Month: November 2020

Whether you’re an enthusiast, are looking to open up your own dry-cleaning company, or are simply concerned about the viability of sending your favourite suit in for a clean, there is a lot to be learned about the dry-cleaning chemicals used to reinvigorate your most cherished items of clothing; or those of your customers.

Commercial dry cleaning is nothing new, in fact, it has been around since the early 1800s, and in that time its approaches and the chemicals it uses have been refined and polished to be more effective, less harmful for the environment, and far more cost-effective and accessible.

So, let’s explore the chemicals that have made this possible, how they are used in dry-cleaning, cautions to be taken when using them, and which fabrics they can be used with to clean them.

Which Chemicals are Commonly Used in Dry-Cleaning?

To start off let’s explore the main chemicals and solvents that are used in the dry-cleaning process. These same chemicals have been in use for as far back as anyone can remember, thanks to their effectiveness and affordability.

These chemicals include Solvay Perchloroethylene, Hydrocarbon and White Spirits. There has been a rise of alternative substances surfacing in the market. Some claim to be eco-friendly or more effective. There has, however, been no solid evidence to prove any of that. For that reason, the three chemicals mentioned above are typically used across all major dry-cleaners; while the others seem to come and go.

Solvay Perchloroethylene

Perchloroethylene is more commonly known as tetrachloroethylene. It is colourless and non-flammable at room temperature.

This particular chemical is insoluble with water, and so requires the use of alcohol, ether, chloroform or benzene. In the case of dry cleaning, this chemical is used with white spirits to achieve this objective.

This is where dry-cleaning gets its name from. It doesn’t literally mean that clothes are cleaned without the use of any liquids, but rather without water since the chemicals used in the process require more stringent solvents in their application.

Perchloroethylene has quite a wide range of applications, many of them concerned with stain removal. It is also used in the automotive industry for cleaning brakes, as well as in silicone lubricants. In fact, its uses vary so much, that it is even used as a substitute insulating fluid for electrical transformers.

Hydrocarbon

Hydrocarbon describes a petroleum-based dry cleaning solvent. As you may have guessed from the name, it is made up entirely of two compounds; hydrogen and carbon.

It is used extensively in dry cleaning, particularly when cleaning soft or sensitive fabrics. Hydrocarbon works far less aggressively when cleaning fabrics than perchloroethylene does, making it a better fit for sensitive items of clothing.

This does, however, mean that cleaning with hydrocarbon takes a little longer than it would with perchloroethylene, but still cleans as effectively in most cases.

Hydrocarbon is also regarded as the most widely used organic compound known to man. It has been used throughout history for a range of applications, and its critical use in the production of natural gas and motor fuel, which has led many to believe that it has been one of the leading driving forces of Western civilisation.

So, hydrocarbon, it turns out, is way more than just a pretty suit. From its critical position in the motor industry right through to its power to remove even the most stubborn of stains, it is a remarkably powerful and compound; as well as a staple of the dry-cleaning industry.

White Spirits

White spirits are also not exclusively used by dry-cleaning businesses, but rather have a massive range of applications across a number of industries.

This liquid, colourless solvent can be used as a paint thinner, which is probably its most common domestic use. It does, however, have a range of industrial and commercial uses as well.

On top of that, white spirits are used as a mild solvent and can be used for cleaning machine tools and parts, and is also often used as a thread cutting and reaming lubricant when mixed with cutting oil.

In the case of dry-cleaning, white spirits are used as the major solvent for the dry-cleaning process, since it is both mild on most types of fabrics, and because it can be used to dilute Perchloroethylene.

Are these Chemicals Harmful to People?

Since we are working with chemicals here, it is always a good idea to understand the dangers they present to the people who come into contact with them. Under the right direction, when used as intended, these chemicals pose little risk to people.

However, accidents to happen, oversights may occur; when they do injuries may be the result. Because of this they should always be used with care.

But what are the dangers posed to people when using dry-cleaning chemicals, and how can those who make use of them, avoid the risks.

Perchloroethylene

Perchloroethylene is quite a harmful substance when not used as directed. When inhaled or ingested, Perchloroethylene can cause a range of unsavoury side-effects.

These may include central nervous system depression which decreases the rate of breathing in the body, slows the heart rate, may lead to a loss of consciousness and in some instances, may result in a coma or death due to the suppression of brain activity.

When mixed in high concentrations, Perchloroethylene can also cause severe irritation to mucous membranes in the body, including the eyes and respiratory tract.

It is also an irritant when it comes into contact with skin, and in some cases, may even result in chemical burns.

Hydrocarbon

Exposure to hydrocarbon is associated with a number of afflictions when it isn’t used as directed or in the event of an accident.

Inhalation, since hydrocarbon has low surface tension and viscosity, penetrates the lungs deeply when inhaled. From there it can lead to severe chemical pneumonitis which causes inflammation in the lungs. In some cases, this can be severe enough to be fatal.

Hydrocarbon is also associated with both short and long-term central nervous system suppression. Extended exposure to hydrocarbon can also lead to neuropathy, where the brain’s ability to carry messages is hampered, as well as a general reduction in the total mass of the brain.

It is also an irritant, which means that skin exposure may lead to burns, itchiness, lesions and rashes.

White Spirits

White spirits are considered to have fairly low levels of toxicity; however, it still poses a risk of illness when inhaled, ingested, or when it comes into contact with the skin.

Acute exposure may result in nervous system suppression, mental impairment and contact dermatitis, causing burns and irritations on the skin.

Extended exposure, which takes place for more than 13 years, may result in memory impairment and reduced memory and personality changes.

When inhaled in high concentrations, white spirits also have a narcotic effect, resulting in loss of concentration, blurred vision, confusion, headaches and drowsiness.

Precautions for Reducing the Risk of Harm

With all of this in mind, it is fairly easy to see why it is important to use and handle dry-cleaning chemicals properly.

You need to make sure that your chemicals are stored correctly, in the appropriate containers, to reduce the risk of spillage.

With regards to storage, it is also important to keep chemicals in a cool dry place to reduce the risk of fires. Containers should also be labelled correctly and clearly to eliminate confusion when using them.

Following use, always wash your hands thoroughly to remove all traces of materials from your skin.

Ensure that wherever these chemicals are being used, that the area has adequate ventilation so as not to inhale high concentrations of them.

Use protective gear where necessary, including gloves, protective goggles and masks.

Only use chemicals as directed and in the appropriate doses to avoid any incidents.

If exposure through inhalation, skin contact or ingestion occurs, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. Show the medical practitioner the label of the chemical that you have been exposed to.

Be sure to keep dry-cleaning chemicals out of the reach of children, your customers or any unauthorised personnel in your establishment. If necessary, keep chemicals under lock and key to ensure that they are not tampered with.

Which Fabrics React Badly to Dry Cleaning Chemicals?

While dry cleaning does offer a superior approach to cleaning many different types of fabrics, there are a few types that should not be cleaned with dry-cleaning chemicals. These are generally softer, lighter, more sensitive fabrics, or those that by their composition, are damaged using chemicals.

Let’s take a closer look:

PVC & Polyurethane Fabrics

Plastic, PVC and polyester fabrics fall under the category of synthetic materials, and should never be dry-cleaned.

When these materials are dry-cleaned, they are exposed to chemicals that deteriorate them, which causes significant damage to the fabric.

Cotton, Cashmere & Silk

Cotton, cashmere and silk come from a particular family of fabrics that are delicate and sensitive. For the most part, these fabrics do not need to be dry-cleaned and can typically be washed in a normal machine.

Where these materials are included in a more complex mixture of fabrics, such as in the lining of suits, dry-cleaning is generally a better option. This is because regular washing may cause these fabrics to lose their shape with any other approach to washing them.

However, if the dry-cleaning equipment is not properly maintained, or where something goes wrong with the process, even these light fabrics might be damaged, shrunk or permanently creased.

Take a Look at the Tag

A good point of reference with any fabric is to look at the tag. Find out what percentage of polyester is in the fabric, for example. While most items of clothing can be safely cleaned through dry-cleaning, it is essential to be aware of those that cannot.

Where fabrics such as cotton and silk might be sensitive to exposure to water, it might be a better option to dry-clean them instead; albeit very carefully.

How Do Dry-Cleaning Chemicals Fight Against Bacteria?

Dry-cleaning works to eliminate bacteria on a number of levels through every step of its processes.

Through the use of white spirits and Perchloroethylene when dry-cleaning, most of the bacteria held inside the fibres of clothing are destroyed. However, even before this step, clothes can be sanitised in hot water to clear most of the germs on a garment.

As part of the final step of dry cleaning, which is ironing and steaming; multiple layers of dry heat exposure also work to eliminate bacteria that is present in clothing.

This might seem like overkill, however, when you consider how infrequently clothing is dry-cleaned, it is easy to see why additional efforts need to be taken to eradicate bacteria in them.

There are a number of different types of bacteria commonly present in clothing fibres, including some of those considered to be dangerous to humans.

They include species of:

Salmonella, campylobacter, Escherichia coli (e-coli) and Clostridium Difficile.

Dry cleaning actually offers a more effective and safer way to remove this bacterium from your clothing.

Researchers have conducted tests on the average domestic washing machine and have found that much of the bacteria that is supposed to be eliminated from clothing, generally finds a new home in washing machines.

From there, they will actually spread to other fabrics being washed in them.

Do does dry-cleaning effectively kill the bacteria in clothing?

It absolutely does, and it does it far more effectively than other methods of cleaning.

Looking for Dry-Cleaning Chemicals? Contact Condrou Manufacturers Today

If you are in the market for high-quality and affordable dry-cleaning chemicals for your business, be sure to get into contact with a representative from Condrou Manufacturing today, or visit our website for additional information on our offers.

Running a successful hotel means paying attention to every little detail and providing a service that takes care of all of the needs of your guests. Everything from the lobby and the poolside to the rooms and restaurants all need to cater for luxury, convenience, hygiene and relaxation, and achieving this requires you to provide specialised hospitality products that form a seamless part of your guests’ experience of your hotel.

Packaging, both for your goods and theirs, plays an important role in this, which makes sourcing the right types of it an important thing for hotel owners and managers to think about.

Here are the different types which should be found in your hotel:

Plastics & Covers

Plastic packaging solutions are typically used to keep bedding and towels protected once they have been laundered, and show your guests that the extra mile has been taken to ensure the best levels of hygiene in your establishment.

They can also be branded for a personal touch, when ordered in the right quantities.

Additionally, plastic packaging can also come as newspaper bags and laundry bags for storing waste or dirty clothes and linen, while barrel bags can be used to protect larger items like pillows.

Branded Boxes

Branded boxes are used for a number of reasons in the hospitality industry and can be corrugated, vlakote, imitation leather or plastic cane. The right boxes can enhance hotel rooms significantly while making your brand visible, and can also be used as shirt stiffeners to keep guests looking presentable during their stay with you.

Clothing Protection

Hospitality products designed to protect clothing also come in a range of types, including suit bags, dress covers, PVC covers and material covers. These are particularly important if your establishment caters for business trips, weddings, conferences and events.

Contact Condrou Manufacturing for Details

If you would like to know more about sourcing branded packaging materials for your hotel or guesthouse, be sure to get into contact with a representative from Condrou Manufacturing today, or visit our website for details on our hospitality products.

On holiday, we often take it for granted that dedicated staff work behind the scenes to keep our rooms clean, make our beds and take care of the nitty cleaning and tidying procedures that would distract us from our much needed vacation. The reality is that the human species remain a part of the animal kingdom, some more than others judging by these horrendous room keeping stories! Don’t be ‘this’ guy or girl; respect for yourself and others still costs nothing.

1.      The Artistic Baby

One housekeeper recalls walking into a hotel room only to find that the walls had been unceremoniously ‘decorated’ with an artistic display; the medium was poop and the method was chaotic finger-painting. The parents, instead of wiping it off like responsible adults, had left the child’s ‘artwork’ to dry. Special cleaning services with more intense hospitality consumables had to be hired to take care of the mess appropriately.

As for the housekeeper that found the mess? Legend has it that she quit on the spot – can’t say we blame her!

2.      Leave the Science for the Labs

How true this story is – who can say? With that disclaimer out of the way, we are sure that somewhere, sometime, somehow, this has happened to someone before. There is one housekeeping tale that involves a member of staff finding floating body parts in the bathtub. After extensive investigation, it was found that the body parts were being thawed for medical science purposes. Hmmm…sounds awfully suspicious to us!

For Standard Cleaning, We Have You Covered

We do not provide counselling or consumables that can cleanse your brain of seeing what some hotel guests are capable of, nor can we confirm or deny these stories. For just about any other cleaning procedure pertaining to hotel rooms and hospitality products to get the job done, we can confirm that we are one of the best hospitality consumables suppliers in South Africa. Contact the team at Condrou Manufacturing or visit our website for more information.

Chemicals Needed for any Dry-Cleaning Business

There is a lot more to a dry-cleaning business than just owning a few washing machines and laundry detergent. Dry cleaners need to be able to remove stains that seem almost impossible, clean items that cannot simply be put into your normal washing machines or delicate materials that need specific detergents to be cleaned.

Solvay Perchloroethylene

Solvay Perchloroethylene, also known as Tetrachloroethylene, is a powerful colourless liquid cleaner used to remove tough spots on organic materials. It can be recognized by its sweet odor and sometimes used as a degreaser in the automotive industry.

Hydrocarbon

Hydrocarbon is made up of hydrogen and carbon. It is a petroleum based solvent used in dry cleaning. A popular myth is that it has a distinct bad smell, but a quality hydrocarbon solvent actually does not have any smell at all. Cleaning with hydrocarbon will not result in any fabric damage or colour loss from fabrics.

White Spirits

White spirits are typically used for cleaning leather and other materials. It is a very effective degreaser, great for getting out oil and grease from materials.  White spirits does not discolour or harm fabrics it is used on.

Coarse Salt

Coarse salt can be used to activate other cleaning materials used, this aids in the deodorising and cleaning abilities. Not only is coarse salt a great stain remover it also sets the colours in fabrics, keeping them brighter for longer.

Filter Aids

Some filter aids available for dry cleaning include, black pellet activated carbon, pellet and powder form and Celite Hyflo.

Get all your dry cleaning needs from Condrou Manufacturing

Visit our dry cleaning chemicals page for a list of products available to you

https://condrou.com/dry-cleaning/

Dry cleaning, laundry and hospitality consumables. All of which make or break a hotel. These simple factors are what keeps people coming back. We discuss the advantages of dry cleaning, why hotel consumables are necessary and the importance of hotel hygiene.

What are the advantages of dry cleaning?

Professional companies for dry cleaning pay close attention to detail, especially in the hospitality business. Dry cleaning is just super convenient, in our everyday busy lives it’s easy to get caught up on the small household things. Dry cleaners handle large items and in bulk. Leave stain and odor removals to the professionals. Dry cleaning is very beneficial in the hotel industry due to the quantity they deal with daily.

Why are hotel consumables necessary?

A simple hotel consumable can make a regular stay into a fabulous stay. It encourages people to book again and come back. It’s convenient to have toiletries in case you have forgotten your shampoo or soap and adds the extra zing when you pay for what you get. Laundry and dry cleaning are very convenient when you are travelling as you can’t pack your iron and ironing board in your suitcase.

What is the importance of hotel hygiene?

Health and safety are at the very top of the list when it comes to hotel hospitality. Hygiene is a huge factor as people daily check in and out. Linen is to be changed frequently, towels changed, the room is to be vacuumed and bathrooms cleaned thoroughly all for the reputation and well-being of the hotel. Hotel hygiene is extremely important when dealing with hundreds of people monthly.

For all your dry cleaning, laundry and hospitality consumables, contact Condrou Manufacturing.

Have a look at our website www.condrou.com , Give us a call on 011 452 6573 or 011 452 6592. Drop us a mail info@condrou.com or simply fill in your details on our site and we will call you back.

Hospitality, as an industry, places very specific requirements on business owners and product manufacturers to create something (whether it be an experience or product) that offers something in the way of luxury.

Because of this, hospitality products need to be made with an added sense of comfort in mind. And then of course, because the hospitality industry may require high quantities of such products, they also need to be reasonably priced so that they can be purchased in bulk when the need arises.

Let’s take a look at some of the other special requirements placed on products used in the hospitality industry:

A Balance Between Luxury and Affordability

As mentioned above, hospitality products need to offer both a sense of luxury and should also be relatively affordable, since hotels and guest-houses generally have a need for high quantities of goods.

This is particularly the case with perishables and consumables such as toiletries, snacks in the mini-bar and the like.

Short-Term Usage

While many of the items in a hotel room are (hopefully) permanent, such as gowns, hangers, sheets, towels furniture, many others are expected to have a short life-span.

You don’t want guests having to use shampoos and soaps that previous guests used. These types of items, if not depleted by guests, will generally be thrown out afterwards. This means that consumables need to be disposable and affordable.

Seamlessness

One of the things that guests come to expect from the hospitality industry, is that everything should take place seamlessly.

The lawn, so to speak, is always mowed, but you never see anybody doing it.

Hospitality products need to operate on a similar principle, in that your guests shouldn’t notice them working in the background, but should be able to expect that they are there.

Contact Condrou Manufacturing for Details

If you would like to know more about how you can source reliable, high-quality hospitality products for your hotel or guest-house, contact a representative from Condrou Manufacturing today, or visit our website for additional information on our offers.

What is Dry Cleaning?

Dry cleaning, as the name suggests, is simply cleaning the fabrics without using a water. However, dry cleaning is not 100% liquid-free. Dry cleaning services use perchloroethylene, also called perc, a liquid chemical that removes dirt and stains on clothing. Dry cleaning, I perfect for materials and clothing that are thick or too heavy to load into washing machines. Dry cleaning is therefore perfect for carpets, rugs, curtains and suits. Dry cleaning has it downsides (such as cost and convenience), but it also has many advantages. Some advantages are:

• Dry cleaning protects delicate items
• Dry cleaning removes grease and oil stains effectively.
• Dry cleaning limits shrinkage
• Dry cleaning does crumple fabric
• Dry cleaning will almost certainly increase the life span of the garments
• Dry cleaning ensures that discolouration is reduced

What is Laundry Washing?

Laundry washing involves using water, detergents, and fabric softeners to clean and soften fabric. Traditionally laundry was done by hand (and is sometimes still done in this way) but is these days usually done by using a washing machine. Though laundry washing has its drawbacks (uch a damage to fabric over time, se limitations and the length it takes to dry), there are many advantages to laundry washing. These include:

In bulk and in the long run, laundry is more cost effective than dry cleaning

Laundry washing ensures that the whatever is being washed is cleaned at a very deep level

Laundry washed garments, clothes and fabrics have a new and fresh odour and particular scents can be chosen according to personal preference

It is skin-friendly and it does not harm the environment

Laundry washing can be done in the convenience of one’s own home, at whatever time is convenient

Condrou Manufacturing

Condrou Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd in South Africa specialises in solutions for all dry cleaning, laundry and hospitality consumables ranging from branded suit bags, hangers, refuse and laundry bags, clothing rails, dry cleaning and laundry machines as well as finishing equipment and other hospitality products. We also offer laundry marking systems and tags, pens and stationery.

When it comes to clothing, everyone strives for the best washing process to ensure that we can carry on with our everyday lives feeling fresh and new every time. One way of doing this is through the use of tip top machinery and cleaning products. At the hospitality consumables suppliers to South Africa, one can find all the products that would be needed to ensure that each item of clothing always comes out the cupboards clean and ready for use.

Products for all uses

To get all the hospitality products all at once, may be a mission at times as we may not know what exactly is needed for particular sets of clothing. However, that is not an issue anymore, anyone can find all the products and machinery needed for any sets of clothing. With online shopping you can find exactly what you need and may discover more. There is a large variety of products that one can choose from that can be used at home or for any hotel needs. Such products include laundry bags, hanger stands and clothing rails. There is also a variety of cleaning products such as bleachers, boosters, detergents, fabric softeners and much more.

Machinery

When it comes to laundry services, speed is one of the most important factors. As the large amount of clothing and linen that floods in on a daily basis can be immense. Having machinery that can keep up with the load and is what one needs to keep up with the inflow. Luckily, that’s just one phone call away. There is a multitude of machinery that can help staff with loads which includes steam irons, boilers, presses, ironing boards and plenty more.

Find out more

If Condrou Manufacturing has what you need or if you would like to find out more about some of the other products that are available here. Contact them at their Tel: 011 452 6573 | 011 452 6592, their phone number: 081 359 3015 or simply email them at info@condrou.com.

Running your own laundromat or dry-cleaning service comes with many advantages and challenges, just like any business. However there are a few specialised requirements in these industries, particularly where the investment into machinery is concerned, and the scale at which this machinery needs to be purchased.

So if you were thinking of opening your own, knowing what types of machinery you will need to invest in will help you prepare more thoroughly, and enable you to run a business that moves from strength to strength. So let’s take a look at the laundry and dry cleaning machines you will need.

Spotting and Finishing Tables

Both spotting and finishing tables will allow your business to provide the best laundry services and will also allow you to work with greater quantities of laundry at once.

Spotting tables are used to treat stains, whether they have been created during the manufacturing process or by accident. Regular washing equipment isn’t always able to remove stubborn stains, making spotting tables essential for any laundromat or dry cleaner.

Finishing tables are used to press laundry items once they have been washed. They offer a thorough, effective and efficient approach to pressing creases that have formed in hems, seams and panels.

Boilers

Boilers, while having their place in many industries, are essential to both dry-cleaners and to laundromats, especially those that enjoy a large scale of operations. They are used to heat water and provide steam for irons as well as for presses.

Contact Condrou Manufacturing for Details

While there are many types of machinery you will need to run a laundromat or drycleaner, the ones listed here are the most essential and should be found in any facility.

To find out more about sourcing specialised laundry and dry cleaning machines in Johannesburg, contact a representative from Condrou Manufacturing today, or visit our website for additional information on our offers.

Hangers are not things that we often pay too much attention to. They are there to hang up our clothes and provide easy storage solutions. However, many of us probably have a range of different hangers hanging in our cupboards and closets. But we have never actually taken the time to consider why there are different types and styles of hangers and what purpose they offer. The truth is that it actually does matter how you store your clothing.

There Is A Purpose

Many of us think that these different designs are not really necessary and that the generic designs are much more convenient because we have found a way to hang all of our clothing. Well, that might not always be the best solution as certain hangers do not do well with certain designs of clothing, or with certain materials. Using the right design to hang your clothing will allow you to get a better lifespan from your garments while keeping them perfectly shaped and stored.

The Right Design

We all know that designs generally have functions, well they definitely do when it comes to hangers.

• Suits and blazers need the bigger shapes to hold the shoulder padding in place, keeping it in perfect shape for every event.
• Pants and skirts need to be hung up using pants hangers, this way they retain their seamless look without any out of place folds.
• Keep your beautiful shirts and blouses in shape with a curved hanger.
• Protect your tank tops and spaghetti straps to protect the straps and keep them secure with the notches on your hanger.
• Coats and jackets become heavy over time, and the right hanger will help it retain its shape. The best one is a wooden hanger as it has the strength and perfect shape to keep your winter delights perfect.

Condrou Manufacturing

It might seem like an unimportant thing; however, your hangers do matter. They matter in your personal closet, as well as in any hotel closet. Be sure to get the best hangers for yourself or your guests by visiting Condrou Manufacturing.