14-04-2014, 11:44 AM
Laundry
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Introduction
Laundry is the area or part of housekeeping where linen is washed and pressed. In most of the hotels, the staff on the contract basis manages laundry. In some hotels it is the part of housekeeping department and at time it is separate department. The laundry receive the soiled linen from the linen room. They are supposed to count and sort out the received linen. The washed and clean linen are handed over to the linen room on one-to-one basis. All soiled linen are received and fresh linen issued should be noted and checked in the linen exchange sheet.
Outsourced/hired linen
● Quality/choice may not be up to your expectations
● High rental charges
● You do not have to do your own stock takes
● Reject linen is replaced, depending on service level agreement
● Linen replacement not always guaranteed by supplier
● Abused linen stock is charged for
● Damaged stock can also be charged for
● Staff may be less careful with the linen as it doesn't belong to the hotel
Laundry processes
Laundry processes include washing (usually with water containing detergents or other chemicals), agitation, rinsing, drying and pressing (ironing). The washing will often be done at a temperature above room temperature to increase the activities of any chemicals used and the solubility of stains, and high temperatures kill micro-organisms that may be present on the fabric.
Chemicals
Various chemicals may be used to increase the solvent power of water, such as the compounds in soap root or yucca-root used by Native American tribes, or the ash lye once widely used for soaking laundry in Europe. Soap, a compound made from lye and fat, is an ancient and common laundry aid. Modern washing machines typically use synthetic powdered or liquid laundry detergent in place of more traditional soap.
Laundering Of Silk
Silk should be washed frequently as perspiration damages the fabric. Never soak articles as it weakens the fabric nor should they be subjected to high heat (wash temperature approx. 30º C)
The detergent should have a good surfactant and should not depend on mechanical action for cleaning. No harsh chemicals should be used. The final rinse of silk articles should be carried out with a little vinegar in it. (1 tspn /10 liters water) in order to preserve lustre. Silk is too delicate to be hydro-extracted. Silk should never be sundried as this damages the fabric and causes yellowing of the fabric. Ironing is on medium heat as silk scorches easily. The article must be evenly dampened and water should never be sprinkled on the fabric as it leaves watermarks.
Ensure that the articles are completely dry so that creases do not reappear on the portion which is damp. Ironing is carried out on the reverse in order to preserve lustre and air all silk garments after ironing. Silk is usually dry-cleaned.