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
Disinfection of the laundry at 4 g/kg in the penultimate rinse (minimum 5 min).
Signage for users
Information posters explaining how to sort laundry correctly.
Biogold at the correct dose
High-efficacy detergent dosed at 5–10 g/kg according to soiling.
Recommended products
Preventive protocol
- Empty and rinse filters every night at closing
- Periodic Machine Clean cycle with the machine empty (about 40 g/kg, about 60 °C, 30 min)
- Standardise Biogold at 5–10 g/kg according to soiling
- 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
What to check when a complaint comes in
Every complaint is a clue. If you always check things in the same order, within a few days you can tell whether the problem lies with a machine, a product or the way customers load their laundry.
- Note the machine, time and type of problem: colour transfer, odour, lint or a stain. Without that record, patterns are impossible to spot.
- Inspect the drum and the door seal: lint and dirt tend to collect in the folds of the gasket.
- Check the filter on that machine, even if it is due to be cleaned that same night.
- Make sure dosing is working: container with product, tube without kinks and a pump that discharges. A cycle without detergent leaves the soil suspended in the water.
- If it keeps happening on the same machine, bring forward its maintenance with Machine Clean, which removes scale and the sources of bad odours.
Frequently asked questions
Does Sanitex replace the detergent?
No. Sanitex is added in the penultimate rinse, once the detergent has done its job, at 4 g per kg of dry laundry with a minimum of 5 minutes. It is neutral and non-oxidising; even so, it is classified as corrosive (H314), so the container should be changed wearing gloves, eye protection and protective clothing.
How do I explain laundry sorting to customers?
With a few, highly visible rules: whites separately, new coloured garments in separate washes, towels and items that shed lint away from dark fabrics, and lingerie and delicates inside mesh bags. A pictogram next to each machine works better than a long notice on the wall.
Are users complaining about transfers between loads?
Sanitisation protocol and products matched to each load. Request an audit.
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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.