Basic consumption formula
Professional concentrated detergent: dose of 5–10 g/kg of dry laundry. Fabric softener: 5–10 g/kg.
An 11 kg washing machine at 7 g/kg uses ~77 g of detergent and ~77 g of fabric softener per cycle.
Estimated monthly consumption
| Size | Washing machines | Cycles/day | Detergent/month | Fabric softener/month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 4–6 | 20–40 | 50–90 kg | 30–60 kg |
| Medium | 8–12 | 50–100 | 100–200 kg | 70–130 kg |
| Large | 15+ | 150+ | 250 kg+ | 180 kg+ |
* Estimates based on Bluegold + Blue Soft at 7 g/kg. Varies with water hardness.
Recommended opening stock
- First week: extra product on top of the calculated quantity to absorb adjustments
- First month: estimated consumption plus a safety margin
- Rolling stock: 1.5 months of consumption
- Review real consumption at the 2-month mark and adjust
How to work out your laundry's consumption step by step
The table above is a rough estimate. For your own premises, run the calculation with your own machines and review it once you have real figures:
- 1
List your washers by capacity
With automatic dosing, each washer receives the dose calibrated for its capacity on every cycle, whether it is full or not. That is why consumption depends mainly on how many cycles each machine runs, not on how many kilos the customer washes.
- 2
Work out the grams per cycle for each product
Washer capacity × dose per kg. It is the same calculation as in the example: 11 kg at 7 g/kg gives around 77 g of detergent per cycle.
- 3
Estimate the daily cycles of each machine
If you already run another laundry, take them from the payment system. If this is your first opening, start from a cautious estimate and correct it with the figures from the first few weeks.
- 4
Multiply by the days you open each month
Grams per cycle × cycles per day × opening days = monthly consumption of each product. Add it up across all the washers.
- 5
Add additives only where they are used
If you have programmes with Sanitex (4 g/kg in the penultimate rinse) or Oximatic + (2–6 g/kg), count them only in the cycles that include them, not in all of them.
What pushes consumption up or down
- Water hardness: hard water needs more product for the same result. That is why the Technical Service sets the Eco Wash dose according to the water hardness in your area.
- How dirty the laundry is: the technical data sheet gives a range of 5–10 g/kg. The top of the range is only justified if your customers bring in very dirty laundry.
- Calibration: a pump that has drifted over- or under-doses without it showing in the first wash. It shows later, in your consumption or in customer complaints.
- How much the large washers are used: they use more per cycle. If they are your busiest machines, your real consumption will sit above the table average.
- Season: the number of cycles changes over the year. We explain it in seasonal adjustments.
Pack sizes and storing your stock
Bluegold and Blue Soft come in 10 kg bag-in-box and 20 kg containers; Eco Wash in 10 L bag-in-box and 20 L containers. Choose the size according to the space in your back room and how quickly you empty a container: a pack that runs out straight away means frequent changes, and one that lasts too long takes up room.
- ✓Keep each product in its original container, closed and with the label visible.
- ✓Store them away from heat and direct sunlight, and separated by product.
- ✓Do not mix or decant products: every data sheet says not to mix with other chemicals.
- ✓Use the oldest containers first and keep each product's safety data sheet to hand.
Frequently asked questions about consumption
How often should I check my real consumption?
Two months after opening, as the stock list says, and then whenever you change product, programme or season. Compare the kilos used with the cycles recorded by the payment system: if they do not match, check the calibration.
Why am I using more than the table says?
The usual causes are a pump out of calibration, a target dose set too high for the real level of soiling, or more cycles than expected on the large washers. Measure the dose with a measuring cylinder following the initial dosing guide.
Is fabric softener calculated the same way?
Yes. Blue Soft is also dosed at 5–10 g/kg, but in the final rinse. Work it out separately with its own dose, as it does not have to match the detergent's.
Want a tailored calculation for your opening?
We will send you a specific estimate based on the sizing of your premises.
B2B PRICE · MANUFACTURER
Shall we send you our detergent and softener price list?
Price per pack size for self-service laundries and recommended dosage. We will reply to your request.