Looking at Laundry
Participating as a speaker and Q&A panel member at the International Housekeepers Summit 2024, Aakash Dharamsey – Director, ADD Laundry Concepts and a pioneer in the field of Laundy across India, focussed on “Automation in Laundry”. By integrating AI-driven systems, robotic handling, and smart washing solutions, operations can achieve significant improvements in speed, cost savings, and quality control. These technologies not only optimize processes but also ensure consistency, which is crucial for maintaining high standards, particularly in large-scale operations like hotels and hospitals.
A key aspect of the talk was the role of automation in promoting sustainability. Automated systems are capable of precisely managing water and energy consumption, thus reducing waste and supporting environmental goals. This aligns with the industry’s growing commitment to greener practices which is an increasingly important factor in today’s market.
Saman Udugama – Accommodation and Quality Assurance Manager, The Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka presented a learning session to an international audience on a crucial topic: ‘Implementation of the CPC Method to Extend the Useful Life of Linen’ — a pressing challenge for housekeepers and laundry managers globally.
The CPC method is Saman’s brainchild which encompasses Control, Process and Coaching. This holistic approach has been implemented by several hotels across Sri Lanka. The presentation covered the essential aspects of linen management. These included selection and care of linen.
Likewise, the water quality and the drying process play a significant role in turning out spotlessly clean linen. Taking into consideration that the linen is likely to come in contact with various surfaces, an intense training on stain management is required… it is necessary to identify the stain and not follow the one treatment for all approach.
The Q&A session provided an opportunity to engage directly with the audience from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Qatar, India among others, who raised a range of practical questions reflecting their day-to-day challenges. One of the questions asked was whether “dry-clean only” clothes could be washed, to which the risks were explained and guidance was provided on alternative methods, such as wet cleaning, that might be suitable for certain fabrics.
Another popular topic was the pre-treatment of laundry stains and odours. Best practices were shared for addressing common stains, emphasizing the importance of timely treatment and the use of appropriate chemicals to ensure effective removal without damaging fabrics.
The audience also showed keen interest in the technical aspects of laundry operations. Questions about purchasing and maintaining washer extractors were addressed. The panel advised on what to consider before buying a washer extractor, such as load capacity, energy efficiency, and the importance of regular cleaning to prevent machine malfunctions and maintain hygiene.
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A common concern was dealing with clothes that had accidentally shrunk during the laundering process. Tips were provided on how to mitigate shrinkage, such as using cold water and gentle cycles, and suggested methods for attempting to restore shrunken garments.
Colour bleeding, dry-cleaning versus wet-cleaning, and other fabric care issues also sparked lively discussions. The panel clarified the differences between these cleaning methods and provided advice on preventing colour bleeding, a common problem in both commercial and household laundry settings.
The sessions were skilfully connected by Dharna Shukla, Assistant Professor at Amity University, Lucknow. Being part of the Housekeeping Fraternity, enabled her to provide a genuine touch in linking the sessions together.
Quoting Aravinda Jayathilaka from Sri Lanka — “The event was exceptionally well-organized and provided a valuable knowledge-sharing platform and networking platform. The sessions on technological advancements and innovative practices were particularly enlightening.
“The depth of expertise shared by the speakers and the insights gained from the various discussions have significantly broadened my understanding of emerging trends and best practices in our field. I especially appreciate the effort and dedication that went into curating such an informative agenda. The practical applications and innovative solutions presented will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing projects and future initiatives. The knowledge shared during the conference has already started to inspire new ideas within our team.
“Thank you once again for hosting such a meaningful event. I look forward to the opportunity to participate in future conferences and continue engaging with the dynamic community you have fostered.”
Unstoppable! That is the mantra that has made every International Housekeepers’ Summit a distinctive event.
