Ozone is simply an active form of oxygen. An ozone molecule is made up of three oxygen atoms (O3). To create ozone we first start with oxygen in its commonly known structure, O2. O2 is then split into its original atoms [O] using a designated energy field. Oxygen atoms do not like to roam independently, so they cling to other oxygen molecules to form O3 (Ozone). Ozone (O3) is a colorless gas and powerful sterilizer that oxidizes mold and mildew, pollen, odors, and other airborne organisms upon contact, rendering them inactive, leaving behind as its by-product pure clean oxygen (O2) in the air. Ozone works well in cold water and reacts very rapidly. In fact, hot water is not necessary for most ozone laundry systems. Ozone sanitizes through a process known as oxidization, which is the chemical combination of a
substance with oxygen. Organics are typically found to be rich in electrons while ozone is electron deficient. Thus, the reaction is rapid, creating an oxide form of the organic that releases more easily from laundry material. Being a strong oxidant, adding ozone to the wash cycle allows you
to use significantly less detergent while achieving a superior cleansing effect. Because the detergent has been reduced, some rinse cycles to remove detergent residues may be shortened or even eliminated. And with less detergent, linens and clothes do not compact as much and they release less lint, adding to the life expectancy of the fabric.
There are countless environmental and economic benefits associated with ozone laundry systems. But let’s start with energy consumption. By eliminating the need for hot water (85-100%) and reducing wash times as a result of the removal of certain cycles, ozone laundry systems are able to yield substantial electrical savings while also allowing for increased production within the property’s facility. Ozone laundering has been determined on average to reduce overall water consumption by about 20% and detergent/chemical usage by around 40%.
This means a reduced sewer bill and far fewer toxic pathogens being distributed out into the environment than with traditional laundry methods. Ozone has been found to destroy bacteria 3,000 times faster than chlorine and has been proven effective at removing odors. So linens achieve superior sanitization and odor removal along with a doubled life expectancy as a result of the less damaging.
Ultra-sonic Technology
An innovation in the range of fabric cleaning is the energy-efficient ultrasonic washing. The principle of the new technology is based on cavitations and mechanic impact by ultrasound.
In ultrasonic washing the ultrasound penetrates directly into the fabric at a rate of 20,000 oscillations per second which results in mechanical action, and forces the unwanted substances out of the fabric. The particularly sophisticated aspect of ultrasonic washing is the fact that the superfluous substances are not only removed from the fabric purely mechanically but also by cavitation. The action of the ultrasound on the fabric produces periodic compression and expansion of the liquor absorbed by the fabric. As a result of this fluctuating pressure, microscopically small cavities are formed in the liquid. The subsequent implosion of these gas and water vapour filled cavitation bubbles creates locally extreme conditions, so that the bursting bubbles produce shearing forces, which remove the superfluous substances from the fabric at high speed.
Main advantages with respect to a conventional washing system:
- Deeper and quicker cleaning effect
- Low energy consumption
- Reduced water expense
- Reduced detergent and
- It does not damage the fabric
Technology trends and consumer awareness campaigns are helping establish more sustainable practices as the norms of hotel laundry. Enabling these shifts are the advances in detergent formulations for water-saving, low-temperature washes and abstaining from harmful chemicals in favour of more environment friendly options. With certification systems raising awareness, and consumers being encouraged to seriously consider the impact of each wash, these innovations will likely dominate the market in the years to come. And other innovations, such as waterless washes, may take us even further down the path of sustainable laundry.
Franson Furtado
Laundry Manager, Palladium Hotel
