Home Energy Management Cold Water Washing: Opportunities for Significant Water, Energy Savings

Cold Water Washing: Opportunities for Significant Water, Energy Savings

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NATIONAL REPORT—With many areas of the United States experiencing from abnormally dry to exceptional drought conditions this summer, many hoteliers are taking a close look at opportunities for water savings. One area of operations where there is an opportunity to reduce water use significantly is the laundry. At least two companies—P&G Professional and Ecolab USA—are gaining traction with programs that not only save water but also reduce energy consumption and extend linen life as well. P&G Professional’s Tide Professional Coldwater Laundry System helps reduce the water used in a commercial washer by up to 40 percent. Ecolab’s Aquanomic Laundry Program also promises up to 40 percent water savings.

Chris Gaunt, P&G Professional Hospitality Manager for North America, says more than 700 hotel properties throughout North America are now using the Tide Professional Coldwater Laundry System. The system is available to programmable machines. “As with all on-premise laundry products, it’s installed by our service organization so that it is set up perfectly,” Gaunt says.

The Tide Professional Coldwater Laundry System has a formula that uses enzymes specially designed for lower wash temperatures, which help effectively break down stains without the need for higher water temperatures. Gaunt says typically a hotel heats water to 140 degrees for its laundry. The Tide Professional Coldwater Laundry System only requires 90 degree water. Related energy savings as a result can be as much as 75 percent. “Our wash process reduces the number of fills required and the amount of water per wash,” Gaunt says.

Tide System Includes Four Products

The Tide Professional Coldwater Laundry System includes four products—a near-neutral pH coldwater detergent, Downy fabric softener, bleach and whiteness enhancer. The system’s near-neutral pH formula and added Tide Professional Whiteness Enhancer also protects fabric integrity to keep linens looking newer longer to help reduce linen replacement costs by up to 15 percent.

Gaunt says for every dollar invested in the Tide Professional Coldwater Laundry System, a property will save $3.00. A return on one’s investment can be expected in the first month, he says. P&G Professional says a 150-room property can expect up to $8,700 in annual savings.

According to Ecolab’s website (after several attempts Ecolab did not arrange a time to speak with one of its laundry experts), the Aquanomic Laundry Program promises up to 40 percent in energy savings because of “revolutionary chemistry.” “Aquanomic, combined with the Smart Wash Process, reduces wash steps, water usage and water temperature,” Ecolab says. From a safety standpoint, Ecolab says the Aquanomic Laundry Program offers Phosphate-free and NPE-free chemistry to help protect waterways and the environment. Closed loop dispensing and color coded products improve safety and reduce exposure to chemicals. As with the Tide Professional Coldwater Laundry System, the Aquanomic Laundry Program works with programmable washers. The pre-programmed Smart Wash Process ensures consistent savings each and every load, Ecolab says.

Glenn Hasek can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.

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