Short Cycle Low-Temperature Wash
A wash programme with less time and a lower temperature than a standard cycle, offset by more active chemistry at moderate temperature.
The result of a wash depends on four factors that compensate for one another: time, temperature, chemical action and mechanical action (Sinner's circle). If the cycle is shortened and the temperature lowered, the chemistry has to contribute more. That is why detergents for these programmes usually contain enzymes, which act on protein, starch or grease stains at moderate temperatures and lose activity if the water is too hot, as well as surfactants and sequestrants.
Short low-temperature cycles save energy and machine time and put less stress on fabrics. They are suitable for light or medium soiling; with heavy grease or very ingrained soil, a higher temperature, more time or a prewash may be needed. When laundry needs to be disinfected, low temperature and short time are not enough on their own: the process must include a product or a combination of temperature and time whose efficacy has been demonstrated.
Instaquim products for self-service laundries suitable for short low-temperature washes, according to their technical data sheet:
- Biogold Q (enzymatic; pH 8.3; 5-10 g per kg of dry laundry; about 40 ºC): for laundries with two dosing units.
- Biogold (with enzymes; pH 8.5; 5-10 g per kg of dry laundry; about 40 ºC): for laundries with two dosing units.
- Rosegold (concentrated enzymatic; pH 8.3; 5-10 g per kg of dry laundry; about 40 ºC).
- Eco Wash (concentrated enzymatic; pH 8.5-9.0; about 40 ºC; EU Ecolabel ES-CAT/039/002): dosed automatically according to the local water hardness.