Softness: a key driver of customer satisfaction
The feel of laundry after washing is one of the factors that most shapes perceived quality. Rough, stiff or uncomfortable fabric triggers immediate dissatisfaction even when the items are clean. This problem is solvable once the cause is correctly identified.
Impacts
- Users dissatisfied even when laundry is clean
- Perception of low-quality service
- Unfavourable comparisons with home laundering
- Loss of regular customers
- Lower perceived value of the service
- Fabric that irritates sensitive skin
Causes
No softener or insufficient dosing
Without softener, fibres are left stiff after washing.
Very hard water (excess limescale)
Limescale deposits on the fibres, leaving them hard and rough.
Detergent residue on laundry
Poor rinsing leaves crystallised detergent on the fibres.
Over-drying or high temperature
Removes natural moisture from the fibres, leaving them stiff.
Poor-quality softener
Over-diluted softeners fail to deliver the necessary softness.
Solutions
Use Blue Soft with microcapsules
Professional softness with microcapsule technology that releases fragrance gradually.
Hipo Soft for sensitive skin
For users with allergies: softness without fragrances or dyes.
Ensure a full rinse
Check that programmes include enough rinse cycles. Avoid over-dosing.
Eco Soft with an eco-friendly positioning
EU Ecolabel certified softener for laundries with an environmental commitment.
Adjust drying parameters
Recommend medium-temperature drying and avoid exceeding the required time.
Recommended products
Preventive protocol
- Use a measuring cylinder every 30 days to verify that each pump delivers the correct softener volume
- Check local water hardness and adjust the wash recipe accordingly
- Standardise on Blue Soft as the main softener and Hipo Soft as the hypoallergenic option
- Reduce detergent dose if white residue appears on dark garments
- Set a minimum of two full rinses on every programme
- Poster next to the dryers recommending medium temperatures and moderate times
Would you like to trial the Instaquim softener range?
Request samples to assess which one best matches your customer profile.