Tough stains: the self-service laundry challenge
Persistent stains are one of the most frequent complaints at self-service laundries. Unlike staffed laundries, there is no one to pre-treat stains, so the system must be set up to tackle every kind of soiling effectively.
Impacts
- Users dissatisfied with the wash result
- Rewashing
- Complaints and formal claims
- Perception that the detergent is not working
- Unfavourable comparisons with dry cleaners or hand-washing
- Customer attrition
Causes
Stain type incompatible with the detergent
Grease, rust, ink or blood stains need specific treatments.
Stains set in by prior heat
If the garment is dried or ironed before treating the stain, it bonds to the fibres and is very hard to remove.
Wrong wash temperature
Some stains need hot water; others (proteins) are set in by heat.
Insufficient dosing
For heavy stains the standard dose may not be enough.
Cycle time too short
Quick cycles do not allow enough detergent-to-stain contact.
Solutions
Power Gold for grease stains
High-efficacy detergent that removes embedded organic matter, degreases and disperses stains.
Q3 for organic stains
Enzymatic stain remover effective against proteins, starches and fats.
Add Oximatic + to the cycle
Oxygen bleach that boosts removal of organic stains without harming colours.
Offer special cycles for workwear
Use Power Gold at the upper end of its dose (up to 10 g/kg) for heavily soiled uniforms.
Recommended products
Preventive protocol
- Q3 dispensers next to the washers with visual usage instructions
- Create a "Workwear" programme with Power Gold at about 40 °C and 5–10 g/kg according to soiling
- Keep Biogold as the main detergent
- Information poster explaining how to pre-treat common stains before washing
- Integrate Oximatic + into the automatic circuit for whites programmes
- Promote the Power Gold programme to customers with hospitality or workshop uniforms
Handling garments with specific technical stains?
Our technical team can recommend tailored treatments for every type of soiling.
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 reply within 24 working hours.