is needed.
You may be required to lift the machines up on a plinth.
________________________________________
Try to visualize the laundry-room process from start to finish.
Try to visualise the laundry process from start to finish with a flow of work from the entrance of the laundry with dirty washing to the exit with clean finished linen.
Dryers work best when placed against an outside wall to reduce the length of the ducting to fresh air.
You will require a
Receiving and sorting area as near to the entrance as possible.
A wash area close the receiving area where the washing machine can be loaded quickly and cleanly.
A drying area without cross contamination from the dirty washing in the receiving area.
A finishing, folding, and ironing area with a selection of finishing equipment.
Then a storage area to store clean laundry in airing room or cupboard.
Thankx - laundry & dishwash info.
When you decide to build your Laundry-Room, it is most important to start with at least one outside wall for the fresh air ventilation.
An outside wall will also have a drain or waste pipe within close proximity of the wall to allow the waste from the the washing machines to be disposed of without any hassle.
You may think this is so basic it's not worth mentioning but I can assure you I have been asked to place a range of laundry machines inside a building where there was no fresh air which had to be delivered to the room by a range of ducts at vast expense, because the architect was unaware of the need.
Check for water supply both hot and cold, is the header tank high enough above the room to provide enough head to fill the machines?
Is a decent power supply distribution box anywhere near? Power is the easiest to to remedy, but still expensive if it has to come a long way.
Is the fuse box capable of taking the heaters from the washers and dryers should they all come on at once? A Laundry-Room can use a considerable amount of power in short bursts, Typical heaters for a washer are 6kW at least. Then multiply by the number required and you have some idea of the power needed.
A good Laundry-Room will have heated cold fill washers which will provide a better wash than ones with a warm fill from the mains supply boiler. See How to do Laundry for the reasons.
Access. Can the washing machines get into and out of the Laundry Room?
Unless you would like to pay for cranes and removing the roof for service and repalcement of machines check the doors are wide enough for the machine to enter. They cannot be dismantled and reassembled inside.
Cellars are a nightmare for a Laundry-Room, avoid at all costs.
I try to walk away from people who insist that the laundry must be placed in the cellar and their office has to stay in the one large airy room that would fit the bill.
The problems with ventilation, drainage alone are enough to say no. Then there is the problem of gas dryers, steer clear of all cellars for a laundry. OK for a Nightclub but not a Laundry-Room. Access down the stairs for heavy machinery is also a big problem.
________________________________________
A quick summary of Laundry-Room needs and solutions.
Always check what power is available on site, is there enough, is it three phase and neutral?
The correct machines for the job cannot be ordered before the power and water supplies have been confirmed.
If gas is to be used which type of gas is it? LPG, or natural gas from the oil fields. Or gas produced from coal.
Water supplies may need to be supplied via a break tank which isolates the mains water from the laundry room.
Most washing machine require a minimum of 1bar pressure or 37psi so if you have several machines in a row large pipes and adequate flow will be required to ensure a fast fill and a clearance of the soap from the hopper.
Are the machines pump drain or gravity drain, most commercial machines are gravity drain. In which case a fall from the rear of the machines to the sewage system is needed.
You may be required to lift the machines up on a plinth.
________________________________________
Try to visualize the laundry-room process from start to finish.
Try to visualise the laundry process from start to finish with a flow of work from the entrance of the laundry with dirty washing to the exit with clean finished linen.
Dryers work best when placed against an outside wall to reduce the length of the ducting to fresh air.
You will require a
Receiving and sorting area as near to the entrance as possible.
A wash area close the receiving area where the washing machine can be loaded quickly and cleanly.
A drying area without cross contamination from the dirty washing in the receiving area.
A finishing, folding, and ironing area with a selection of finishing equipment.
Then a storage area to store clean laundry in airing room or cupboard.
Thankx - laundry & dishwash info.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Jyothy Laboratories 'FABRIC SPA' begins servicing Institutional clients
Jyothy Laboratories's new business venture "Fabric Spa", a complete rejuvenating solutions for garments under its subsidiary Jyothy Fabricare Services Ltd (JFSL), has obtained business from various Bengaluru-based Institutional and Corporate clients. Fabric Spa currently washes over 10,000 fabrics daily including all the airlines flying out of the city and some of the hotels.
JFSL aims to provide "World Class Laundry at affordable price at your doorstep". While the Company will provide its premium service through Fabric Spa in June 2009, JFSL has already entered the economy market with acquisition of a Bangalore based laundry brand Snoways. Snoways has a loyal customer base of over 8000 clientele with 20 retail outlets. In an effort to provide easy access to its customers, JFSL has also introduced a toll-free number. Customers can dial-in 080 46644664 for laundry pick-up. The services at the Fabric spa range from basic solutions like: Wet Wash, Dry clean, Press, folding and packing, door to door pick up and delivery.
JFSL will broadly target three segments - Super Premium, Premium and Economy. The initial cost for this new venture is around Rs 40 crore. To begin with, the venture would comprise of one main service station (MSS), five quick service stations (QSS) and 25 collection and delivery stations (CDC). The MSS will have capacity to service 40,000 garments a day or, 10 tones. JFSL plans to provide door-to-door service in selective areas in the future.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ullas Kamath. Dy. Managing Director said: "Following our extensive research we realized that laundry is one of the two most important issues faced by young couples today. The rising middle class population and affordability to buy branded garments opens up opportunities for Fabric Spa's like us to give value added services with a whole new experience at affordable prices".
The Company has acquired 2 acres of land and constructed 45,000 square feet of World Class Laundry facility in Apparel Park, Bangalore (Bengaluru) to set up Main Service Station (MSS). Most of the machinery in this facility has been imported. The Fabric Spa will be an ideal destination for safe and scientific methods of fabric treatment. Among value added services the Fabric Spa provides an expert advice garment care. The Fabric Spa will also provide specialized services like fragrance to your garments customized as per one's needs. In today's fast paced world, where one looks for value for money, Fabricare provides them with solutions under one roof."
Source: Equity Bulls
JFSL aims to provide "World Class Laundry at affordable price at your doorstep". While the Company will provide its premium service through Fabric Spa in June 2009, JFSL has already entered the economy market with acquisition of a Bangalore based laundry brand Snoways. Snoways has a loyal customer base of over 8000 clientele with 20 retail outlets. In an effort to provide easy access to its customers, JFSL has also introduced a toll-free number. Customers can dial-in 080 46644664 for laundry pick-up. The services at the Fabric spa range from basic solutions like: Wet Wash, Dry clean, Press, folding and packing, door to door pick up and delivery.
JFSL will broadly target three segments - Super Premium, Premium and Economy. The initial cost for this new venture is around Rs 40 crore. To begin with, the venture would comprise of one main service station (MSS), five quick service stations (QSS) and 25 collection and delivery stations (CDC). The MSS will have capacity to service 40,000 garments a day or, 10 tones. JFSL plans to provide door-to-door service in selective areas in the future.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ullas Kamath. Dy. Managing Director said: "Following our extensive research we realized that laundry is one of the two most important issues faced by young couples today. The rising middle class population and affordability to buy branded garments opens up opportunities for Fabric Spa's like us to give value added services with a whole new experience at affordable prices".
The Company has acquired 2 acres of land and constructed 45,000 square feet of World Class Laundry facility in Apparel Park, Bangalore (Bengaluru) to set up Main Service Station (MSS). Most of the machinery in this facility has been imported. The Fabric Spa will be an ideal destination for safe and scientific methods of fabric treatment. Among value added services the Fabric Spa provides an expert advice garment care. The Fabric Spa will also provide specialized services like fragrance to your garments customized as per one's needs. In today's fast paced world, where one looks for value for money, Fabricare provides them with solutions under one roof."
Source: Equity Bulls
Laundry Competition
"We will not be affected by other players"
Laundry and dry-cleaning, an occupation having been associated with lower castes since the last 3,000 years in India, is a business worth crores today. Laundry retail outlets may be a common phenomenon both in metros and non-metro cities; however, what does it take to have a chain of such stores? Asks IndiaRetailing to Dr A Srivastva, executive director, Wardrobe, India’s leading laundry retail chain. Excerpts.
IndiaRetailing: Laundry retailing sector in India is predominantly unorganised. How was the idea incepted to organise this sector?
A Srivastva: India, as everyone knows is fast emerging as one of the biggest retail markets, with hitherto sectors also recognising the benfits of being organised. Same holds true for laundry services. With a huge potential showcased by small individual players present in each small and big city, it was obvious that with more and more people opting for branded and expensive clothes, an organised laundry chain would meet with success.
IR: You currently enjoy presence mainly in Delhi and NCR. Any plans to go pan-India?
AS: With our plant in Noida, there are 32 outlets operational in Delhi/NCR. This will touch 80-100 in Delhi and NCR by 2009-10. Additionally, we plan to open 30-35 outlets by March 2009, extending our services to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. We also plan to take our chain to tier II and III cities in next two years.
IR: What expansion mode are you planning — franchisee mode or company owned outlets?
AS: As of now, it is purely company owned outlets. However, we may explore opportunities through franchisee mode in future.
IR: What is your modus operandi?
AS: Logistics and supply chain are our biggest strengths. We have 8-10 vehicles moving throughout the day to our different outlets in Delhi and NCR. These vans pick the dirty clothes and deliver at the Noida plant where the clothes are washed in RO water. Because of all our chains being technically connected, there is no delay in delivery and we are able to execute express orders too.
IR: Who are your target consumers?
AS: We target upper class and upper middle class people because these are the people who spend money on costly apparel which needs to be washed properly. We have also partnered with an Australia-based laundry retail chain named Brown, which is our technical partner. We are also targeting big corporate houses.
IR: What are the challenges for you with more players joining the league in the near future?
AS: Somebody has to lead; we will not be affected by other players joining in as our USP will be experience. Meanwhile, as of now, competition in this sector is at a nascent stage.
— Shailesh Shah
Thankx retailtrading
Laundry and dry-cleaning, an occupation having been associated with lower castes since the last 3,000 years in India, is a business worth crores today. Laundry retail outlets may be a common phenomenon both in metros and non-metro cities; however, what does it take to have a chain of such stores? Asks IndiaRetailing to Dr A Srivastva, executive director, Wardrobe, India’s leading laundry retail chain. Excerpts.
IndiaRetailing: Laundry retailing sector in India is predominantly unorganised. How was the idea incepted to organise this sector?
A Srivastva: India, as everyone knows is fast emerging as one of the biggest retail markets, with hitherto sectors also recognising the benfits of being organised. Same holds true for laundry services. With a huge potential showcased by small individual players present in each small and big city, it was obvious that with more and more people opting for branded and expensive clothes, an organised laundry chain would meet with success.
IR: You currently enjoy presence mainly in Delhi and NCR. Any plans to go pan-India?
AS: With our plant in Noida, there are 32 outlets operational in Delhi/NCR. This will touch 80-100 in Delhi and NCR by 2009-10. Additionally, we plan to open 30-35 outlets by March 2009, extending our services to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. We also plan to take our chain to tier II and III cities in next two years.
IR: What expansion mode are you planning — franchisee mode or company owned outlets?
AS: As of now, it is purely company owned outlets. However, we may explore opportunities through franchisee mode in future.
IR: What is your modus operandi?
AS: Logistics and supply chain are our biggest strengths. We have 8-10 vehicles moving throughout the day to our different outlets in Delhi and NCR. These vans pick the dirty clothes and deliver at the Noida plant where the clothes are washed in RO water. Because of all our chains being technically connected, there is no delay in delivery and we are able to execute express orders too.
IR: Who are your target consumers?
AS: We target upper class and upper middle class people because these are the people who spend money on costly apparel which needs to be washed properly. We have also partnered with an Australia-based laundry retail chain named Brown, which is our technical partner. We are also targeting big corporate houses.
IR: What are the challenges for you with more players joining the league in the near future?
AS: Somebody has to lead; we will not be affected by other players joining in as our USP will be experience. Meanwhile, as of now, competition in this sector is at a nascent stage.
— Shailesh Shah
Thankx retailtrading
Laundry Competition
"We will not be affected by other players"
Laundry and dry-cleaning, an occupation having been associated with lower castes since the last 3,000 years in India, is a business worth crores today. Laundry retail outlets may be a common phenomenon both in metros and non-metro cities; however, what does it take to have a chain of such stores? Asks IndiaRetailing to Dr A Srivastva, executive director, Wardrobe, India’s leading laundry retail chain. Excerpts.
IndiaRetailing: Laundry retailing sector in India is predominantly unorganised. How was the idea incepted to organise this sector?
A Srivastva: India, as everyone knows is fast emerging as one of the biggest retail markets, with hitherto sectors also recognising the benfits of being organised. Same holds true for laundry services. With a huge potential showcased by small individual players present in each small and big city, it was obvious that with more and more people opting for branded and expensive clothes, an organised laundry chain would meet with success.
IR: You currently enjoy presence mainly in Delhi and NCR. Any plans to go pan-India?
AS: With our plant in Noida, there are 32 outlets operational in Delhi/NCR. This will touch 80-100 in Delhi and NCR by 2009-10. Additionally, we plan to open 30-35 outlets by March 2009, extending our services to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. We also plan to take our chain to tier II and III cities in next two years.
IR: What expansion mode are you planning — franchisee mode or company owned outlets?
AS: As of now, it is purely company owned outlets. However, we may explore opportunities through franchisee mode in future.
IR: What is your modus operandi?
AS: Logistics and supply chain are our biggest strengths. We have 8-10 vehicles moving throughout the day to our different outlets in Delhi and NCR. These vans pick the dirty clothes and deliver at the Noida plant where the clothes are washed in RO water. Because of all our chains being technically connected, there is no delay in delivery and we are able to execute express orders too.
IR: Who are your target consumers?
AS: We target upper class and upper middle class people because these are the people who spend money on costly apparel which needs to be washed properly. We have also partnered with an Australia-based laundry retail chain named Brown, which is our technical partner. We are also targeting big corporate houses.
IR: What are the challenges for you with more players joining the league in the near future?
AS: Somebody has to lead; we will not be affected by other players joining in as our USP will be experience. Meanwhile, as of now, competition in this sector is at a nascent stage.
— Shailesh Shah
Thankx retailtrading
Laundry and dry-cleaning, an occupation having been associated with lower castes since the last 3,000 years in India, is a business worth crores today. Laundry retail outlets may be a common phenomenon both in metros and non-metro cities; however, what does it take to have a chain of such stores? Asks IndiaRetailing to Dr A Srivastva, executive director, Wardrobe, India’s leading laundry retail chain. Excerpts.
IndiaRetailing: Laundry retailing sector in India is predominantly unorganised. How was the idea incepted to organise this sector?
A Srivastva: India, as everyone knows is fast emerging as one of the biggest retail markets, with hitherto sectors also recognising the benfits of being organised. Same holds true for laundry services. With a huge potential showcased by small individual players present in each small and big city, it was obvious that with more and more people opting for branded and expensive clothes, an organised laundry chain would meet with success.
IR: You currently enjoy presence mainly in Delhi and NCR. Any plans to go pan-India?
AS: With our plant in Noida, there are 32 outlets operational in Delhi/NCR. This will touch 80-100 in Delhi and NCR by 2009-10. Additionally, we plan to open 30-35 outlets by March 2009, extending our services to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. We also plan to take our chain to tier II and III cities in next two years.
IR: What expansion mode are you planning — franchisee mode or company owned outlets?
AS: As of now, it is purely company owned outlets. However, we may explore opportunities through franchisee mode in future.
IR: What is your modus operandi?
AS: Logistics and supply chain are our biggest strengths. We have 8-10 vehicles moving throughout the day to our different outlets in Delhi and NCR. These vans pick the dirty clothes and deliver at the Noida plant where the clothes are washed in RO water. Because of all our chains being technically connected, there is no delay in delivery and we are able to execute express orders too.
IR: Who are your target consumers?
AS: We target upper class and upper middle class people because these are the people who spend money on costly apparel which needs to be washed properly. We have also partnered with an Australia-based laundry retail chain named Brown, which is our technical partner. We are also targeting big corporate houses.
IR: What are the challenges for you with more players joining the league in the near future?
AS: Somebody has to lead; we will not be affected by other players joining in as our USP will be experience. Meanwhile, as of now, competition in this sector is at a nascent stage.
— Shailesh Shah
Thankx retailtrading
Friday, March 13, 2009
WEBSITES OF VARIOUS LAUNDRY MACHINES MANUFACTURES
www.milnor.com
www.jensen.com
www.ponyitaly.com
www.sankosha-inc.com -------- Ajax
www.bowe-tc.com
www.edrodynawash.com
www.girbau.com
www.danube-international.com
www.forentausa.com
www.maytag.com
www.dexter.com
www.unimac.com
www.colmacind.com
www.unipresscorp.com
http://washex.lhtek.com/washex/home.htm
www.electrolux.com
www.cissell.com
www.danube-laundrysystems.eu
www.lapauw.be
www.ramsonsindia.com
www.stefab.com
www.fabcare.com
http://bandctech.com/index.php
www.accuratethai.com
www.welcogarmentmachinery.com
www.amdry.com ---------------- ADC
www.chinasealion.com
www.renzacci.it
www.bmmweston.com
www.speedqueen.com
www.supremaweb.com
www.corbettequipment.com ---------- Fibrimatic drycleaning
www.ipso.be
www.italclean.com
www.thermopatch.biz -------------- Marking
www.polymark.com ----------------- Marking
www.white-conveyors.com ---------- conveyors
www.andrews-automation.com/laundry-conveyor-system/ ------ Conveyors
www.vanriet.co.uk ---------------- Conveyors
www.lkgoodwin.com/ --------------- Trolleys
www.das-uk.net/laundryhome.htm --- Spares
www.jensen.com
www.ponyitaly.com
www.sankosha-inc.com -------- Ajax
www.bowe-tc.com
www.edrodynawash.com
www.girbau.com
www.danube-international.com
www.forentausa.com
www.maytag.com
www.dexter.com
www.unimac.com
www.colmacind.com
www.unipresscorp.com
http://washex.lhtek.com/washex/home.htm
www.electrolux.com
www.cissell.com
www.danube-laundrysystems.eu
www.lapauw.be
www.ramsonsindia.com
www.stefab.com
www.fabcare.com
http://bandctech.com/index.php
www.accuratethai.com
www.welcogarmentmachinery.com
www.amdry.com ---------------- ADC
www.chinasealion.com
www.renzacci.it
www.bmmweston.com
www.speedqueen.com
www.supremaweb.com
www.corbettequipment.com ---------- Fibrimatic drycleaning
www.ipso.be
www.italclean.com
www.thermopatch.biz -------------- Marking
www.polymark.com ----------------- Marking
www.white-conveyors.com ---------- conveyors
www.andrews-automation.com/laundry-conveyor-system/ ------ Conveyors
www.vanriet.co.uk ---------------- Conveyors
www.lkgoodwin.com/ --------------- Trolleys
www.das-uk.net/laundryhome.htm --- Spares
Monday, March 9, 2009
Ozone Laundry Systems
What is Ozone Laundry?
Ozone Laundry is a term generally used to describe a philosophy of textile care that uses electricity and oxygen in a unique way to replace many of the chemicals normally used in a traditional washing process. Oxygen and electricity are used to create ozone. Ozone is dissolved into water and applied to the wash wheel in place of the chemicals. This fundamental change to one of the major aspects of textile care comes with a litany of benefits that all serve to improve the efficiency and reduce operating costs of a laundry. Water Energy Ozone Laundry Systems greatly reduce the environmental impact of traditional laundry operations.
A quality finished product requires a combination of 4 things:
1. Water (hot & cold)
2. Chemicals
3. Time
4. Mechanical Action
Each of these factors must be applied in the proper combination. If you reduce one, you must increase others to create the balance needed to reliably deliver a quality finished product. By properly applying ozone, you can REPLACE many of the chemicals with ozone which is environmentally friendly and is made right on the spot. Therefore you can reduce the chemicals without having to increase something else because you’ve actually replaced them with something that works much better. So much better in fact that you can also reduce water and time and still have the correct balance to produce a superior finished product. The mechanical action is still critical to quality results.
Ozone Laundry Uses Cold Water and Oxygen
The underlying foundation of ozone laundry begins with a paradigm shift in traditional laundry fundamentals.
Old School
1. Hot Water
2. Alkali
3. Detergent
4. Acid
5. Bleach
Today
1. Cold Water
2. Ozone
3. Detergent
The big shift is realizing that you can achieve high quality standards without using all the hot water and chemicals. Ozone is a highly effective oxidizer that actually delivers multiple cleaning factors to your laundry process using only cold water.
Ozone Laundry is a term generally used to describe a philosophy of textile care that uses electricity and oxygen in a unique way to replace many of the chemicals normally used in a traditional washing process. Oxygen and electricity are used to create ozone. Ozone is dissolved into water and applied to the wash wheel in place of the chemicals. This fundamental change to one of the major aspects of textile care comes with a litany of benefits that all serve to improve the efficiency and reduce operating costs of a laundry. Water Energy Ozone Laundry Systems greatly reduce the environmental impact of traditional laundry operations.
A quality finished product requires a combination of 4 things:
1. Water (hot & cold)
2. Chemicals
3. Time
4. Mechanical Action
Each of these factors must be applied in the proper combination. If you reduce one, you must increase others to create the balance needed to reliably deliver a quality finished product. By properly applying ozone, you can REPLACE many of the chemicals with ozone which is environmentally friendly and is made right on the spot. Therefore you can reduce the chemicals without having to increase something else because you’ve actually replaced them with something that works much better. So much better in fact that you can also reduce water and time and still have the correct balance to produce a superior finished product. The mechanical action is still critical to quality results.
Ozone Laundry Uses Cold Water and Oxygen
The underlying foundation of ozone laundry begins with a paradigm shift in traditional laundry fundamentals.
Old School
1. Hot Water
2. Alkali
3. Detergent
4. Acid
5. Bleach
Today
1. Cold Water
2. Ozone
3. Detergent
The big shift is realizing that you can achieve high quality standards without using all the hot water and chemicals. Ozone is a highly effective oxidizer that actually delivers multiple cleaning factors to your laundry process using only cold water.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
CBW – Continuous Batch Washer or ‘Tunnel’
CBW washers are truly marvels of modern ingenuity and engineering. They are also called tunnel washers in the industry. These computerized industrial laundry machines are designed to process large volumes of similar linens (type and soil loading) on a continuous basis with a limited amount of labor and a reduced amount of water. As the name implies, the device consists of a long metal tube called a tunnel. A huge metal spiral called an Archimedes Screw runs down the center of the tunnel, dividing it into sections called “pockets”. Linen is loaded into one end of the tunnel and water enters from the other. The screw is made to be porous and the tunnel is inclined to allow the water to move down the tunnel. The proper chemicals are added along the way. Linen is forced in one direction and water is forced in the opposite direction allowing the linen to move to progressively cleaner water and fresher chemicals. The screw partially rotates and reverses to provide agitation for the linens in each pocket. After an allotted amount of time has passed, the screw makes one complete rotation and the linens all move forward to the next pocket. Linen is forced from one end of the tunnel to the other. Soiled linen continuously goes into one end of the tunnel while clean linen moves continuously out of the other.
Since their introduction in the late 1960s, tunnel washers have become progressively more reliable. Though extremely expensive, they are now common in major hotel, hospital, cruise ship and other high-volume laundry applications.
One of the machine’s major drawbacks is the necessity of using the same wash formula on every item. Modern tunnel washers have integrated microprocessor controls that can monitor and adjust the chemical levels in individual pockets, reducing the severity of this disadvantage.
Many times a laundry can actually have more success with the right mix of conventional washers and dryers as opposed to having a tunnel washer. Because of the one-formula limitation, required homogeneous product, space requirements and most of all price, a tunnel washer will limit your flexibility in the wash room.
* If you spend the majority of your budget on a tunnel, you will sacrifice the advantages of having more automated and more expensive ironers, folders, conveyors, scales, dryers and other workflow automation components. The right equipment will make a world of difference to your bottom line. You could get a complete Water Energy Green Laundry System for about the same price as a tunnel would cost for the same sized operation. This Green Laundry System will include Green Water Reuse and all essential components required to build a modern, successful and sustainable laundry. These components will include high-speed extract washers with an ozone laundry and water reuse system, high-efficiency and high Btu/hour dryers, boiler and hot water system, wide large-diameter ironers with feeders and folders, towel folders, take-away conveyors, cart dumpers and cart washers, scales, stackers, wrapping/banding equipment, laundry carts, folding tables, soak sink, laundry bags and a robust tracking system with capabilities that allow you to offer another value added service – pre-staging services for your clients. Our system stores customer instructions that in conjunction with bar code tracking allow you to pre-sort the customer’s linens and load their carts just like they want them. That saves them labor and makes your services even more attractive and valuable. You also get our experience and expertise to build and operate a laundry like this. So we just can’t see the need for a tunnel in the majority of laundries because you can get a lot more bang for your buck with a complete Water Energy Green Laundry System.
* If you install a tunnel, you might lose more of your floor space than you need to. If you don’t have enough space to efficiently perform all of the functions required in a laundry, your production volume will suffer and you will lose money on labor every single day.
* If you process linens from multiple customers with a variety of linen and soil types, you will never be able to achieve the efficiency of a bank of traditional washers with a tunnel.
* A Water Energy Green Laundry System will deliver greater water savings with traditional washers than you could ever expect to receive with a tunnel. Our Green Laundry Systems use ozone and cold water and a water reuse system to deliver 50% savings or more on net water use.
Since their introduction in the late 1960s, tunnel washers have become progressively more reliable. Though extremely expensive, they are now common in major hotel, hospital, cruise ship and other high-volume laundry applications.
One of the machine’s major drawbacks is the necessity of using the same wash formula on every item. Modern tunnel washers have integrated microprocessor controls that can monitor and adjust the chemical levels in individual pockets, reducing the severity of this disadvantage.
Many times a laundry can actually have more success with the right mix of conventional washers and dryers as opposed to having a tunnel washer. Because of the one-formula limitation, required homogeneous product, space requirements and most of all price, a tunnel washer will limit your flexibility in the wash room.
* If you spend the majority of your budget on a tunnel, you will sacrifice the advantages of having more automated and more expensive ironers, folders, conveyors, scales, dryers and other workflow automation components. The right equipment will make a world of difference to your bottom line. You could get a complete Water Energy Green Laundry System for about the same price as a tunnel would cost for the same sized operation. This Green Laundry System will include Green Water Reuse and all essential components required to build a modern, successful and sustainable laundry. These components will include high-speed extract washers with an ozone laundry and water reuse system, high-efficiency and high Btu/hour dryers, boiler and hot water system, wide large-diameter ironers with feeders and folders, towel folders, take-away conveyors, cart dumpers and cart washers, scales, stackers, wrapping/banding equipment, laundry carts, folding tables, soak sink, laundry bags and a robust tracking system with capabilities that allow you to offer another value added service – pre-staging services for your clients. Our system stores customer instructions that in conjunction with bar code tracking allow you to pre-sort the customer’s linens and load their carts just like they want them. That saves them labor and makes your services even more attractive and valuable. You also get our experience and expertise to build and operate a laundry like this. So we just can’t see the need for a tunnel in the majority of laundries because you can get a lot more bang for your buck with a complete Water Energy Green Laundry System.
* If you install a tunnel, you might lose more of your floor space than you need to. If you don’t have enough space to efficiently perform all of the functions required in a laundry, your production volume will suffer and you will lose money on labor every single day.
* If you process linens from multiple customers with a variety of linen and soil types, you will never be able to achieve the efficiency of a bank of traditional washers with a tunnel.
* A Water Energy Green Laundry System will deliver greater water savings with traditional washers than you could ever expect to receive with a tunnel. Our Green Laundry Systems use ozone and cold water and a water reuse system to deliver 50% savings or more on net water use.
PPOH – Pounds Per Operator Hour
Pounds-Per-Operator-Hour, or PPOH is one of the most important efficiency statistics you can calculate for a laundry facility. This average value represents just how much linen each operator is processing every hour. It is a reflection of the design parameters, management, operating conditions and workflow optimization utilized in a laundry facility. You take the volume of linen processed, divided by the number of hours needed to process it divided by the number of employees doing the work. The higher the number is, the higher the efficiency of production and the lower the labor cost is. PPOH is absolutely a function of how well you design, operate and manage your laundry. You want employees to be able to accomplish the highest amount of work with the least amount of movement to do it. This is achieved by strategic placement of the laundry equipment within the laundry, utilization of appropriate automation components and by having many years of experience with how to design a laundry for optimum efficiency.
No matter how efficient the equipment is and how much energy is eliminated from the process, the biggest savings by far will always come from reducing the number of hours or amount of labor needed to process the linens. That is a very hard fact. We all know how modern advances help to reduce the amount of labor required to deliver a product. Better equipment and computer controls have enabled companies to provide higher quality products and services with less and less labor. A laundry is no different. Labor is the most expensive component.
No matter how efficient the equipment is and how much energy is eliminated from the process, the biggest savings by far will always come from reducing the number of hours or amount of labor needed to process the linens. That is a very hard fact. We all know how modern advances help to reduce the amount of labor required to deliver a product. Better equipment and computer controls have enabled companies to provide higher quality products and services with less and less labor. A laundry is no different. Labor is the most expensive component.
HANDY FORMULAS
Example –
Hospitality (10,000 lbs. / two 8 hour shifts)
10,000 lbs. divided by 16 hours = 625 lbs per hour
4 / 135 lbs. washers = 540 lbs x 1.25 = 675 lbs / hr. x 16 hrs. =
10,800 lbs.
Healthcare (10,000 lbs. / two 8 hour shifts)
10,000 lbs. divided by 16 hours = 625 lbs. / hr.
5/ 135 lbs. washers = 675 x 1: 1 = 675 lbs / hr. x 16 hours =
10,800 lbs.
Other Calculations
Calculating Cylinder Volume
Cylinder Diameter and Cylinder Depth are both expressed in inches.
Cylinder volume in cubic feet =
(Cylinder Diameter) x (Cylinder Diameter) x (Cylinder Depth)
2,200
Moisture content after extraction
Moisture content is a way of expressing how much water remains in a load of linens after extraction. This is water that must be removed by turning into steam in a drying tumbler or ironer. To calculate moisture content, use this formula:
WAE = weight of load after extraction, in pounds
DRY = weight of load before washing, in pounds
% Moisture Content =
(WAE) – (DRY) x 100
(DRY)
Example: A load of linens weighs 60 pounds before processing. After washing and extracting, the load weighs 90 pounds. The % moisture content would then be:
% Moisture Content =
(90 – 60) x 100
60 = 50%
Hospitality (10,000 lbs. / two 8 hour shifts)
10,000 lbs. divided by 16 hours = 625 lbs per hour
4 / 135 lbs. washers = 540 lbs x 1.25 = 675 lbs / hr. x 16 hrs. =
10,800 lbs.
Healthcare (10,000 lbs. / two 8 hour shifts)
10,000 lbs. divided by 16 hours = 625 lbs. / hr.
5/ 135 lbs. washers = 675 x 1: 1 = 675 lbs / hr. x 16 hours =
10,800 lbs.
Other Calculations
Calculating Cylinder Volume
Cylinder Diameter and Cylinder Depth are both expressed in inches.
Cylinder volume in cubic feet =
(Cylinder Diameter) x (Cylinder Diameter) x (Cylinder Depth)
2,200
Moisture content after extraction
Moisture content is a way of expressing how much water remains in a load of linens after extraction. This is water that must be removed by turning into steam in a drying tumbler or ironer. To calculate moisture content, use this formula:
WAE = weight of load after extraction, in pounds
DRY = weight of load before washing, in pounds
% Moisture Content =
(WAE) – (DRY) x 100
(DRY)
Example: A load of linens weighs 60 pounds before processing. After washing and extracting, the load weighs 90 pounds. The % moisture content would then be:
% Moisture Content =
(90 – 60) x 100
60 = 50%
GREEN LAUNDRY
What is ‘Green Laundry’?
Green laundry is an idea whose time has come and an idea that demands great attention. The term Green Laundry is applied to a philosophy of textile care that focuses on reducing the total environmental impact of traditional laundry operations.
Why is Green Laundry Important?
It is not commonly known, but textile care operations around the World consume an enormous amount of water and energy every day. The textile care industry is one of the largest, perpetual consumers of fresh, drinking water and energy on the Planet.
Textile care facilities also produce an enormous volume of wastewater every day. Wastewater from a typical laundry is loaded with Chlorine, alkali, acid, surfactant, soil, high BOD and COD and low to no DO. All of this means that typical laundry wastewater is harmful to the environment and to our limited fresh water supplies. A laundry built on green principles will not use the harsh mix of chemicals that produce all of these wastewater problems. A truly green laundry using a Water Energy Ozone Laundry System will actually produce wastewater with almost no chemical residues, low to no BOD and COD and a raised DO (Dissolved Oxygen) level.
In addition, textile care facilities produce a large volume of VOC’s, suspended particles and other undesirable airborne contaminants. Chemical residues in fabrics being processed in the dryers are liberated in the heat and discharged into the parking lot through the dryer vents. Many of these chemicals we know are toxic and some we don’t even know what they can do to us. Chlorine in tap water and bleach used in traditional methods mixes with organic matter (body oils and fluids, food, etc) in the dirty linens to produce trihalomethanes. A more common name for this class of contaminant is VOC’s or Volatile Organic Compounds.
These unhealthy compounds are released from all the washers and propelled from the dryers into the environment around most typical laundry facilities. Manufacturers of many familiar products have had to alter their production methods to limit the amount of VOC’s their products release into the environment. Paint, glue, siding, plywood and other well known products have all been modified to limit human exposure to these undesirable pollutants.
A Water Energy Green Laundry System will replace the chemicals responsible for this environmental scourge with environmentally friendly ozone, eliminating the VOC problem altogether. Ozone’s less-damaging effects on the linens will also reduce the amount of lint produced in the dryers.
Why Have a Green Laundry?
The primary reasons you should convert to a Green Laundry System are to save money and to help save the Earth. Laundry Consulting and Design has developed the Water Energy Green Laundry System to address a growing crisis in the textile care industry, a crisis of epic proportions.
Historically, laundries have been huge consumers of limited resources. Today’s market price of those resources reflects their scarcity and demand. Traditional laundering methods require an enormous amount of water and energy to clean the mountains of linen used around the World every day. Most people aren’t even aware of the magnitude of the problem. A typical laundry uses a tremendous amount of energy and an average of 3 gallons of water for every single pound of linens processed. This resource-intensive process has pretty much escaped the ire of environmentally-conscious groups because it’s just a ‘dirty little secret’ you can’t do anything about. Well, that’s not exactly true any more.
Green laundry is an idea whose time has come and an idea that demands great attention. The term Green Laundry is applied to a philosophy of textile care that focuses on reducing the total environmental impact of traditional laundry operations.
Why is Green Laundry Important?
It is not commonly known, but textile care operations around the World consume an enormous amount of water and energy every day. The textile care industry is one of the largest, perpetual consumers of fresh, drinking water and energy on the Planet.
Textile care facilities also produce an enormous volume of wastewater every day. Wastewater from a typical laundry is loaded with Chlorine, alkali, acid, surfactant, soil, high BOD and COD and low to no DO. All of this means that typical laundry wastewater is harmful to the environment and to our limited fresh water supplies. A laundry built on green principles will not use the harsh mix of chemicals that produce all of these wastewater problems. A truly green laundry using a Water Energy Ozone Laundry System will actually produce wastewater with almost no chemical residues, low to no BOD and COD and a raised DO (Dissolved Oxygen) level.
In addition, textile care facilities produce a large volume of VOC’s, suspended particles and other undesirable airborne contaminants. Chemical residues in fabrics being processed in the dryers are liberated in the heat and discharged into the parking lot through the dryer vents. Many of these chemicals we know are toxic and some we don’t even know what they can do to us. Chlorine in tap water and bleach used in traditional methods mixes with organic matter (body oils and fluids, food, etc) in the dirty linens to produce trihalomethanes. A more common name for this class of contaminant is VOC’s or Volatile Organic Compounds.
These unhealthy compounds are released from all the washers and propelled from the dryers into the environment around most typical laundry facilities. Manufacturers of many familiar products have had to alter their production methods to limit the amount of VOC’s their products release into the environment. Paint, glue, siding, plywood and other well known products have all been modified to limit human exposure to these undesirable pollutants.
A Water Energy Green Laundry System will replace the chemicals responsible for this environmental scourge with environmentally friendly ozone, eliminating the VOC problem altogether. Ozone’s less-damaging effects on the linens will also reduce the amount of lint produced in the dryers.
Why Have a Green Laundry?
The primary reasons you should convert to a Green Laundry System are to save money and to help save the Earth. Laundry Consulting and Design has developed the Water Energy Green Laundry System to address a growing crisis in the textile care industry, a crisis of epic proportions.
Historically, laundries have been huge consumers of limited resources. Today’s market price of those resources reflects their scarcity and demand. Traditional laundering methods require an enormous amount of water and energy to clean the mountains of linen used around the World every day. Most people aren’t even aware of the magnitude of the problem. A typical laundry uses a tremendous amount of energy and an average of 3 gallons of water for every single pound of linens processed. This resource-intensive process has pretty much escaped the ire of environmentally-conscious groups because it’s just a ‘dirty little secret’ you can’t do anything about. Well, that’s not exactly true any more.
Friday, March 6, 2009
WHY SOP NEEDED???
Standard operating procedure for any organisation is not a want but its a need. It gives people working in the organisation a predefined role and actions expected from them in cases where things go wrong.
An SOP is a set of guidelines or instructions one follows to complete a job desirabely, with no adverse impact on the surroundings, and which and which meets regulatory compliance standards set by Govt. or different governing agensies, and in a way that maximizes operational and production requirements. We can write SOPs for any processes involging an individual or a team: Billing, Cash Handling, Movement of patinent for different diagnostic facilities, their report delievery, Laundary procurements, Removal of shoes by patients at the doors of ICU or burn units and many other many activities.
For many years, Quality Assurance people have been writing operating guidelines or procedures, called Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to help the workforce produce quality intabngible and tangible products that help the company to meet its objectives without any bump rides.
Who Should Write the SOPs
SOPs should always be written by those who supervise activities for which SOP has to be written and who has a good experience of actual activities and not the bookish knowledge. SOP is always customised thing and it cant be copied and pasted from one organisation to other organisation. Obviously help can be taken somethings cab be copied but ultimately there will be SOP individually for an individual . SOP is something which needs periodical reviews and there will always be alterations to make it more somooth and specific according to the changing environment within and otuside the organisation
We write SOPs primarily for the following reasons:
1. To provide individuals who perform operations with all the operational information required to perform their job properly.
2. To ensure that operations are done consistently to maintain quality control of processes and products;
3. To ensure that processes continue and are completed on a prescribed schedule;
ensure that no failures occur in manufacturing and other processes that would harm employees or anyone in the surrounding community.
4. To ensure that approved procedures are followed in compliance with organisation and government regulations.
5. To serve as a training document for new recruited employees.
6. To serve as a historical record of the how, why and when of steps in a process for use when modifications are made to that process and when a SOP must be revised.
An SOP is a set of guidelines or instructions one follows to complete a job desirabely, with no adverse impact on the surroundings, and which and which meets regulatory compliance standards set by Govt. or different governing agensies, and in a way that maximizes operational and production requirements. We can write SOPs for any processes involging an individual or a team: Billing, Cash Handling, Movement of patinent for different diagnostic facilities, their report delievery, Laundary procurements, Removal of shoes by patients at the doors of ICU or burn units and many other many activities.
For many years, Quality Assurance people have been writing operating guidelines or procedures, called Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to help the workforce produce quality intabngible and tangible products that help the company to meet its objectives without any bump rides.
Who Should Write the SOPs
SOPs should always be written by those who supervise activities for which SOP has to be written and who has a good experience of actual activities and not the bookish knowledge. SOP is always customised thing and it cant be copied and pasted from one organisation to other organisation. Obviously help can be taken somethings cab be copied but ultimately there will be SOP individually for an individual . SOP is something which needs periodical reviews and there will always be alterations to make it more somooth and specific according to the changing environment within and otuside the organisation
We write SOPs primarily for the following reasons:
1. To provide individuals who perform operations with all the operational information required to perform their job properly.
2. To ensure that operations are done consistently to maintain quality control of processes and products;
3. To ensure that processes continue and are completed on a prescribed schedule;
ensure that no failures occur in manufacturing and other processes that would harm employees or anyone in the surrounding community.
4. To ensure that approved procedures are followed in compliance with organisation and government regulations.
5. To serve as a training document for new recruited employees.
6. To serve as a historical record of the how, why and when of steps in a process for use when modifications are made to that process and when a SOP must be revised.
SOP for Hospital Laundry
ABC HOSPITAL
LAUNDRY DEPARTMENT
INDEX
1. OPERATING PHILOSOPHY
2. AIMS & OBJECTIVES
3. WORKING PRINCIPLES
4. FUNCTIONS
5. WORK FLOW
6. ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
7. INTERFACE WITH OTHER DEPARTMENT
8. LAYOUT
9. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
10. DRESS CODE
OPERATING PHILOSOPHY
The operating philosophy of the Central Sterile Supply Department would be in conformance with the goals and objectives of ABC Hospital i.e. Excellence in patient care, Excellence in clinical care and Excellence in service. The path leading to achieve these objectives would be to have a participative approach and process oriented way of thinking and developing systems that assure continuous improvement involving people at all levels so that quality service is provided to the patients on a continued basis with high reliability and reproducibility.
Not a day should pass by without some kind of improvement being made somewhere in the system. The focus should be on improved quality, prompt delivery, lower costs, lower inventory, compressed cycle time, profitability and effective and responsible organizational system.
AIM: The aim of the Laundry Department is to provide all the hospital departments served, adequate supply of clean linen conforming to highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene immediately and constantly available for routine and emergency use from a central place thus reducing the overall cost and contributing towards the efficient and effective supply of linen to all Hospital Departments.
OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of the Laundry Department are as follows:
1. To provide linen free of dirt, soils and stains to all User Departments.
2. To monitor and enforce controls necessary to prevent spoilage (wear & tear due to washing) of linen and reduce the frequency of linen turn over by increasing their life period.
3. To maintain record of effectiveness of cleaning, disinfecting and turnover.
4. To stay updated regarding developments in the field in the interest of efficiency, economy, accuracy and provision of better patient care.
5. To undertake studies for improvement of clean practices and processing methods to provide supplies economically.
6. To develop a cost effective program by cost analysis of personnel, supplies and equipment.
WORKING PRINCIPLES
1. RESPONSIBILITY
The first basic principle is that the responsibility of the supervision of routine cleaning, collection and distribution tasks should be clearly defined, clearly understood and undivided.
2. UNIDIRECTIONAL WORK FLOW
There are three categories of dirty linen to be dealt with in Laundry. Soiled items that are drenched with faecal matter, Urine and Blood stains. Stained items due to stains from some injections that can be removed only through bleaching and caustic soda. Dirty linen with normal dirts and dusts. It is safe to consider all used items as contaminated. The term clean supply covers all articles, which have been washed, pressed and ready for the User Departments for further processes of sterilization and usage. It is important that unidirectional flow of activities is followed and all steps should be taken to avoid mixing up of contaminated and clean articles at any stage of processing or transportation.
3. CONTAMINATED LINEN TO BE TRANSPORTED SEPARATE FROM CLEAN SUPPLIES
In accordance with the second principle stated above, never should clean supplies and contaminated articles be carried on same trolleys at the same time as there is a real risk that the two may get mixed up. No persons undertaking delivery can be supervised. There will always be pressure to allow staff delivering clean linen to collect contaminated articles at the same time. It reduces the number of journeys if they do so. Such pressures should be resisted and delivery always kept from collection. Separate rounds one for delivery and another for collection should be insisted upon.
FUNCTIONS OF LAUNDRY DEPARTMENT
Functional flow of activities in Laundry shall be specified as follows:
1. RECEIPT OF ARTICLES: To receive used and dirty linen from various user departments like operation theaters, ICUs, emergency, IPD, OPD and radiology etc.
2. CLEANING & DISINFECTION: All reusable linen are thoroughly cleaned with bleaching powder/ caustic soda and disinfected using disinfectants depending upon the type of soil and its to the compatibility with the linen.
3. INSPECTION AND ASSEMBLY: Each item to be washed is inspected for wear & tears, defects, stains and then appropriately put in the washing machine. After washing, the linen is drained of for excess water using water extractor and dried in drier before assembling for press in the pressing machine. The operation of the machines shall be entrusted to responsible and fully trained person. It should be kept in a state of good maintenance and repair.
4. CLEAN STORAGE: clean and contaminated supplies are stored separately. Clean storage environment is designed primarily to prevent contamination of Clean Linen.
5. DISTRIBUTION: Refers to distribution of clean goods to the patient care areas.
USER DEPARTMENTS
OT, IPD, OPD, Support, Casualty
STORE Receipt of ENGINEERING
Dirty linen
Consumables Preventive Maintenance
LAUNDRY
SORTING OF
DIRTY LINEN
SOILED STAINED NORMAL
Dip & Rub in Bleach/
Caustic Soda/ Stain Removers
WASHING MACHINE
(Preferred Hot Water)
WATER EXTRACTOR
DRYER
Remove & send torn
clothes for tailoring STEAM
FOLD &
PRESS
DISTRIBUTION TO
USER DEPARTMENTS
LAYOUT OF LAUNDRY
The layout of the Laundry should be done in such a way that there is a unidirectional flow of materials so that mixing up of the dirty linen and clean line is avoided.
· Reception and Sorting Area
· Scrub Area for Soiled and Stained Linen
· Machine Area (for Washing, Water Extracting and Dryers)
· Sorting Table for torn Clothes.
· Press Machine
· Clean Storage and Tailoring Room
In Laundry, the importance is given mainly to the Storage Area.
Storage Area
SURFACES:
The walls, ceilings, floors and work surfaces should:
Not have difficult to clean corners and crevices;
Be made of non-porous, smooth, easily cleaned and maintained materials.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Temperature range approximately 22-27 degree C
A relative humidity range of 35-75%
ACCESS TO PERSONNEL
Access should be limited to personnel who:
are authorized to be in the area.
are free of communicable diseases and observe good personnel hygiene.
are wearing freshly laundered attire provided by the hospital.
STORAGE SYSTEM
The storage system should be designed as to:
Enable items to be stored at least 8 inches from the floor, 2 inches from the outside walls and at least 18 inches from ceiling fixtures.
Minimum dust collection on the material.
Have enough space between storage units.
Receipt of Dirty Linen
The Linen inventory shall be maintained in the wards itself by the respective Sister Incharges with a copy of it in the Materials Management and Laundry.
Every morning, the Laundry attendant will go to different wards, O.T, O.P.D and collect the dirty linen. It is preferred that the trolley has different chambers for soiled and normal dirty linen. Whenever the attendant collects the linen, it has to be clearly mentioned about the different linen and quantity along with the signature of the Sister I/C. A separate register has to be maintained in different wards for the same.
Each linen should have an identity of its own. The proposed identity for the Linen is as follows:
· Name of the Organisation : ABC Hospital
· Name or No. of the Ward/ Room : Ortho II or 6
· Name of the Material : BS (Bedsheet), PG (Patient Gown), DS (Draw
Sheet), PC (Pillow Case), etc,.
· Number of the Linen : 1 to …..
Example ABC Hospital/13/BS/25 or ABC Hospital/Ped/BS/25 refers to the bedsheet belonging to paediatric Ward and it is 25th bedsheet among Hundreds.
This system can enhance the inventory management and avoid loss of inventory.
Sorting of Linen
The linen after collected from the different wards has to be sorted out in the Laundry. The Soiled, stained and normal dirty linen have to be sorted out.
Removal of Soils/ Stains
It is recommended that 4 gms of bleaching powder for every litre of hot water(20 – 43 C) and dipping the clothes for atleast 20 minutes is recommended for removal of Soils and stains. If necessary rubbing the stain area should also be done to remove strong stains & soils. Now a days, good stain removing detergents are available in market itself.
The persons handling the soiled/stained linen should use a thick rubber gloves that can tolerate Bleach and Luke Warm water.
Washing
Hot water (20 – 43 C) is recommended for using in washing machines. This can act as an disinfecting agent too. The time of linen in the washing machine depends on different types of linen. Usually it is recommended for 30 minutes n the mode of strong wash.
Water Extractors & Dryers
The washed linen is put in the water extractors for 3 – 5 minutes and then sent to dryers for drying.
Sorting of torn linen for tailoring
After drying, the linen is checked for wear and tears. The torn clothes should be sent for mending/ tailoring. If the linen is out of the scope of mending, then the condemnation committee should condemn it.
The Condemnation Committee should consist of the following members.
1. Laundry Supervisor
2. Tailor
3. Store Officer
4. Responsible person from the User Department.
Separate register has to be maintained for the condemnation materials and record has to be kept for the replaced materials, which can help us in knowing the linen turn over.
Folding and Pressing
A pressing machine that can generate its own steam is recommended. This can help in saving the electricity and wastage of steam while traveling a long distance. Now a days, the systems that are self dependent are preferred to save the costs.
Distribution
The finished goods are to be stored in the clean storage area before distribution. The clean linen should be checked for quantity before delivery. Then the linen should be distributed to different Departments in a separate trolley which are not used for collection. The receipt vouchers that were used during collection should be checked and signed again by the Sister Incharge while getting back the clean linen from the Laundry.
RECORD KEEPING
Following records shall be maintained for all instruments processed in CSSD:
a) Dispatch record
b) Receipt record
c) Storage record.
Following documents should be maintained:
1. Instruction manual for all the equipment.
2. Records of all preventive maintenance, calibration and repairs of equipment.
3. Load Records including contents of each load, initials of the operator, equipment number or other identification and the date and time of cycle.
ORGANISATION STRUCTURE
Medical Superintendent
EXECUTIVE LAUNDRY
(1) Laundry Technician
(5) (Unskilled)
CRITERIA FOR MANPOWER SELECTION
1. LAUNDRY OPERATOR TECHNICIAN
10+2 or Graduate
Preferred: Diploma in Laundry Techniques
Experience: 5 years
2. UNSKILLED - 10
DRESS CODE
STANDARD ATTIRE
1. The uniform MUST NOT be worn out side the hospital.
2. Uniform shall consist of clean scrub attire, provided by the hospital.
3. Head covering – caps shall be worn, completely covering the hair.
4. Jewellery – wearing of jewellery is discouraged, due to contact with chemicals.
SPECIAL ATTIRE
1. Shoe Covers: shall be worn while working in the Laundry.
2. Gowns: which covers arms shall be worn by all while working in the decontamination area, linen and packing area.
3. Gloves: Shall be worn while working in any section.
4. Masks: Shall be worn by all.
Exceptions:
1. Clerical / Supervisory Staff: Shall wear ordinary clothes covered with a clean lab coat.
2. Visitors: Shall wear a cover
LAUNDRY DEPARTMENT
INDEX
1. OPERATING PHILOSOPHY
2. AIMS & OBJECTIVES
3. WORKING PRINCIPLES
4. FUNCTIONS
5. WORK FLOW
6. ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
7. INTERFACE WITH OTHER DEPARTMENT
8. LAYOUT
9. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
10. DRESS CODE
OPERATING PHILOSOPHY
The operating philosophy of the Central Sterile Supply Department would be in conformance with the goals and objectives of ABC Hospital i.e. Excellence in patient care, Excellence in clinical care and Excellence in service. The path leading to achieve these objectives would be to have a participative approach and process oriented way of thinking and developing systems that assure continuous improvement involving people at all levels so that quality service is provided to the patients on a continued basis with high reliability and reproducibility.
Not a day should pass by without some kind of improvement being made somewhere in the system. The focus should be on improved quality, prompt delivery, lower costs, lower inventory, compressed cycle time, profitability and effective and responsible organizational system.
AIM: The aim of the Laundry Department is to provide all the hospital departments served, adequate supply of clean linen conforming to highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene immediately and constantly available for routine and emergency use from a central place thus reducing the overall cost and contributing towards the efficient and effective supply of linen to all Hospital Departments.
OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of the Laundry Department are as follows:
1. To provide linen free of dirt, soils and stains to all User Departments.
2. To monitor and enforce controls necessary to prevent spoilage (wear & tear due to washing) of linen and reduce the frequency of linen turn over by increasing their life period.
3. To maintain record of effectiveness of cleaning, disinfecting and turnover.
4. To stay updated regarding developments in the field in the interest of efficiency, economy, accuracy and provision of better patient care.
5. To undertake studies for improvement of clean practices and processing methods to provide supplies economically.
6. To develop a cost effective program by cost analysis of personnel, supplies and equipment.
WORKING PRINCIPLES
1. RESPONSIBILITY
The first basic principle is that the responsibility of the supervision of routine cleaning, collection and distribution tasks should be clearly defined, clearly understood and undivided.
2. UNIDIRECTIONAL WORK FLOW
There are three categories of dirty linen to be dealt with in Laundry. Soiled items that are drenched with faecal matter, Urine and Blood stains. Stained items due to stains from some injections that can be removed only through bleaching and caustic soda. Dirty linen with normal dirts and dusts. It is safe to consider all used items as contaminated. The term clean supply covers all articles, which have been washed, pressed and ready for the User Departments for further processes of sterilization and usage. It is important that unidirectional flow of activities is followed and all steps should be taken to avoid mixing up of contaminated and clean articles at any stage of processing or transportation.
3. CONTAMINATED LINEN TO BE TRANSPORTED SEPARATE FROM CLEAN SUPPLIES
In accordance with the second principle stated above, never should clean supplies and contaminated articles be carried on same trolleys at the same time as there is a real risk that the two may get mixed up. No persons undertaking delivery can be supervised. There will always be pressure to allow staff delivering clean linen to collect contaminated articles at the same time. It reduces the number of journeys if they do so. Such pressures should be resisted and delivery always kept from collection. Separate rounds one for delivery and another for collection should be insisted upon.
FUNCTIONS OF LAUNDRY DEPARTMENT
Functional flow of activities in Laundry shall be specified as follows:
1. RECEIPT OF ARTICLES: To receive used and dirty linen from various user departments like operation theaters, ICUs, emergency, IPD, OPD and radiology etc.
2. CLEANING & DISINFECTION: All reusable linen are thoroughly cleaned with bleaching powder/ caustic soda and disinfected using disinfectants depending upon the type of soil and its to the compatibility with the linen.
3. INSPECTION AND ASSEMBLY: Each item to be washed is inspected for wear & tears, defects, stains and then appropriately put in the washing machine. After washing, the linen is drained of for excess water using water extractor and dried in drier before assembling for press in the pressing machine. The operation of the machines shall be entrusted to responsible and fully trained person. It should be kept in a state of good maintenance and repair.
4. CLEAN STORAGE: clean and contaminated supplies are stored separately. Clean storage environment is designed primarily to prevent contamination of Clean Linen.
5. DISTRIBUTION: Refers to distribution of clean goods to the patient care areas.
USER DEPARTMENTS
OT, IPD, OPD, Support, Casualty
STORE Receipt of ENGINEERING
Dirty linen
Consumables Preventive Maintenance
LAUNDRY
SORTING OF
DIRTY LINEN
SOILED STAINED NORMAL
Dip & Rub in Bleach/
Caustic Soda/ Stain Removers
WASHING MACHINE
(Preferred Hot Water)
WATER EXTRACTOR
DRYER
Remove & send torn
clothes for tailoring STEAM
FOLD &
PRESS
DISTRIBUTION TO
USER DEPARTMENTS
LAYOUT OF LAUNDRY
The layout of the Laundry should be done in such a way that there is a unidirectional flow of materials so that mixing up of the dirty linen and clean line is avoided.
· Reception and Sorting Area
· Scrub Area for Soiled and Stained Linen
· Machine Area (for Washing, Water Extracting and Dryers)
· Sorting Table for torn Clothes.
· Press Machine
· Clean Storage and Tailoring Room
In Laundry, the importance is given mainly to the Storage Area.
Storage Area
SURFACES:
The walls, ceilings, floors and work surfaces should:
Not have difficult to clean corners and crevices;
Be made of non-porous, smooth, easily cleaned and maintained materials.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Temperature range approximately 22-27 degree C
A relative humidity range of 35-75%
ACCESS TO PERSONNEL
Access should be limited to personnel who:
are authorized to be in the area.
are free of communicable diseases and observe good personnel hygiene.
are wearing freshly laundered attire provided by the hospital.
STORAGE SYSTEM
The storage system should be designed as to:
Enable items to be stored at least 8 inches from the floor, 2 inches from the outside walls and at least 18 inches from ceiling fixtures.
Minimum dust collection on the material.
Have enough space between storage units.
Receipt of Dirty Linen
The Linen inventory shall be maintained in the wards itself by the respective Sister Incharges with a copy of it in the Materials Management and Laundry.
Every morning, the Laundry attendant will go to different wards, O.T, O.P.D and collect the dirty linen. It is preferred that the trolley has different chambers for soiled and normal dirty linen. Whenever the attendant collects the linen, it has to be clearly mentioned about the different linen and quantity along with the signature of the Sister I/C. A separate register has to be maintained in different wards for the same.
Each linen should have an identity of its own. The proposed identity for the Linen is as follows:
· Name of the Organisation : ABC Hospital
· Name or No. of the Ward/ Room : Ortho II or 6
· Name of the Material : BS (Bedsheet), PG (Patient Gown), DS (Draw
Sheet), PC (Pillow Case), etc,.
· Number of the Linen : 1 to …..
Example ABC Hospital/13/BS/25 or ABC Hospital/Ped/BS/25 refers to the bedsheet belonging to paediatric Ward and it is 25th bedsheet among Hundreds.
This system can enhance the inventory management and avoid loss of inventory.
Sorting of Linen
The linen after collected from the different wards has to be sorted out in the Laundry. The Soiled, stained and normal dirty linen have to be sorted out.
Removal of Soils/ Stains
It is recommended that 4 gms of bleaching powder for every litre of hot water(20 – 43 C) and dipping the clothes for atleast 20 minutes is recommended for removal of Soils and stains. If necessary rubbing the stain area should also be done to remove strong stains & soils. Now a days, good stain removing detergents are available in market itself.
The persons handling the soiled/stained linen should use a thick rubber gloves that can tolerate Bleach and Luke Warm water.
Washing
Hot water (20 – 43 C) is recommended for using in washing machines. This can act as an disinfecting agent too. The time of linen in the washing machine depends on different types of linen. Usually it is recommended for 30 minutes n the mode of strong wash.
Water Extractors & Dryers
The washed linen is put in the water extractors for 3 – 5 minutes and then sent to dryers for drying.
Sorting of torn linen for tailoring
After drying, the linen is checked for wear and tears. The torn clothes should be sent for mending/ tailoring. If the linen is out of the scope of mending, then the condemnation committee should condemn it.
The Condemnation Committee should consist of the following members.
1. Laundry Supervisor
2. Tailor
3. Store Officer
4. Responsible person from the User Department.
Separate register has to be maintained for the condemnation materials and record has to be kept for the replaced materials, which can help us in knowing the linen turn over.
Folding and Pressing
A pressing machine that can generate its own steam is recommended. This can help in saving the electricity and wastage of steam while traveling a long distance. Now a days, the systems that are self dependent are preferred to save the costs.
Distribution
The finished goods are to be stored in the clean storage area before distribution. The clean linen should be checked for quantity before delivery. Then the linen should be distributed to different Departments in a separate trolley which are not used for collection. The receipt vouchers that were used during collection should be checked and signed again by the Sister Incharge while getting back the clean linen from the Laundry.
RECORD KEEPING
Following records shall be maintained for all instruments processed in CSSD:
a) Dispatch record
b) Receipt record
c) Storage record.
Following documents should be maintained:
1. Instruction manual for all the equipment.
2. Records of all preventive maintenance, calibration and repairs of equipment.
3. Load Records including contents of each load, initials of the operator, equipment number or other identification and the date and time of cycle.
ORGANISATION STRUCTURE
Medical Superintendent
EXECUTIVE LAUNDRY
(1) Laundry Technician
(5) (Unskilled)
CRITERIA FOR MANPOWER SELECTION
1. LAUNDRY OPERATOR TECHNICIAN
10+2 or Graduate
Preferred: Diploma in Laundry Techniques
Experience: 5 years
2. UNSKILLED - 10
DRESS CODE
STANDARD ATTIRE
1. The uniform MUST NOT be worn out side the hospital.
2. Uniform shall consist of clean scrub attire, provided by the hospital.
3. Head covering – caps shall be worn, completely covering the hair.
4. Jewellery – wearing of jewellery is discouraged, due to contact with chemicals.
SPECIAL ATTIRE
1. Shoe Covers: shall be worn while working in the Laundry.
2. Gowns: which covers arms shall be worn by all while working in the decontamination area, linen and packing area.
3. Gloves: Shall be worn while working in any section.
4. Masks: Shall be worn by all.
Exceptions:
1. Clerical / Supervisory Staff: Shall wear ordinary clothes covered with a clean lab coat.
2. Visitors: Shall wear a cover
Thursday, February 12, 2009
HOW TO CHOOSE LAUNDRY MACHINES???
Difference Between Price and Cost
Price is the amount of money you pay to buy the equipment. Cost is the amount of money you pay to operate the equipment over the lifetime. Sometimes this is called the Total Cost of Ownership. There are five key points that affect the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Labor Cost
Since labor is the largest cost in operating many laundries, searching for laundry equipment that can assist in reducing cycle times is very important. If the wash cycle time can be shortened with special features, your laundry will not have to operate as many hours. For example, many of the lower priced machines use 1⁄2” water valves. If your laundry runs 10 loads per day, a washer with 3⁄4” water valves versus 1⁄2” water valves could save you 30 minutes of operating time.
Lower priced machines generally have lower extraction speeds. To get the lowest TCO, you should invest in higher extraction speeds to remove more water from linens. This allows the linen to dry faster. If extraction efficiency is measured by G- force, a 300 G-force washer will remove significantly more water than a 90 G-force washer. The dry time difference in a 60 lb load of terry towels can be almost ten minutes! How much labor can you save in your operation by cutting ten minutes on every load of towels?
Steam Cost
Natural gas prices are at an all-time high! Utilities are a controllable cost that is often overlooked when considering which laundry equipment to buy. Using the 300 G-force vs 90 G-force scenario, you might save more than a $1000 per year by reducing the time you operate a gas-heated commercial tumble dryer. How much money can you save in your utility bill by cutting ten minutes of drying time on every load of towels?
Value for Your Money
If there is a major difference in the price of two washers, there is probably a reason. One of the machines probably has higher quality components or additional features. Look at the total weight of the machine. Weight generally indicates if the frame or bearings are built to a higher standard and are more likely to give you extended years of service. This may even lower maintenance costs over the life of the product. Stainless steel panels versus painted panels are worth spending a little extra money for. Especially after laundry chemicals have corroded the painted sides. Look for the little differences that will matter a year or two after you made the purchase.
Proven Performance
Past performance is often the best indicator of future performance! What do you know about the machine you are considering? Do you know anyone that has used this brand of machine for 5+ years? What do you know about the company you are buying from? How will they perform service for you in the future? How many service technicians do they have? How many hours does it take to respond to your future service needs? It is worth paying a little more for good service support of the equipment.
Warranty
Read the fine print on the warranty. What is the limited parts warranty? Some companies don’t warranty the wearable components. While other companies offer more comprehensive warranties. The industry warranty period varies from one year to three years. Make sure the lowest priced supplier has the same warranty. Make sure you have the warranty details in writing. Having the longest and most comprehensive warranty should lower your TCO.
When buying laundry equipment find the products that will lower your Total Cost of Ownership(TCO)! Be sure you determine the difference between Price and Cost.
Thankx Unimac
Price is the amount of money you pay to buy the equipment. Cost is the amount of money you pay to operate the equipment over the lifetime. Sometimes this is called the Total Cost of Ownership. There are five key points that affect the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Labor Cost
Since labor is the largest cost in operating many laundries, searching for laundry equipment that can assist in reducing cycle times is very important. If the wash cycle time can be shortened with special features, your laundry will not have to operate as many hours. For example, many of the lower priced machines use 1⁄2” water valves. If your laundry runs 10 loads per day, a washer with 3⁄4” water valves versus 1⁄2” water valves could save you 30 minutes of operating time.
Lower priced machines generally have lower extraction speeds. To get the lowest TCO, you should invest in higher extraction speeds to remove more water from linens. This allows the linen to dry faster. If extraction efficiency is measured by G- force, a 300 G-force washer will remove significantly more water than a 90 G-force washer. The dry time difference in a 60 lb load of terry towels can be almost ten minutes! How much labor can you save in your operation by cutting ten minutes on every load of towels?
Steam Cost
Natural gas prices are at an all-time high! Utilities are a controllable cost that is often overlooked when considering which laundry equipment to buy. Using the 300 G-force vs 90 G-force scenario, you might save more than a $1000 per year by reducing the time you operate a gas-heated commercial tumble dryer. How much money can you save in your utility bill by cutting ten minutes of drying time on every load of towels?
Value for Your Money
If there is a major difference in the price of two washers, there is probably a reason. One of the machines probably has higher quality components or additional features. Look at the total weight of the machine. Weight generally indicates if the frame or bearings are built to a higher standard and are more likely to give you extended years of service. This may even lower maintenance costs over the life of the product. Stainless steel panels versus painted panels are worth spending a little extra money for. Especially after laundry chemicals have corroded the painted sides. Look for the little differences that will matter a year or two after you made the purchase.
Proven Performance
Past performance is often the best indicator of future performance! What do you know about the machine you are considering? Do you know anyone that has used this brand of machine for 5+ years? What do you know about the company you are buying from? How will they perform service for you in the future? How many service technicians do they have? How many hours does it take to respond to your future service needs? It is worth paying a little more for good service support of the equipment.
Warranty
Read the fine print on the warranty. What is the limited parts warranty? Some companies don’t warranty the wearable components. While other companies offer more comprehensive warranties. The industry warranty period varies from one year to three years. Make sure the lowest priced supplier has the same warranty. Make sure you have the warranty details in writing. Having the longest and most comprehensive warranty should lower your TCO.
When buying laundry equipment find the products that will lower your Total Cost of Ownership(TCO)! Be sure you determine the difference between Price and Cost.
Thankx Unimac
Monday, January 19, 2009
Are Indians spending too much on laundry?
NEW DELHI: It may not be laundering the way the taxman would salivate to read about increasing number of Indians are spending money on laundry
but thanks to the hectic city life and efficient services offered by chains that are opening shops.
Laundry services across the country are becoming popular with working people and bachelors.
'Four Seasons,' a dry cleaning company in the capital says it continues to make profits despite charging high rates for its services.
Rates for shirts range between Rs 60 and Rs 80, trousers are charged Rs 110 per pair and charges for dry-cleaning one panel of curtain costs Rs 160.
"Many people come to our shop for laundry and dry cleaning
and most of them are working couples. We also have home delivery facilities at nominal rates," says a staff member.
Market Research company A C Nielson pegs the country's dry-cleaning and laundry industry approximately between Rs 3,000 and Rs 3,500 crores.
According to B L Bajaj, Director of Wardrobe, the daily demand for laundry is expected to rise at 20-25 per cent annually.
Laundry care in India, he says has grown 8 per cent in current value terms in 2007 to reach Rs 84 billion.
but thanks to the hectic city life and efficient services offered by chains that are opening shops.
Laundry services across the country are becoming popular with working people and bachelors.
'Four Seasons,' a dry cleaning company in the capital says it continues to make profits despite charging high rates for its services.
Rates for shirts range between Rs 60 and Rs 80, trousers are charged Rs 110 per pair and charges for dry-cleaning one panel of curtain costs Rs 160.
"Many people come to our shop for laundry and dry cleaning
and most of them are working couples. We also have home delivery facilities at nominal rates," says a staff member.
Market Research company A C Nielson pegs the country's dry-cleaning and laundry industry approximately between Rs 3,000 and Rs 3,500 crores.
According to B L Bajaj, Director of Wardrobe, the daily demand for laundry is expected to rise at 20-25 per cent annually.
Laundry care in India, he says has grown 8 per cent in current value terms in 2007 to reach Rs 84 billion.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Advancing Laundry Technology
Panasonic-Washer-Dryers
The laundry is one of the greatest challenges for those with disabled hands. Even more so if your disability has you using a wheelchair. Advancing technology is making laundry easier and easier. This Japanese unit from Panasonic is a washer and a dryer negating the need to transfer heavy wet cloths for one machine to the other. Additionally, it features a sloped drum that makes loading and unloading the machine easier than either front or top loaders. From an energy standpoint This unit saves energy by using a heat exchanger to provide drying without needing a heating element. Don't know how that works exactly but the point is that technology is innovating a chore that proves difficult for those with Disabled Hands.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
VISA cards now using RFIDs and in future even humans may have RFIDS in them...
Tomorrow's world will be ruled by RFID technology... Even our laundries will also...
Laundry RFID tag
Product Name: RFID Laundry Tag-02
Product Number: RFID Laundry Tag-02
Product Details:
1)Type: Contactless Read & Write
2)Operating Frequency: 125KHz or 13.56MHz
3)Compliance
• IC Available at 125KHz nominal:
EM4100, Hitag-1, Hitag- 2, Hitag-S, TK4100
• IC Available at 13.56MHz nominal:
Mifare-One S50, Mifare-One S70, I-CODE, Ti 256, INSIDE 2K
4)Material: PPS+Epoxy
5)Physical Size: Dia. 22
Thicness: 2.5mm(± 0.3mm)
Standard Color: Black
6)Printing: Printable with silkscreen (no more than 2 colors)
A customized logo can be printed on the tag
7)Operating Temperature: -25º C to +85º C
8)Storage Temperature:
-20º C to +110º C for 500 Hours
+120º C for 100 Hours
+140º C for 5 Hours or less
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Lindström starts operations in India
Dr. Paavo Väyrynen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development of Finland inaugurates facility at Ambattur
Chennai, October 24th, 2007: The textile service company Lindström has expanded its operations by establishing a subsidiary in India. Business operations have now commenced in Chennai with a state-of-the-art service centre concentrating in workwear maintenance and rental. Lindström Group CEO Mr. Jukka Roiha announced the India launch at a press conference in Chennai today.
During the last few months the location for the Chennai service centre was sourced and investments were made in building and machinery. Lindström has also landed several contracts with new clients: "Lindström offers specialized maintenance of workwear, which is an entirely new concept in India.
“Our workwear service will cater to the needs of Chennai’s sizeable electronics cluster, besides the manufacturing, food and service industries. One of our special services is offering ESD (anti static) textiles that keep components and products safe from damage caused by electric discharge on contact with human skin, for instance, thanks to their conductivity properties,” explained Jukka Roiha. He adds, “It is also important to clean special workwear such as ESD textiles professionally in order for the clothes to maintain their properties through washing and other handling.”
"Lindström offers specialized full workwear services ranging from design to disposal as well as maintenance of workwear - which is an entirely new concept in India. We are looking forward to building our order book at a good pace and are delighted with this good start to business," said Ajai Bhaskar, Business Unit Manager, Lindström Services India Pvt. Ltd.
Lindström’s recently launched subsidiary in China has also got off to a busy start. The operation, in Suzhou Industrial Park near Shanghai, opened last spring and is already operating at full capacity with plans to further increase its capacity.
In recent years, Lindström’s international growth has been strong. The internationalisation strategy of the company is based on establishing its own service centres. By acquiring its workwear service from a partner, the customer no longer needs to take care of fitting, acquiring, maintaining, washing, storing and transporting clothes. This saves time and money. In addition, the flexible service follows the changing needs, as personnel is changed or replaced. At the same time, the customer may improve its own quality control concerning the cleanliness of workwear and occupational safety.
Lindström has also just recently been nominated as one of the best companies in Finland based on the company’s long term profitable growth and exceptional textile services’ internationalization.
Chennai, October 24th, 2007: The textile service company Lindström has expanded its operations by establishing a subsidiary in India. Business operations have now commenced in Chennai with a state-of-the-art service centre concentrating in workwear maintenance and rental. Lindström Group CEO Mr. Jukka Roiha announced the India launch at a press conference in Chennai today.
During the last few months the location for the Chennai service centre was sourced and investments were made in building and machinery. Lindström has also landed several contracts with new clients: "Lindström offers specialized maintenance of workwear, which is an entirely new concept in India.
“Our workwear service will cater to the needs of Chennai’s sizeable electronics cluster, besides the manufacturing, food and service industries. One of our special services is offering ESD (anti static) textiles that keep components and products safe from damage caused by electric discharge on contact with human skin, for instance, thanks to their conductivity properties,” explained Jukka Roiha. He adds, “It is also important to clean special workwear such as ESD textiles professionally in order for the clothes to maintain their properties through washing and other handling.”
"Lindström offers specialized full workwear services ranging from design to disposal as well as maintenance of workwear - which is an entirely new concept in India. We are looking forward to building our order book at a good pace and are delighted with this good start to business," said Ajai Bhaskar, Business Unit Manager, Lindström Services India Pvt. Ltd.
Lindström’s recently launched subsidiary in China has also got off to a busy start. The operation, in Suzhou Industrial Park near Shanghai, opened last spring and is already operating at full capacity with plans to further increase its capacity.
In recent years, Lindström’s international growth has been strong. The internationalisation strategy of the company is based on establishing its own service centres. By acquiring its workwear service from a partner, the customer no longer needs to take care of fitting, acquiring, maintaining, washing, storing and transporting clothes. This saves time and money. In addition, the flexible service follows the changing needs, as personnel is changed or replaced. At the same time, the customer may improve its own quality control concerning the cleanliness of workwear and occupational safety.
Lindström has also just recently been nominated as one of the best companies in Finland based on the company’s long term profitable growth and exceptional textile services’ internationalization.
Jyothy Fabricare Services Ltd enters in to Laundry services...
Jyothy Laboratories enters laundry services.
Unveils Fabric Spa: (From left) Mr M.P. Ramachandran, CMD, Jyothy Laboratories; Mr K. Ullas Kamath, Deputy Managing Director; and Ms M.R. Jyothy, Managing Director, at a press conference in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Mumbai, July 30 Jyothy Laboratories is making a foray into laundry services with an initial investment of Rs 40 crore. A new subsidiary company, Jyothy Fabricare Services (JFSL), has been floated to create a fabric care retail brand under the name of Fabric Spa.
JFSL will have a model whereby it would offer its services through retail showrooms and at the same time cater to institutions as well as households through door-to-door laundry services. The laundry services would be classified as super premium, premium and economy depending on the cost and nature of service that is being offered.
At a press conference, Mr K. Ullas Kamath, Deputy Managing Director, Jyothy Laboratories, said, “We have decided to start our laundry services in Bangalore as it is easy to tap into the potential set of customers such as IT professionals and bachelors living in this city.” In fact the company is already taking the advice of consultancy firm KPMG to study the potential of this business in the country.
Mr M.P. Ramachandran, Chairman and Managing Director, Jyothy Laboratoroies, said: “We believe that the rising middle class population and affordability to buy branded garments will open up opportunities for a Spa like ours to give value added services and a whole new experience.”
Growing Laundry need in India...
Diamond Fabcare Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with Brown Gouge of Australia announces launch of its retail operations under the brand “Wardrobe”. Launching in Delhi and NCR with about 100 exclusive stores, 200 – 300 nos. pick and drop centers and central supply chain and processing facility, Wardrobe plans to spread all over the country in next 3 to 5 years.
With operational and technological know – how from Brown Gouge of Australia, which is a 93 year old leader in Dry-cleaning and laundry industry, Wardrobe will deploy/setup state of art equipments imported from Europe and USA from the best suppliers in the world. The company will promise superior quality with use of 100% R.O. water, fabric friendly high quality chemicals, experienced and skilled manpower, strong supply chain system backed by a customized software and IT setup.
Mr. Jyoti Maheshwari, Chairman – Diamond Fabcare Pvt. Ltd. said, “Our pre – launch research showed customers’ dissatisfaction and a wide gap between the need and what is available in this largely fragmented and unorganized market segment of dry cleaning & laundry. The awareness level as to the qualitative factors is abysmally low. However we at Wardrobe are committed to give all our customers the utmost fabric care solution and our wash care centers are designed to provide a unique & pleasant experience to our customers”.
The collaborator Brown Gouge is regarded as Australia’s oldest and most reputed dry – cleaning service provider. It has maintained a consistent track record of high standards in its existence for over 90 years.
Speaking at the occasion Mr. Tim Mottin, Co-Promoter – Brown Gouge, Australia said,” We welcome our new partnership with Diamond Fabcare Pvt. Ltd. – under the brand Wardrobe. We are looking forward through this partnership to improving the service standards in dry cleaning and laundry segment in India, which we hope will benefit Indian customers. We’re confident of a longer life for their garments and maintenance of a permanent fresh look as good as “new”.
According to Dr. A. Srivastava, Executive Director of Diamond Fabcare Pvt. Ltd., people buy expensive garments and designer wear but can’t find or trust in any quality drycleaner, further he pointed out that very few people have time to wash cloths at home in today’s busy schedule.
- End -
Friday, November 14, 2008
Profit of using OZONE...
1.- Lower washing temperatures: As ozone increases the quantity of oxygen, this increases the detergent’s power, making it possible to reduce the temperature by 80-100%. This contributes to costs savings and longer fabric life.
2.- Shorter washing times: Ozone makes detergent more effective, allowing the entire wash cycle to be cut by 25-30% as compared to conventional washing.
Foto máquinas3.- Less water consumption: Since we reduce the number of stages in the washing process, lower water consumption is one of the most notable features of our equipment.
4.- Less wear and tear on machines by 20-30%. Lower washing temperatures substantially reduce the problem of deterioration in rubber parts, bearings, gaskets, etc., extending the useful life of each machine.
5.- Almost neutral pH in waste water: Elimination of waste water purification systems, potential re-use of water. Contributes to the protection of the environment and is in line with sustainable development plans.
Other Benefits of Profit Laundry System
* Reduces the incidence of bedsores (decubitus ulcers)
The use of harsh chemicals in the wash is known to be a contributing cause of bedsores (pressure ulcers). Alkali and bleach residue in the linen fiber elevate pH levels; the use of ozone helps maintain neutral pH levels, thereby reducing the incidence of bedsores.
* Thoroughly disinfects the wash water
Worth repeating: Ozone has an incredible and powerful ability to virtually wipe out all forms of harmful microbial contaminants like E.coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Giardia Lamblia, Cryptosporidium and pathogens in blood from the soiled laundry.
* Noticeably improves fabric quality
Customer remarks confirm that the comparative results are immediate and sometimes dramatic as to the quality of laundry washed with ozone verses conventional methods. Customers report: “Not only is the laundry much whiter and brighter, but it is also fluffier”. “You can stack towels and washcloths washed in ozonated water next to a stack of the same number washed in non-ozonated water and the ozone-treated pile will be twice as high”. Laundry is “fresher smelling” and more sanitary than traditional methods of washing.
* Improves laundry room environment for workers
By reducing or eliminating hot water and shortening drying times, employee comfort increases as a result of cooler working conditions.
* Reduces drying time
Ozone opens up the fibers of the fabric allowing more water to be removed in the extraction cycle. Therefore, the laundry contains less moisture upon removal from the washer, thus reducing the prescribed drying time, making for further savings in energy costs.
* Actually extends the life of linen
Linen laundered in ozone enjoys longer service life. It has been estimated that the life of linen can be extended by as much as 25%; mostly due to reducing or eliminating many of the chemicals harmful to textiles. Another contributing factor in extending the life of the linen is the reduction of rinse and dryer cycle times in the laundry operation.
OZONE
Hi Aii,
Back after bit long due to some busy schedule.
I always have some thoughts about the usage of OZONE in laundries. Here is a real experience of a customer who using the OZONE in their laundry.
Sharing with you.
Does ozone laundry really work? A user's report - Feature Article - excerpt of interview with - Penacook Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center executive Julian Rich
Nursing Homes,
Employed as early as 1906 to treat the water supply in Paris, France, and used today in some processes for producing bottled water, ozone is known for its bleaching action and ability to kill bacteria and viruses. This "cousin" of oxygen also has a practical, money-saving application: treating water used in laundry operations.
Ozone--which, simply put, is oxygen plus an extra atom ([O.sub.3] as opposed to [O.sub.2])--is formed when oxygen comes into contact with highly charged electrical energy. Systems that generate ozone and inject it into laundry water can dramatically reduce hot water use in large laundry operations, as well as reducing the amount of cleaning chemicals used and producing cleaner, brighter linens and clothing.
enacook Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, a 160-bed facility in Haverhill, Mass., had two ozone generators installed in its laundry room in January of 2002. Nursing Homes/Long Term Care Management spoke with Julian Rich, Penacook's president and CEO, and Bob Rawding, its director of building services, about how this addition has affected their facility's laundry operation.
What prompted you to consider using ozone generators in your laundry room?
Rich: I was initially interested because of the potential for cost savings from reduced hot water use. Based on the calculations of a vendor I spoke to at a conference, it appeared that the ozone generators would pay for themselves within approximately two years of their installation. With a savings potential like that, the decision was a "no-brainer" for me. Now we're tracking the actual savings, and after one year we're right on track with the projected savings.
Are there other benefits of using an ozone system besides saving hot water?
Rich: Yes, there are some benefits we weren't even aware of when we purchased the system. For example, the laundry turns out much whiter. You can set towels washed with ozonated water next to towels washed traditionally, and the superior whitening effect of ozone is immediately and dramatically obvious.
Another benefit is that the laundry room is much cooler in the summer. The decreased need for hot water reduces room temperature by a great deal, and anything we can do to make our staff more comfortable at work is a plus.
Rawding: Specifically, using ozonated water has eliminated approximately 75 to 80% of our hot water use, and our gas bill has declined by 25 to 30% since the ozone generators were installed.
Not only is the laundry whiter and brighter, but it's also fluffier. This means we are sending out a product that residents enjoy more. You can also stack towels and washcloths washed in ozonated water next to a stack of the same number washed in nonozonated water, and the ozone-treated pile will be twice as high. This is because using ozone in the water opens the fabrics' pores. For this reason, in addition to using less hot water, laundry washed with ozonated water dries faster, so there is less energy used for drying and there are fewer dryer cycles to raise the room temperature in warm weather.
Did you have to obtain regulators' approval for installing the ozone generators?
Rich: We checked with the state, because we didn't want to discover we had any inappropriate sanitation issues with the ozone system. The state was very comfortable with our plans and approved the system.
How Long did installation take?
Rawding: It took one day for installation, followed by a few hours the next day after start-up for adjustments.
How many washing machines do you have connected to each ozone generator?
Rawding: We have two washers per generator, which works well.
Can you use ozonated water on colored fabrics, or just on whites?
Rawding: We can use it on everything we wash.
Are there any disadvantages to be aware of when considering the installation of this sort of equipment?
Rawding: One thing you have to be aware of is that the laundry area needs to be well ventilated; ozone does have a slight odor. But if the laundry is properly vented, the presence of the ozone doesn't affect anyone.
Rich: Initially we had some leakage that had to be repaired, which caused one employee some discomfort, but it was remedied immediately, and she suffered no harm.
Rawding: It's also important to know that ozone deteriorates rubber. As a result, we had to replace some rubber hoses on our washers.
How much maintenance do the ozone generators require?
Rawding: Very little. There are some small filters we have to keep clean, but overall they perform well without much routine maintenance.
Do you feet you made the right decision when you purchased the ozone generators?
Rawding: It was a good investment. I have to admit that I was a little leery going in, but it has definitely worked well for our facility.
Rich: We're extremely happy with our decision.
For more information, call Julian Rich at (978) 374-0707. To comment on this article, send e-mail to rich0203@nursinghomesmagazine.com.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Medquest Communications, LLC
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group
Back after bit long due to some busy schedule.
I always have some thoughts about the usage of OZONE in laundries. Here is a real experience of a customer who using the OZONE in their laundry.
Sharing with you.
Does ozone laundry really work? A user's report - Feature Article - excerpt of interview with - Penacook Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center executive Julian Rich
Nursing Homes,
Employed as early as 1906 to treat the water supply in Paris, France, and used today in some processes for producing bottled water, ozone is known for its bleaching action and ability to kill bacteria and viruses. This "cousin" of oxygen also has a practical, money-saving application: treating water used in laundry operations.
Ozone--which, simply put, is oxygen plus an extra atom ([O.sub.3] as opposed to [O.sub.2])--is formed when oxygen comes into contact with highly charged electrical energy. Systems that generate ozone and inject it into laundry water can dramatically reduce hot water use in large laundry operations, as well as reducing the amount of cleaning chemicals used and producing cleaner, brighter linens and clothing.
enacook Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, a 160-bed facility in Haverhill, Mass., had two ozone generators installed in its laundry room in January of 2002. Nursing Homes/Long Term Care Management spoke with Julian Rich, Penacook's president and CEO, and Bob Rawding, its director of building services, about how this addition has affected their facility's laundry operation.
What prompted you to consider using ozone generators in your laundry room?
Rich: I was initially interested because of the potential for cost savings from reduced hot water use. Based on the calculations of a vendor I spoke to at a conference, it appeared that the ozone generators would pay for themselves within approximately two years of their installation. With a savings potential like that, the decision was a "no-brainer" for me. Now we're tracking the actual savings, and after one year we're right on track with the projected savings.
Are there other benefits of using an ozone system besides saving hot water?
Rich: Yes, there are some benefits we weren't even aware of when we purchased the system. For example, the laundry turns out much whiter. You can set towels washed with ozonated water next to towels washed traditionally, and the superior whitening effect of ozone is immediately and dramatically obvious.
Another benefit is that the laundry room is much cooler in the summer. The decreased need for hot water reduces room temperature by a great deal, and anything we can do to make our staff more comfortable at work is a plus.
Rawding: Specifically, using ozonated water has eliminated approximately 75 to 80% of our hot water use, and our gas bill has declined by 25 to 30% since the ozone generators were installed.
Not only is the laundry whiter and brighter, but it's also fluffier. This means we are sending out a product that residents enjoy more. You can also stack towels and washcloths washed in ozonated water next to a stack of the same number washed in nonozonated water, and the ozone-treated pile will be twice as high. This is because using ozone in the water opens the fabrics' pores. For this reason, in addition to using less hot water, laundry washed with ozonated water dries faster, so there is less energy used for drying and there are fewer dryer cycles to raise the room temperature in warm weather.
Did you have to obtain regulators' approval for installing the ozone generators?
Rich: We checked with the state, because we didn't want to discover we had any inappropriate sanitation issues with the ozone system. The state was very comfortable with our plans and approved the system.
How Long did installation take?
Rawding: It took one day for installation, followed by a few hours the next day after start-up for adjustments.
How many washing machines do you have connected to each ozone generator?
Rawding: We have two washers per generator, which works well.
Can you use ozonated water on colored fabrics, or just on whites?
Rawding: We can use it on everything we wash.
Are there any disadvantages to be aware of when considering the installation of this sort of equipment?
Rawding: One thing you have to be aware of is that the laundry area needs to be well ventilated; ozone does have a slight odor. But if the laundry is properly vented, the presence of the ozone doesn't affect anyone.
Rich: Initially we had some leakage that had to be repaired, which caused one employee some discomfort, but it was remedied immediately, and she suffered no harm.
Rawding: It's also important to know that ozone deteriorates rubber. As a result, we had to replace some rubber hoses on our washers.
How much maintenance do the ozone generators require?
Rawding: Very little. There are some small filters we have to keep clean, but overall they perform well without much routine maintenance.
Do you feet you made the right decision when you purchased the ozone generators?
Rawding: It was a good investment. I have to admit that I was a little leery going in, but it has definitely worked well for our facility.
Rich: We're extremely happy with our decision.
For more information, call Julian Rich at (978) 374-0707. To comment on this article, send e-mail to rich0203@nursinghomesmagazine.com.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Medquest Communications, LLC
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Rayons
Q.
Can you wash rayon items by hand or in the washing machine or by hand?
A.
The confusing part about caring for rayon is that two types of rayon exist: viscose and polynosic. The major difference is that viscose rayon becomes weak when wet, and therefore normally requires dry cleaning. Occasionally it can be finished so that gentle hand washing is possible. Blends with 30 percent or more polyester will provide enough strength for gentle hand washing or machine laundering. Polynosic rayon is an improved version with high wet strength. You can safely machine wash and dry it.
How do you tell the difference? Unless information is provided on the label, or can be obtained by calling the manufacturer, you can't. Machine washable rayons will have the term polynosic, the trade names Modal or Zantrel, or indicate machine wash and dry on the label. The term viscose on a label will be accompanied by a care label that indicates to dry clean.
For best results, follow care label instructions.
Can you wash rayon items by hand or in the washing machine or by hand?
A.
The confusing part about caring for rayon is that two types of rayon exist: viscose and polynosic. The major difference is that viscose rayon becomes weak when wet, and therefore normally requires dry cleaning. Occasionally it can be finished so that gentle hand washing is possible. Blends with 30 percent or more polyester will provide enough strength for gentle hand washing or machine laundering. Polynosic rayon is an improved version with high wet strength. You can safely machine wash and dry it.
How do you tell the difference? Unless information is provided on the label, or can be obtained by calling the manufacturer, you can't. Machine washable rayons will have the term polynosic, the trade names Modal or Zantrel, or indicate machine wash and dry on the label. The term viscose on a label will be accompanied by a care label that indicates to dry clean.
For best results, follow care label instructions.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
7 Ironing Mistakes
Ironing clothes can be a tricky job. With so many fabric types, pleats, tucks, seams, etc. getting the wrinkles out can give even the best housekeeper a headache. Find out the top 7 ironing mistakes we make and how to avoid them. Some of them begin before we ever turn on our iron.
1. Letting clothes over-dry.
Clothes are very difficult to iron when they are fully dry or over dried in the dryer. Over-dried clothes can be very difficult to reshape. Try to remove clothes when they are still slightly damp. If you line dry your clothes, bring them inside to iron when they are not quite dry.
2. Overfilling the dryer.
It would seem like stuffing as many clothes as can fit into a dryer would save us time, but more than likely it will only lengthen the time you spend caring for your clothing. An average dryer should be only 1/2 full in order to allow freedom for all clothing to move. If too many articles of clothing are in the dryer, it will create monster wrinkles, and make your ironing much more difficult.
3. Forgetting to shake and smoothe.
When clothing is removed from the dryer, it frequently sits in a basket waiting to be ironed. Take a few minutes and shake out your clothing. Reshape garments, and smooth out seams and pleats. Even if clothing still needs to be ironed, it will be a much smoother process.
4. Not using the sprayer.
Many irons today come with a built in sprayer to dampen clothes during ironing. If yours doesn't have one, purchase a new inexpensive empty spray bottle to use. Dampen the clothing when you are ready to begin ironing. Wrinkles will fall out of the clothing as you iron. If you don't use the sprayer to soften up the clothing, ironing is much more difficult and for some garments, impossible.
5. Using Hard Water.
Tap water may be okay to use in your iron, depending on what type of water you have. People with hard water risk damaging their iron. Read the instructions for your iron, and if in doubt, use distilled water in your iron.
6. Improper use of starches and sizers.
Starches and sizers are a great tool when ironing, but they must be used properly. Spray these products as you iron, but allow them to actually penetrate into the garment before ironing over them. Allowing just a few seconds for the clothing to soak up the starch or sizer, will keep your iron's soleplate from becoming built-up with product residue.
7. Ironing heavyweight fabrics first.
If you have a large pile of ironing to do, try to iron your lightest silk, synthetic, and delicate fabrics first. These need to be ironed on low temperatures. Once the iron heats up, and you've ironed your lightweights, you can move on to the wools, cottens, linens, etc
1. Letting clothes over-dry.
Clothes are very difficult to iron when they are fully dry or over dried in the dryer. Over-dried clothes can be very difficult to reshape. Try to remove clothes when they are still slightly damp. If you line dry your clothes, bring them inside to iron when they are not quite dry.
2. Overfilling the dryer.
It would seem like stuffing as many clothes as can fit into a dryer would save us time, but more than likely it will only lengthen the time you spend caring for your clothing. An average dryer should be only 1/2 full in order to allow freedom for all clothing to move. If too many articles of clothing are in the dryer, it will create monster wrinkles, and make your ironing much more difficult.
3. Forgetting to shake and smoothe.
When clothing is removed from the dryer, it frequently sits in a basket waiting to be ironed. Take a few minutes and shake out your clothing. Reshape garments, and smooth out seams and pleats. Even if clothing still needs to be ironed, it will be a much smoother process.
4. Not using the sprayer.
Many irons today come with a built in sprayer to dampen clothes during ironing. If yours doesn't have one, purchase a new inexpensive empty spray bottle to use. Dampen the clothing when you are ready to begin ironing. Wrinkles will fall out of the clothing as you iron. If you don't use the sprayer to soften up the clothing, ironing is much more difficult and for some garments, impossible.
5. Using Hard Water.
Tap water may be okay to use in your iron, depending on what type of water you have. People with hard water risk damaging their iron. Read the instructions for your iron, and if in doubt, use distilled water in your iron.
6. Improper use of starches and sizers.
Starches and sizers are a great tool when ironing, but they must be used properly. Spray these products as you iron, but allow them to actually penetrate into the garment before ironing over them. Allowing just a few seconds for the clothing to soak up the starch or sizer, will keep your iron's soleplate from becoming built-up with product residue.
7. Ironing heavyweight fabrics first.
If you have a large pile of ironing to do, try to iron your lightest silk, synthetic, and delicate fabrics first. These need to be ironed on low temperatures. Once the iron heats up, and you've ironed your lightweights, you can move on to the wools, cottens, linens, etc
Monday, September 1, 2008
Creation of Biodegradable Plastic Products
Creation of Biodegradable Plastic Products is Both Environmentally Friendly and Helps in Waste Management.
The use of plastics starts on your breakfast table and continues through the day. Your bread is wrapped in polythene, your milk comes in polythene packets, and all your groceries are packed in different shapes and sizes of polythene packs. At a party, one sees liberal use of disposable cups and cutlery. Indeed, this is the age of disposable or ‘use and throw’ consumerist society, which is generating a huge amount of waste. Consider the following data which lists the time period various materials take to degrade.
Material Estimated time for degradation
Styrofoam- Eternity
Glass Bottle- Unknown
Plastic Bag- 1 million years
Disposable Diapers- 500-600 years
Aluminium Can- 200-500 years
Leather Shoe- 40-50 years
Cotton Rag- 5 months
Paper Bag- 2 months
Banana Peel- 3-4 weeks
(Source: Exnora International)
The use of plastics starts on your breakfast table and continues through the day. Your bread is wrapped in polythene, your milk comes in polythene packets, and all your groceries are packed in different shapes and sizes of polythene packs. At a party, one sees liberal use of disposable cups and cutlery. Indeed, this is the age of disposable or ‘use and throw’ consumerist society, which is generating a huge amount of waste. Consider the following data which lists the time period various materials take to degrade.
Material Estimated time for degradation
Styrofoam- Eternity
Glass Bottle- Unknown
Plastic Bag- 1 million years
Disposable Diapers- 500-600 years
Aluminium Can- 200-500 years
Leather Shoe- 40-50 years
Cotton Rag- 5 months
Paper Bag- 2 months
Banana Peel- 3-4 weeks
(Source: Exnora International)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
How does dry cleaning work?
When you wash clothes at home in the washing machine, water is the solvent used to do the cleaning. Many types of fabric, however, do not handle water very well. For example, wool and water just don't mix. There are also many types of stains that water is not particularly good at removing.
In dry cleaning, a petroleum solvent is used instead of water. It is "dry" only in the sense that it is not wet with water. In the early days of dry cleaning, this solvent was often kerosene or gasoline. Today the industry uses a solvent called perchloroethylene almost universally.
The clothes are washed in this solvent, and then the solvent is recovered in an extractor so it can be reused (and so that it does not evaporate into the air and cause pollution). Once the clothes are cleaned, they are pressed so they look like new.
There is a fair amount of controversy around perchloroethylene and its health effects at the moment. Several of the links below talk about the problems it can create. Some dry cleaners are now using CO2, called GREEN EARTH.
In dry cleaning, a petroleum solvent is used instead of water. It is "dry" only in the sense that it is not wet with water. In the early days of dry cleaning, this solvent was often kerosene or gasoline. Today the industry uses a solvent called perchloroethylene almost universally.
The clothes are washed in this solvent, and then the solvent is recovered in an extractor so it can be reused (and so that it does not evaporate into the air and cause pollution). Once the clothes are cleaned, they are pressed so they look like new.
There is a fair amount of controversy around perchloroethylene and its health effects at the moment. Several of the links below talk about the problems it can create. Some dry cleaners are now using CO2, called GREEN EARTH.
Monday, August 25, 2008
How Salt Can Solve Perspiration Problems
Don't sweat it. Those yellow stains in the armpits and around the collar of your favorite white T-shirts aren't a sign that you're sweating too much or not cleaning properly.
These areas are just harder to get clean and are made up of more than just old perspiration and dirt.
Undissolved deodorants may be a culprit, too. If you have hard water, the deodorant residue (and soap and perspiration) can't wash out properly. Here is a method for removing those sweat stains.
Mix 1 quart water with 4 tablespoons salt. Sponge this mixture onto the stained area, then repeat until the stain disappears. Wash as usual.
These areas are just harder to get clean and are made up of more than just old perspiration and dirt.
Undissolved deodorants may be a culprit, too. If you have hard water, the deodorant residue (and soap and perspiration) can't wash out properly. Here is a method for removing those sweat stains.
Mix 1 quart water with 4 tablespoons salt. Sponge this mixture onto the stained area, then repeat until the stain disappears. Wash as usual.
Why do most zippers say YKK" on the pull-tab?"
Photo courtesy of Midwest Trim Inc.
"Why do most zippers say YKK" on the pull-tab?"." 15 September 2000. HowStuffWorks.com.
YKK is a huge company that makes zippers!
Here is a bit of zipper history. The "clasp locker" as it was called, was invented in 1891 by Whitcomb L. Judson. The clasp locker was an assemblage of hooks and eyes that Judson thought would save people time and sore backs fastening their shoes with one hand. Later, in 1913, Gideon Sundback of Sweden developed the predecessor of today's zipper that used metal teeth, and patented it in 1917. Sundback's design was the first design that saw practical use. Sundback's "separable fastener" had more fasteners per inch than the earlier clasp locker. Later, the B.F. Goodrich Co. used the separable fastener in some rubber boots and came up with the name "zipper" because the boots could be fastened with one hand. Today, zippers are also made of plastic as well.
Founded in Japan in 1934, YKK was called Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha, but 60 years later the company changed its company name to match its brand name. The privately held YKK Co. is headquartered in Japan and is made up of 80 companies at 206 facilities in 52 countries. YKK makes the entire zipper including the dyed cloth and the brass used to make the zipper.
YKK zippers are found in:
* Clothing
* Furniture
* Automobiles
* Luggage
* Sports equipment
A YKK factory site in Macon, Ga., produces 7 million zippers a day, in a total of 1,500 styles in more than 427 standard colors. It's the largest zipper factory in the world. The Macon site produces its own brass to make the teeth and slider parts of a zipper. The same factory also produces and dyes the yarn that is woven into the fabric portion of a zipper. And YKK also produces the machines that make the zippers! YKK has leveraged its knowledge of working with metals to form an aluminum building products division that now accounts for two-thirds of YKK's worldwide sales.
Home Dry-Cleaning part II
Advantages and Disadvantages
The final wrinkle-removing step, in addition to the time you spend pre-treating clothes and waiting for the dryer cycle to end, make home dry cleaning a pretty time-consuming endeavor! This is one benefit of professional dry cleaning -- all the hard work is done for you.
However, if money is a concern, you might help your budget by using the kits. With home dry cleaning, you can clean 16 garments for about what you'd pay for one garment to be professionally dry cleaned. As long as you're not trying to remove large, set-in or greasy stains, these kits can be used to freshen garments and stretch the time between visits to the cleaner. You have to weigh the money you could save using the kits against the time you'll lose actually doing your dry cleaning at home.
One big plus of home kits is that they do prevent you from being exposed to the solvent, perchlorethylene, used by commercial cleaners. This does make them a good alternative for people with chemical sensitivities (not including perfume) or those who are looking for a process that's less harmful to the environment. Perchlorethylene can damage your liver, kidneys and brain, and is a contaminant in up to 25 percent of the U.S. water supply. The chemicals used in home dry cleaning don't accumulate in the environment, and, compared to perchlorethylene, they are fairly safe.
In the end, home dry cleaning kits don't represent a major step forward in cleaning technology. The kits simply take advantage of some pretty basic chemistry (the generation of steam from water, for example). Whether you choose to use them or not depends on the relative importance of their advantages and disadvantages to you.
The final wrinkle-removing step, in addition to the time you spend pre-treating clothes and waiting for the dryer cycle to end, make home dry cleaning a pretty time-consuming endeavor! This is one benefit of professional dry cleaning -- all the hard work is done for you.
However, if money is a concern, you might help your budget by using the kits. With home dry cleaning, you can clean 16 garments for about what you'd pay for one garment to be professionally dry cleaned. As long as you're not trying to remove large, set-in or greasy stains, these kits can be used to freshen garments and stretch the time between visits to the cleaner. You have to weigh the money you could save using the kits against the time you'll lose actually doing your dry cleaning at home.
One big plus of home kits is that they do prevent you from being exposed to the solvent, perchlorethylene, used by commercial cleaners. This does make them a good alternative for people with chemical sensitivities (not including perfume) or those who are looking for a process that's less harmful to the environment. Perchlorethylene can damage your liver, kidneys and brain, and is a contaminant in up to 25 percent of the U.S. water supply. The chemicals used in home dry cleaning don't accumulate in the environment, and, compared to perchlorethylene, they are fairly safe.
In the end, home dry cleaning kits don't represent a major step forward in cleaning technology. The kits simply take advantage of some pretty basic chemistry (the generation of steam from water, for example). Whether you choose to use them or not depends on the relative importance of their advantages and disadvantages to you.
Home Dry-Cleaning
Inside Your Dryer
What actually happens inside your dryer is the "black box" of this process for most people. All three kits instruct you to place one to four articles of clothing inside their respective "special" dry cleaning bag. Then, you add the dryer-activated cloths, seal the bag and put it in the dryer for 15 to 30 minutes (depending on which kit you're using). At the end, you remove your newly home-dry-cleaned clothes.
Clothes are placed in a nylon bag with a dryer activated cloth.
So what's really going on inside that bag? It's actually an incredibly simple system, involving only steam, perfume and an emulsifier.
Here's how it works:
* The dryer-activated cloth holds a small amount of water, as well as perfume and an emulsifying agent. This emulsifying agent keeps the water and perfume dispersed within the cloth. When you turn on the dryer, the heat generated raises the temperature of the liquids inside the cloth. This increase in thermal energy allows the molecules to bounce around more rapidly than usual. When the molecules reach a high enough temperature, they overcome their attraction to one another and leave the surface of the liquid. The molecules form a dense, high-pressure gas (steam/vapors).
* The vapors are contained within the nylon or plastic bag. When the vapors penetrate the fibers of the clothing, some of the water and perfume condenses within the fabric. This is the secret behind how these kits "freshen" your clothing; they simply infuse it with a fragrance! If you are allergic to perfumes or the kinds of fragrances that manufacturers typically put in cleaning products, you may want to avoid these kits. Clothes cleaned with them smell strongly of the scents used, even weeks after cleaning.
* The same steam vapors are used to remove wrinkles from the clothes. The kits operate under the same principle as steam irons. When you press clothes on an ironing board, the steam carries its heat through the fabric. The combination of the water molecules and the heat temporarily breaks weak attractions between the fibers. This unlocks the fibers from the wrinkled state they have been in, and you can then press the fabric flat with the iron. The kits are slightly different, because you don't have the weight and additional heat of the iron to press wrinkles out. The home dry cleaning kits rely on gravity to help wrinkles "fall out" from your clothes once you've removed them from the dryer and hung them up. This is why the kits emphasize getting your garments out of the dryer as soon as it clicks off. Outside the dryer, the clothes quickly cool down, and the fibers become less pliant. So, given the limited window of opportunity for gravity to do its job while clothes are still hot, clothing that is heavily wrinkled will most likely still be wrinkled after home dry cleaning. The FreshCare kit even advises you to launder dress shirts professionally, given their propensity to wrinkle.
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