Extend Linen Life with High

Jan 21, 2024

By Al Adcock, Vice President Sales & Marketing, B&C Technologies

High speed extracts can help increase linen life in a commercial laundry by removing more water from the linens during the spin cycle, which reduces the amount of time they need to spend in the dryer. This can lead to less wear and tear on the fibers, resulting in longer-lasting linens.

By far, the easiest and most effective solution is to use high speed washer-extractors to remove as much water as possible before the goods go into the dryer, leading to shorter drying times and less fabric damage. Most people know that dryers damage fabrics through heat and mechanical tumbling action. What can be done to reduce the damage due to tumble drying? A 2012 study found that fabrics dried in a conventional dryer at 150F (65C) lost half their tensile strength after just 50 drying cycles, meaning that less tumble drying is better for the fabric. An excellent side benefit comes along for the ride as well – since drying times are shorter, you’ll pay less in fuel to dry the goods, saving you even more money, not to mention time. All of these factors combine to make your laundry more effective and cost efficient.

In addition to high speed extracts, here are some other tips to help increase linen life in a commercial laundry:

Use the right detergent: Choose a detergent that is specifically formulated for commercial laundry use and is appropriate for the type of fabric being washed. Avoid using too much detergent, as this can cause buildup and damage the fibers over time.

Sort linens properly: Sort linens according to fabric type, color, and level of soiling. This helps ensure that they are washed at the appropriate temperature and with the appropriate cycle, reducing the risk of damage and prolonging their life.

Avoid overloading the washing machine: Overloading the washing machine can put extra stress on the fibers and cause them to wear out more quickly. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for load size.

Use fabric softener sparingly: While fabric softener can make linens feel softer, it can also cause buildup and damage the fibers over time. Use fabric softener sparingly, and only when necessary.

Maintain the equipment: Regular maintenance of the washing machines and dryers can help ensure that they are functioning properly and not causing unnecessary wear and tear on the linens. This includes cleaning the lint traps, checking for leaks, and replacing worn parts.

By following these tips, commercial laundries can help increase the lifespan of their linens, ultimately saving money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements.

About the Author

Al Adcock is VP of Sales and Marketing at B&C Technologies. He is an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, working for different manufacturers in many different capacities before helping launch B&C Technologies in 2000. Adcock has played an instrumental role in the design of several machines on the market before moving to sales in 2013.

Based in Panama City Beach, FL, B&C Technologies is a family-owned customer-focused company that builds the highest quality laundry equipment at the most competitive prices. All B&C equipment relies on engineering-driven designs to produce machines that consistently perform and constantly produce.

Tags: B&C, B&C Technologies, Laundry