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.

What suggestions can you offer for eliminating or reducing fading on bath towels?
- Irving Sherman

Answer: Understand that the quality of the dye process can make a difference in how well color holds up in any fabric. Lesser quality goods are generally dyed in atmospheric dye becks, which is cheaper than dyeing in pressure vats. At best, follow the directions of the linen manufacturer. Also wash at low temperatures, avoiding any type of bleach and enzymes in the detergent.

If you have real good terry, which isn’t badly soiled, use a liquid detergent dispersed in the water before adding the terry linen to the washer.

Do you have any suggestions for removing smoke smell from clothing after a fire?
- Stacey Strome

Answer: The smoke residue attached to the clothing is mainly tar and soot. Generally the residue is not water soluble, making normal washing with detergents ineffective.

You might try soaking one load in the washer overnight using a detergent containing oxygen bleach. In checking with resources, I am told that Ozone can be effective in eliminating the smell of smoke from porous materials such as clothing.

Check with local dry cleaners regarding smoke removal - some even may have an Ozone generator. I would not recommend using an Ozone generator for home use, due to the fact that they can be dangerous if not used properly.detergent.

I am a sales representative of the Virkler Company and also President of Apparel Manufacturing Alliance, Inc. – a garment manufacturing company in the Dominican Republic. Do you have any suggestions or literature available on how to organize and manage a warehouse of laundry chemicals?
The question is of particular importance for a customer whose warehouse almost set on fire due to chemical reaction. Your response is appreciated.
- Jose Calderone

Answer: I am not familiar with local regulations in the Dominican Republic. In general, alkaline materials must be stored separately from acid materials such as sour. Chlorine bleaches must be stored separately from acids.

In the U.S. we have OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, most commonly known as the “Right To Know” Law. All employers handling and using hazardous chemicals must develop and implement a written hazard communication standards program. This includes labels on containers, MSDS, and training to give this information to the employees.

The chemical containers have valuable information: Hazard rating, hazardous ingredients, precautions for use, and First-aid instructions. In addition, the container may contain information about a chemical's flammability, health, and reactivity ratings as defined by the National Fire Protection Association.
There is a great deal of information required here in the States, more than we have space for, but contacting the U.S. Government Department for OSHA control should be helpful.