Planet Laundry Nov 2020

WASH WI TH WALLY Wally Makowsky

QUESTION I recently added a commercial account, which includes 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. Would 140 degrees do the job? ANSWER 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, fi nd out what types of germs or stains will be present on the items – this will help you choose the proper chemistry to tackle this job. As for water temperature, if there were a required 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 the speci fi c chemicals to use, rather than on the water temperature. Remember, it’s not only about the water temperature – it’s also very much about the chemistry. QUESTION I’m thinking about accepting a large fire-restoration account where we would handle washing and drycleaning household and personal items that have been damaged by smoke. What are the best products to use on the laundromat side, as well as on the drycleaning side? Also, is there any special equipment or processes I should know about? ANSWER You’ll need a full-service drycleaning operation. I assume you already have one. If not, that’s your first step. If you already have a drycleaning operation, all you need is a 75-pound washer and dryer, along with an ozone machine and an ozone room. The ozone room is used to neutralize the smoke and any other foul odors. On the supply side, you’ll need to purchase an array of odor- removing chemicals for the laundry and drycleaning sides of your operation. These chemicals are to be used alongside and added to your normal washing procedure. On the laundry side, I would recommend a high-grade commercial detergent that contains ozone, plus a detergent booster to help remove carbon stains that are often associated with fire damage. All of these products can be purchased from your local distributor, and their sales representatives can help you in the setup and use of these chemicals. In addition, understand that most fire-restoration accounts are brought in through insurance adjusters, so you have to be prepared to work with them to maintain this segment of your business. Also, you’re going to have to carry accounts receivable, which are usually paid within 60 to 90 days. Be cautious and do your homework.

QUESTION I’m trying to figure out a pricing structure in order to place a bid on a hotel account. I want to be competitive, but I also need to make money. How can I figure out what it costs per pound to do sheets, towels, bedspreads, shower curtains and so on? ANSWER First of all, you have fi nd out what materials these items are made from – then you can decided what has to be pressed, what doesn’t have to be pressed, what has to be mangled, etc. You have to do a little bit of homework in the beginning to come to an actual cost per pound. Your cost and, in turn, your subsequent pricing will strongly depend on how much labor is required, as well as the type of packaging the client expects. These are some of the key questions you’ll need to answer before you can develop an accurate pricing structure to submit with your bid. The opinions and views expressed within this article are those of the author and don’t necessarily reflect those of the Coin Laundry Association.

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