When one load affects the next
Cross-contamination occurs when residues from one wash load (soil, dye, odour, lint) transfer onto the next. In self-service laundries, where multiple users share the same machines, this issue is particularly critical.
Impacts
- Clean laundry coming out marked or with residue
- Colour transfer between garments
- Odours from the previous load on freshly washed laundry
- Lint or fibres from other garments adhering to clothes
- Disputes between users
- Complaints and compensation requests
Causes
Residue from the previous load
Leftover soil, lint or dye inside the drum.
Insufficient rinsing between loads
Detergent and soil residues carrying over from the previous cycle.
Saturated filters
Release particles and residues that contaminate subsequent loads.
Users mixing incompatible garments
Items that bleed dye, heavily soiled laundry with delicates, lint-shedding fabrics.
Bacterial biofilm inside the drum
The bacterial layer transfers odours and micro-organisms.
Solutions
Automatic rinse cycle between loads
Schedule a quick rinse after every complete cycle.
Regular filter cleaning
Daily protocol to prevent residue build-up.
Sanitisation with Sanitex
Cleaning cycles to remove biofilm and bacterial residue.
Signage for users
Information posters explaining how to sort laundry correctly.
Biogold with anti-redeposition
Contains agents that stop soil from redepositing onto fabrics.
Recommended products
Preventive protocol
- Empty and rinse filters every night at closing
- Automatic Machine Clean cycle at 90 °C on Wednesdays and Sundays
- Standardise Biogold for its built-in anti-redeposition technology
- Vinyl notices next to every machine explaining how to sort laundry
- Configure automatic pre-rinse at the start of each cycle
- Sell reusable mesh bags for lingerie and delicate items
Are users complaining about transfers between loads?
Sanitisation protocol plus anti-redeposition products. Request an audit.