Cleaning Agents

Introduction

The choice of washroom chemicals is very important. It is absolutely vital to use a reputable company who can provide the training to staff and support to the laundry operator for solutions to problems in the wash. If the correct chemicals are not used, this may result in a large amount of items needing to be rewashed because stains remain, adding to the overall cost of laundering linen. Using too little or too much chemical in the wash cycle may result in damaged linen and complaints from hotel guests.

Types of laundry chemicals

Water

  • Water by itself is not a good cleaner but the chemicals that are added to the water makes it a medium to allow the chemicals to penetrate the soil and hold it in suspension. Water also allows the chemicals to be transported to the wash load and to carry away the soiled solution. It is an excellent rinse aid.

  • Water quality is important in determining which washroom chemicals will be chosen. Water may have a high iron or calcium content or even a high volume of vegetable dyes from plants located by the supplying dam. All these minerals will affect the effectiveness or not of washroom chemicals chosen. Water testing must be carried out at regular intervals by a reputable company.

  • The results of the water testing must be shared with the chemical supplier who will consider these findings when recommending the choice of chemicals necessary to produce good wash results.

  • Hard water will have an impact on the type of detergents selected and the cleaning quality of the linen will decrease if unsuitable chemicals are chosen. Water treatment of the boiler may be necessary by a qualified company.

Water temperature

Washing at a temperature of 70C for approximately 25 minutes will kill most bacteria in hotel linen (except spores). This is known as thermal disinfection. This temperature is however not recommended for woollens or synthetic fabrics.

Alkalis

Most soil in linens is acidic in nature and alkalis are used in the first part of the wash cycle to neutralise the soils in the linen prior to the main washing process. They also assist the detergent to "wet" the linen, thereby penetrating the soil and holding it in suspension. Alkalis also assist in converting fats and oils to soap so that they become water soluble.

Builders

Builders can be added to both alkalis and detergents. Their function is to assist in water softening and to increase the function of the detergent to get better wash results. Common builders include phosphates, silicates and carbonates.

Detergents

These are used to wash the linen, allowing water to penetrate the soil and hold it in suspension before rinsing. All detergents used in a commercial laundry are synthetic, combined with builders to allow fats to emulsify. Detergents have a high tolerance to hard water and can be efficient at all temperatures. They are more suitable for commercial laundering than soap which can produce a film when used in hard water.

Chlorine bleaches

These are used to whiten linen and remove residual stains. Chlorine bleaches must only be used on white linen. Chlorine bleaches if used in excess can cause fabric damage and loss of tensile strength in linens. They also act as a sterilising agent leaving linen in a sanitary condition. Chlorine bleaches are available in both liquid and powder form. The most common chlorine bleach is sodium hypochlorite.

Oxidising bleaches

These can also be used to remove stains. Examples include hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate.

Antichlors

These are used to inactivate any residual traces of chlorine bleaches and they prevent linen from yellowing. Some contain an optical brightener which makes white linen seem whiter by increasing light reflection. They are usually added to the second rinse cycle with a high water level.

Fabric softeners

These are used to soften towels and reduce lint, but are also used in the wash cycles of sheets to assist in the ease of ironing by reducing static electricity on the flatwork ironer. They are absorbed into the fabric and form a protective coating. They make towels softer to the feel and also assist the washman as linen will be easier to pull from the washing machine when emptying.

Starch

Starch is added to the final rinse in the washing of cotton table linen and chefs’ jackets to present a crisp and fresh appearance. Starch lays down a protective barrier on the fabric to help prevent stain absorption. This makes stain removal in the next wash cycle easier. Starch should never be used for sheeting due to the stiffness and itch factor!! Care must be taken not to over use. It is usually in a powdered form and must be pre-dissolved. Starch will not be absorbed by polyester fibres.

Sours or Acids

These are added in the final rinse to neutralize residual alkalis. If alkalis are not removed, white linen can turn yellow or grey. Some sours also contain optical brighteners.

Types of dry cleaning chemicals

The main types of chemicals used for dry cleaning are the dry cleaning fluids and the pre- spotting chemicals. The most common dry cleaning solvents in use today are:

Perchlorethylene

A non-flammable chlorinated solvent. It should be stored in a cool dark place when not in use. It is instrumental in removing solvent soluble soil such as oils and greases etc. It may however also dissolve decorative items on clothing such as sequins, beads, some buttons and synthetic trims. This is the most common dry cleaning solvent in use.

White spirit

An original dry cleaning fluid and has been widely used for many years. With the outlawing of fluorocarbons for environmental reasons, it is regaining popularity. It is a paraffin based spirit, has good grease removal properties but is flammable.

Hydrocarbon

A petroleum-based solvent which is flammable. It is more suitable for use on delicate garments but needs a longer wash cycle to allow it to work.

Pre-spotting chemicals used on the spotting table usually include the following:

  • Ink remover (for wet and dry ink)

  • Protein remover (for blood, feces, egg, milk, perspiration and soil stains on collars)

  • Paint, oil and grease remover (for paint, lipsticks, oils and greases)

  • Rust remover (for residual blood stains )

  • Tannin remover (for coffee, tea, red wine and some fruit juices)

  • All-purpose spot remover (for general light soiling stains)

Most chemical companies who provide spotting board chemicals will also provide a stain removal guide chart which can be pinned to the wall for easy reference.

Precautions when handling chemicals

All chemicals must be treated with respect. If they are not used, stored or handled correctly, all chemicals have the potential to be hazardous to long term health and compromise daily safety in the workplace. It is important as an employee to know all aspects of the chemicals before you use them.

  • Every chemical is designed for a specific purpose. Each chemical that is manufactured must have a technical bulletin and a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

  • The technical bulletin will have specific information on recommended usage and packaging size, along with a description and characteristics of the product

  • The M.S.D.S. of each chemical contains lots of critical data. It seems like too much information but it contains:

    • Hazardous nature of the chemical

    • The composition of the chemical

    • Long-term health exposure consequences

    • Safe handling

    • Product information

  • A copy of all MSDS must be available for staff to read and also in case of an emergency such as an accidental spillage. They must be available for the emergency services so that they know what they are dealing with should there be a fire or leak.

  • It is important to use the correct personal protective clothing and equipment when handling chemicals. This should always be readily available and of the correct size for individual employees.Safety goggles or face mask

  • When handling chemicals it is important to always wash your hands after handling them and never to smoke, eat or drink

  • Never mix chemicals at any time. To do so may cause a chemical reaction which may give off toxic gas and may harm your health. The action of mixing will also negate the action of a chemical e.g. Alkali + Acid = neutral

  • Always clean minor spills up immediately to prevent falls and slips. This may be possible by hosing down the spill to the nearest drain or using a mop and bucket

  • Always use chemicals at the correct dilution rates. To use a chemical that is too strong will damage the linen and increase costs because of over usage (less is best)

  • Always add chemicals to water and not water to chemicals. If some should spill, there will be less harm this way

  • Always store chemicals correctly at the right temperature and preferably in a secure area

  • Always use correct equipment for transporting and lifting chemical drums

  • Chemicals must always be correctly labelled for easy identification and never stored in soft drink bottles

  • Empty chemical drums must be disposed of as per local regulations.

What to do in case of a chemical spill

  • The size of a spill will affect how you deal with it

  • If the spill is large, all staff should be evacuated from the immediate area

  • Ventilate the area as much as possible

  • Call the relevant emergency services to assist and advise

  • Wear protective equipment at all times in this situation - gloves, face mask, protective clothing and rubber boots

  • Try to stop the spill if possible-turn off the tap or place the container on its side. The use of sand or an absorbent compound is particularly helpful in this case. This can then be swept up as a solid matter and disposed of later

  • Wash the area down completely after clean up

  • Investigate how the spill occurred in order to review all handling procedures. Record the incident and retrain staff.