Originally posted – Dec 06, 2013
What advice can you give for washing throw rugs?
Most throw rugs can be washed, even with a rubber backing. However, when washing any kind of a rug, wash it in cold water — because it’s hard to determine how many different materials the rug is really composed of. Always air dry, or dry with very low heat. If you can, run them through a tumbler without any heat at all. The things that generally destroy a throw rug are hot water, bleach and heat.
Of course, when the rubber backing on carpets age, you shouldn’t wash them; that rubber backing has a finite lifecyle. Generally, a good brand is good for six to eight washings. And with a less expensive brand, you could begin to see that backing disintegrate after the second or third washing.
Just remember: cold water, liquid detergent, low heat or no heat, and air drying.
I just landed a commercial account where I will be required to launder rags used to clean medical equipment. I have a commercial washer and dryer, but I’m unsure as to the specific water temperature needed to completely clean and sanitize these items. I was thinking it should be 140 degrees, but I’m not quite sure. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
There are two factors that come into play when sanitizing such items. The first one is the chemistry you use to wash the items, and the second is the water temperature. However, sometimes you don’t need to be so specific about the water temperature if you’re using the proper chemicals.
When we talk about “sanitation,” there are two chemicals that are generally used for this type of job – one is iodine (or, more specifically, an iodine-based sanitizer) and the other is chlorine bleach. So, if possible, find out what types of germs or stains will be present on the rags, as this will help you choose the proper chemistry to tackle this job.
As for your original question about water temperature, if there were a required water temperature for the type of commercial work you’re doing, it would be much higher than 140 degrees.
However, in your case, I would focus more on what specific chemicals to use in the water, rather than on the water temperature itself. Remember, it’s not only about the water temperature – it’s also very much about the chemistry.
I’m considering offering drop-off drycleaning at my laundry. How do I choose a drycleaner with which to partner?
First of all, you should try to locate a drycleaner that is located relatively close to your store, which will make pickups and deliveries quicker and easier.
Second, you need to find out the drycleaner’s policy on lost or damaged items. If he’s not willing to accept the liability of losing or ruining a garment, I wouldn’t even consider partnering with him. Find someone who will guarantee his work – as well as his pickup and delivery dates.
As far as the quality is concerned, it only stands to reason that the cleaners that do a better business generally have the better quality. So, investigate the individual drycleaning businesses you are considering to see how much volume they’re actually doing, along with how many other drop-off accounts they have.
In most cases, you can’t truly gauge a drycleaner’s quality until you’ve had some experience using him – so the key factor initially is the cleaner’s policy on lost, stolen or damages garments. There needs to be some type of guarantee on his workmanship.
