Originally posted – Jun 07, 2013
I want to build another laundry, and I’m currently looking at a site that’s located between two large apartment complexes, which hold approximately 1,000 people. This site is on a main street with a good traffic pattern. What do you think?
On the surface, it seems like it could be a decent location. However, you should do some additional research before you sign on the dotted line.
First, what kind of washers do the apartment buildings offer? If they feature 18- to 20-pound soft-mount machines with relatively low vend prices, I would be hesitant to build there. After all, most people choose the path of least resistance, and it’s easier to walk down to the basement than to drive to your laundry.
Second, about how many children live in each complex? Remember that kids mean pounds and pounds of dirty laundry, so the lack of children can be a big negative to a laundry owner.
Third, what is the annual income level of the apartments’ residents? If it’s middle to upper-middle income, that’s a negative. Most people in that income range typically have white collar jobs and are better drycleaning customers than they are self-service laundry customers.
Lastly, what is the average age of the residents? Older people tend to be less active and simply don’t dirty as many clothes as younger people. As a general rule, a good age range is between 26 and 35.
Again, do your homework before you sign anything.
I’m having trouble removing a musty odor from some of my garments. What’s the problem, and more importantly what’s the solution?
Most likely, the problem is with the materials that are being used by the garment manufacturers. Today, most cotton garments come from China, Pakistan and India. And these items are processed with resins that are different from those in the Unites States, and that’s partly where that odor may be coming from.
The other problem could be with the packaging process. Some of these imported garments are wrapped in polyethylene. This film can develop a strong stale odor as it ages, and that odor can permeate the fibers of the garments – and it can become extremely hard to remove.
I would suggest washing the garments in hot water, with quality detergent and ammonia. Do not use a liquid softener; instead use dryer sheets. Also, you might have to repeat this process a few times to completely remove the odor.
Are there any alternatives to using chlorine or oxygen-type bleaches?
Yes, baking soda will brighten any color fabric, and it will remove most odors as well. It’s a good, safe alternative to bleach.
Do you have any tips for removing fabric softener from lint traps?
If the fabric softener is on the lint screens for your dryers, the most effective way to clean off that softener residue is to remove the screens and simply wash them in hot water with a standard detergent. Most lint screens are made of fabric and are detachable, so they are relatively easy to clean.
On the other hand, if that fabric softener in built up in your drainage system, there are only two ways to remove it – either have the lint traps power cleaned or have them rodded out. Softener and other chemicals have a tendency to harden, so those are the two best options for that scenario.
