My wash-dry-fold and commercial laundry businesses are going very well and my attendants are busy all day. However, I recently landed a contract with a security company to do their shirts. This client wants the shirts washed and ironed. Unfortunately, I’ve been having a difficult time finding a decent iron that will last. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
You’ve probably been using residential-type irons for this account, and while such irons are great for home use, they simply aren’t constructed to stand up to the rigors of commercial use. The elements are too thin, and the water chambers are too small. In addition, many people tend to put tap water into their irons, which will calcify the water chamber prematurely.
I would suggest calling your laundry supplies distributor and ordering a quality commercial iron that features an independent, hanging water bottle. Such an iron would be ideal for the type of work you described. And, remember, use only distilled water in your iron, and it should last for years.
I was wondering if you could give me some advice on updating my old dryers. I own a small laundromat in a rural market that currently has only five 30-pound dryers. However, I’m considering purchasing five used stack dryers to better meet my customers’ needs. What is a good brand to consider, and how would you recommend I properly ventilate these new machines given our colder climate here?
All of the major manufacturers today make excellent dryers. Most of the dryers that were manufactured within the last five or six years are comparable to one another and are very good products.
As far as ventilation, no matter what brand you end up buying, carefully follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for makeup air. Also, be sure you have the proper-sized ductwork for your exhaust air. Remember, the shortest and most direct route for your exhaust is always the best route to take – so try to avoid any angles or bends in your vent pipes. Any resistance to the heated air can cause a backup.
Regarding dryer maintenance, every couple of years (depending on how busy your laundry is) strip the front end of the dryers, and clean out all of the lint and other debris that collects on the outside basket. Also, disconnect your elbows and exhaust ducts and be sure to clean out any lint buildup in those areas to prevent the possibility of dryer fires. With maintenance, as with ventilation, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully to keep your dryers operating at their safest and most efficient.
I have a question about fragrances and scents. Is there any way to add something different to the wash to get it smelling fresh, aside from the normal scented detergents or fabric softeners? Sometimes I wish there was something to add for customers with pets who need a boost of fragrance in their blankets or comforters. Any suggestions?
There are certain odor-removing and fragrance-adding products that your local distributor likely has available. Some of these items are sold frequently to drycleaners and even veterinarians’ offices. Therefore, I would suggest first calling your distributor to see what types of commercial-level products he carries.
On the retail shelf at your local supermarket, there are a couple of odor-neutralizing products that leave a pleasant after-scent, include Febreze. If you add a product like that to the last rinse of your wash cycle, you not only remove certain odors but you infuse a little fresh fragrance into whatever you’re washing.
Of course, the retail products are on the lighter level. To tackle stronger odors, talk to your local distributor about the many commercial products that are available.
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