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finding the balance between saving energy and water vs. the operational requirements of a busy laundry.
Using the right programmes to match different loads In our experience, it may be better to increase the number of wash programmes you use in your care home laundry. Although fewer programmes can be simpler for staff to work with, in practice it means that stains are not always removed and many items require frequent rewashes. This can cost your care home both time and money. For most care homes, we recommend eight specific wash programmes: n Sluice wash n Wash with softener n Wash no softener n Delicates n Softener rinse n Heavy wash n Mop wash n Kitchen work
This selection of programmes provides optimum results for the majority of care homes and will help to save you money.
Avoiding over-drying your load A drying mistake that we often come across in care homes is over-drying. If your linens come out of the dryer ‘bone dry’, it will make them much harder to iron, as well as cost you more money. It is always better to leave around 15 per cent residual moisture for optimum performance. Some dryers have residual moisture control; rather than the cycle being based on time, there are sensors in the drum which calculate when the laundry is dry. This ensures a better finish, prevents damage to the linens, and reduces energy usage. Together, this all contributes to lowering your costs.
Selecting the right mix of chemicals for optimum performance
By choosing the right combination of chemicals together with the correct wash programmes, you will be able to ensure these work in synergy to achieve the best possible wash performance. As well as the correct balance of wash detergent, stain removers, and softeners, we recommend that care homes add emulsifiers to their wash. An emulsifier works to remove fats and oils, so it is particularly effective at dealing with the residues of skin creams and body lotions, which can cause staining. One of the best ways for care homes to manage chemical spend is by using an auto-dosing system. Because it ensures only the right levels of chemicals are dispensed during each wash, it is highly cost-effective and helps to stop any wastage going down the drain!
Training – the key to pulling it all together After examining all the areas of your process to identify cost-saving areas, this needs to be bedded down in your team through an effective training programme. How your team works and prepares the laundry before even switching on the machine will significantly affect the results. Giving your team access to the appropriate training and tools is key to getting the best outcomes.
Our aim at WASHCO is to work alongside care homes to make laundry simple. To help,
we have put together a library of handy free resources, including everything from how to manage infection control to a guide to caring for fabrics.
You can access these resources by scanning the QR code below.
Alternatively, visit
washco.co.uk/free-care- home-resources.
Amanda Symmons
Amanda Symmons is the national accounts manager and care specialist at WASHCO. With over 17 years of experience in the commercial laundry industry, she is focussed on the successful management of care home groups and key customers across the UK. Amanda is passionate about helping care home laundries improve efficiency, as well as saving them both money and time.
WASHCO
Tel: 08000 546 546 Email:
info@washco.co.uk Web:
www.washco.co.uk
January 2024
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