Laundry Employee Competency

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Created on Sunday, 03 December 2000 01:05

Written by Rich Fitzmorris

Question: I manage a home care agency and we need to teach our employees how to do laundry for our clients. They put sheets, towels, sweaters, etc. in the same load.
We need to have a program in place to introduce to our employees, and to test their competency before they do someone else’s laundry. Most of our clients are older adults with a fixed income.
I also need to know the most economical detergent they can use that will still do the job of getting their clothes and linens clean.
- Kathy Grein 

Answer: Putting tags on the washable goods is a good place to start. I would suggest making a chart with columns for Hot Water, Warm Water, and Cold Water. Under each of these columns list the different linen and clothing types typically dealt with. This information can then be communicated to employees and they can sign off that they understand the process.

A customized wall chart could be made for each employee so as not to forget how the wash should be done.

I can’t recommend any brand names of detergents, but can say that I am a proponent of proportioning. There are a number of companies that have liquid or solid dispensing systems that provide controlled usage of the chemicals. Controlling the amount of chemical is very important, particularly when there are cost concerns.