I’ve received a number of inquiries about the overall ability and effectiveness of laundry detergents to clean clothes in cold water. In other words, is there a substantial advantage to using warm or hot water when washing?
There is a definite advantage to using hot water, especially on light colors and whites. Using chlorine bleach in cold water simply will not do the trick. Chlorine bleach is most effective when water temperatures reach 120 degrees or higher. In fact, commercial laundries wash their whites in 150- to 170-degree water temperatures for just that reason.
As far as laundering colored items, cold water is perfectly fine. However, you can’t predetermine what a customer is going to put into your washing machines – some bring in whites, some bring in darks, and some bring in a combination of both. My suggestion is to leave your water temperature at the source at 130 to 140 degrees, and you will cover both bases.
My attendants don’t seem to pay attention to the rules. They consistently show up late for their shifts, slack off when they are supposed to be working, and ignore the customers. What is an acceptable system of warnings I can implement to solve this issue?
The first thing you need to do is create and print a list of required duties for your team. Post it somewhere in the back of your laundromat, where all of your staff members can see it. One of the points on the list should specifically state a maximum number of “tardies” or “absences” you will tolerate before dismissal.
And, once these policies are in writing, enforce them.
The first time there is an infraction, confront the employee immediately. Don’t let any time pass. Ask why he or she broke the rule, and issue a warning. Also, reiterate exactly what the policy is – and stress that it will be enforced.
Additionally, with new hires, have them sign off on a written job description so that there is no question they are aware of their duties. A checklist of daily chores works well in most laundries.
Have each attendant write his or her initials next to each task, once it’s completed. Moreover, perhaps consider giving employees your cell phone number and require them to call or text you immediately when they arrive at the store for their shifts and when they are about to leave for the day. This way, your staff members will feel a more concrete obligation to be at work on time.
I recently washed a load of clothes for a drop-off laundry customer, and a navy blue shirt bled into some white towels. Is there any way of removing the blue dye from those towels?
Yes, you can soak the towels using hot water mixed with a generous amount of liquid chlorine bleach for about two to three hours. Next, rinse out the towels and place them into a washer while they’re still wet – and wash them in hot water, using detergent and chlorine bleach. If this doesn’t completely remove the blue dye, repeat the process.
