It is unavoidable that the fibres of textiles wear out and lose strength and colour with each wash. High-quality and robust materials are usually more durable, but the lifespan of textiles depends not only on the quality of the fabrics, but also on the way they are washed and dried.
Tip 1: The right washing programme
The washing and spinning cycle in the washing machine can put a strain on textiles and contribute to wear and tear of the fibres. The textiles rub against each other and the drum surface during washing, and during spinning, high forces act on the laundry, which puts a strain on delicate fibres. Gentle washing programmes with lower speeds and shorter washing times significantly contribute to the longevity of the textiles.
With a freely programmable machine, the washing cycle that is optimal for your application can be precisely defined. This allows the laundry to be cleaned gently and thoroughly, without unnecessarily stressing it with excessive washing chemicals, high temperatures or long wash cycles. In addition to being freely programmable, STAHL’s industrial washing machines offer suitable washing programme packages for various industries as standard, to make operation convenient.
Tip 2: Avoid high temperatures
Excessive washing temperatures can damage textiles: parts of the fibres can break off and the inner structure of the laundry is lost. Textiles often consist of delicate fibres such as wool, silk or synthetic materials such as polyester. These fibres can be damaged by excessive temperatures. In the case of synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon, high temperatures can also cause the fibres to melt or lose their shape. Natural fibres such as cotton can also change their structure if washed at too high a temperature, making them more susceptible to wear. That’s why businesses should rely on washing machines that allow the temperature to be freely selected.
Tip 3: Dry laundry gently
The temperature plays an important role in the drying process and can be set gently using modern drying technology. Laundries should therefore always use appliances with intelligent technology to avoid overdrying the laundry and to prevent high temperatures. The T series from STAHL, for example, uses radial air flow for particularly fast and gentle drying, while a sensor reliably detects the residual moisture of the textiles so that the dryer only runs for as long as necessary.
Tip 4: Detergents – less is more
Using the right washing chemicals can lower the temperature level in the wash cycle. Special oxidative bleaching and disinfecting systems and enzymes should always be used in appropriate doses. Modern industrial washing machines allow for the economical use of detergents without compromising on washing results. Dosing systems can also help to perfectly adjust the washing chemicals to the respective application.
In order to comply with hygiene regulations and kill bacteria and germs, it is necessary in some industries for the laundry to be held in the drum at a specified temperature for a specified holding time. For special requirements, such as in nursing and care homes or hospitals, through-loading washing machines such as the DIVIMAT are particularly suitable, as the clean side is separated from the unclean side here. This ensures that the highest hygiene requirements are met, while the laundry is gently cleaned at the same time.