CHEMICALS

• Water - it is added/act as a medium to allow chemicals to penetrate the soil and hold it in suspension.
• Water Temperature - washing at 70°C for approx. 25 minutes will kill almost bacteria in a hotel linen (except spores). Known as thermal disinfection. Temp is not recommended for woolens or synthetics fabrics.
• Alkalis - most soils in linens are acidic and alkalis are used in the first part of the wash cycle to neutralize the soils in the linen before the main washing process
• Builders - can be added to both alkalis and detergent. To assist in water softening and to increase the function of the detergent to get better wash results
• Chlorine Bleaches - are used to whiten linen and remove residual staains. Must be only used on white linen. Excess use can cause fabric damages and loss of tensile strength in linen
• Oxidizing Bleaches - can also be used to remove stains (includes hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate)
• Antichlor - used to inactivate any residual traces of chlorine bleaches and prevents linen from yellowing. Some contain an optical brightener that makes white linen seem whiter by increasing light reflection. Usually added to the second rinse cycle with a higher water evel
• Fabric Softeners - used to soften towels and reduce lint but are also used in the wash cycles of sheet to assist in the east of ironing by reducing static electricity on the flat ironer.Are absorbed into the fabric and form a protective coating
• Starch - added to the final rinse in the washing of cotton table linen and chefs jacket to present a crisp and fresh appearance. Lays down a protective barrier on the fabric to help prevent stain absorption. Will not be absorbed by polyester fibers
• Sours or Acids - added in the final rinse to neutralize residual alkalis. If alkalis are not removed, white linen can turn yellow or grey. Some also contain optical brighteners
• TYPES OF DRY-CLEANING CHEMICALS:

  a.) Perchloroethylene

  b.) White spirit

  c.) Hydrocarbon
• Perchloroethylene - non-flammable chlorinated solvent. Should be stored in a cool dark place when not in use. Used in removing slivent soluble soils such as oils and greases. Also dissolve decorative items in clothing such a sequins, beads, some buttons and synthetic trims. A most common dry cleaning solvent in use.
• White Spirit - an original dry-cleaning fluid and has been widely used for many years. With the outlooking of fluorocarbons for environmental reasons, it is regaining popularity. It is a paraffin- based spirit, has a good grease removal properties but is flammable
• Hydrocarbon- a petroleum-based solvent that is flammable. It is more suitable for use in delicate garments but needs longer wash cycle to allow it to work
• Wash Cycle - your clothes should fit, you as their meant to, not stretch, or shrink so you're washing machine cycle place an important role in preventing it. Choosing the right cycle cannot only keep your clothes in shape but also retain colors, speed up your laundry process and even save some time and money
• Load Size - mini, small,medium, and large are the choices in most washers.
• Water Temperature - choosing the correct _ for each load is crucial to prevent clothes from fading, stretching, or shrinking.
• Cold Water - best for dark colors and delicate fabrics. Also perfect choice for lightly soiled clothes like office wear.
• Warm Water - best for synthetic, and permanent-press fabric, this water temp should be chosen when dealing with heavily soiled and stained colored garments
• Hot Water - best for white cotton fabrics like underwear, socks,and bedsheets
• Cycle Setting - to adjust mayter beyond temperature were often presented with cycle options such as regular, permanent press, and delicate.
• Regular Cycle - choose this cycle for soiled, dirty, and sweaty clothes. It is the longest cycle with most agitation. Combination of high-speed wash action and high-speed spin make it harsher on clothes but also cleans your clothes very well. ( Perfect for: cotton, linen, towels, jeans, and beddings)
• Permanent Press -it is perfect for synthetic fabrics, as it is great at getting rid of unpleasant smells that can linger on man-made fabrics. Strong agitation plus slow speed is great for stopping wrinkles and piling. Choose warm or hot water as it relaxes creases and slow spin helps prevent wrinkles from forming. (perfect for: knits, rayon, polyester, and acetates)
• Delicate Cycle - this wash cycle uses an insignificant amount if agitation and lower speed spin to extract water from the laundry and abrasion are greatly reduced to help prevent the streaching and ripping of fabric. ( Perfect for: silk, sequins, lingerie, pantyhose, sheer fabrics, tight and loosely woven items)