The function of the tumbler dryer is to evaporate water from the linen. This process is called extraction. Air is heated and circulated and the better the circulation, the more efficient the drying function. The tumbler dryer is usually a free standing module bolted to the ground. The inner drum is stainless steel in construction and has perforated holes through which the air can circulate. Blocked lint filters and exhaust ducts can reduce the efficiency of the air flow. It is imperative to follow the manufacturers' instructions for operation of the tumbler dryer to maximise productivity. Each tumbler dryer will have an automatic timer and a temperature gauge. All tumbler dryer cycles will have a cooling down period at the end of the cycle. This makes linen easier to handle by the laundry attendant and reduces the potential for burns. The temperature of a dryer varies between 170 – 200C. Free standing tumbler dryers are manually loaded and unloaded from and into trolleys. In older style dryers, the inside drum may rotate only one way (usually clockwise). In newer styles of dryers, the drum will circulate clockwise for one minute and then anti- clockwise for one minute. This is repeated throughout the cycle. This alternate rotation prevents linen becoming tangled in the drying process. In many cases though, staff are needed to untangle linen prior to being ironed. Sheets may need to be "roped" This is a system where the washmen lay out the sheets length ways on top of each other to facilitate easier handling by the feeder operator at a later stage. N.B. All dryers that are attached to the continuous batch washer are loaded and unloaded automatically by conveyor belts. These usually have "pass through doors" where the wet items are placed into the tumbler dryer from one side and dry items are then automatically unloaded onto a stainless steel conveyor belt or into clean linen trolleys for transport to the finishing area. These functions are all controlled by the computer system.
STOCKTAKE OF LINENS DATE: CONDUCTED BY: ITEM PAR LAST STOCKTAKE (H) NEW (J) QUANTITY IN GUEST ROOMS (A) STORE ROOMS (B) SOILED IN LAUNDRY (C) CLEAN IN LAUNDRY (D) CLEAN & DIRTY IN RESTAURANTS (E) TOTAL (A+B+C+D+E)= (G) CONDEMNED LAST STOCKTAKE (L) K-L (M) M-G ACTUAL LOSS (N) H + J = K=TOTAL CIRCULATING STOCK KING SHEETS SHEETS SINGLE SHEETS PILLOW CASES BATH SHEETS BATH TOWELS HAND TOWELS FACE WASHERS
Body former Collar and cuffer press Shirt Sleever press Tunnel presses Shoulder press. Rotary presses. How do presses work? When garments are removed from the washing machines and dry cleaning machines, they are to be pressed. This is the final stage before packaging. Items that have been washed such as shirts, tee shirts, handkerchiefs will be pressed when damp straight from the washing process. They are placed on to a series of presses will remove the creases as well as drying the garment. All presses are operated by steam and air. Many presses have foot pedals for the operator to control the steam and air whilst others have buttons to push. The buttons are usually in pairs so that there is less chance of the operator inadvertently placing their hands on the press when the head of the press is lowered. Type of press Used for How is it used Notes Pants topper Pressing the tops of trousers around the pockets and waistband. Trousers are secured by the waist around the topper is then blown around the trousers removing creases The operator then removes the trousers and sends to the trouser press. Trouser press or hard head press Pressing the legs of trousers one at a time. Also used for pressing small items like tee shirts, vests and neckties. Trousers are laid flat with the creases at either edge and the head of the press is lowered on to the trousers thereby completing the pressing Trousers are then placed on to a coat hanger and sent for packaging. This press can also be used to press small items such as napkins and tray mats. To do this is very labour intensive but can be of assistance during busy times in the laundry.
and secured at the base The operator pushes two buttons and the shirt is drawn in to the steam chamber The shirt is blown up like a balloon It releases automatically once pressed. The shirt is then placed on a hanger and sent to the packaging section This is shaped without arms to prevent wrinkles on the shoulders or under the arms. Steam Tunnels Used for pressing garments that have been washed There are many different types and sizes. Items are placed on hangers onto a mobile rail which passes through a steam tunnel which steams and finishes the garments. The steam relaxes the fibres and then the air dries them. These can vary enormously in size and are generally used where there are large volumes of polyester/cotton blends of uniforms or shirts to be processed. Shoulder press This press is shaped like a mushroom head and is used for pressing the difficult parts of shoulders on jackets. The operator holds the garment on the press and steams it as long as necessary. Rotary press Used as per the hot head This is a system where there are two or more press tables but only one head One garment is pressed whilst another garment is being laid out for ready for pressing The operator spins the table around using pedals to press the item When one garment is being pressed, another one is removed and another one is being laid out. Is more productive than a single head Inspection
To air freight a heavy replacement piece such as a machine motor, will add to operational costs. The cost should be balanced against the inconvenience and cost of having a machine out of order. Machine record cards It is very important that is a machine record card for each piece of laundry equipment. This should be record of: The model number of the machine The serial number of the machine The date of purchase and warranty details Manufacturer's name and contact details (who to call in case of problems or service needed) Spare parts held on site for that machine All completed maintenance including inspections and lubrication, including when the maintenance was done and by whom This will show compliance to the manufacturer in case of breakdowns and warranties. When will maintenance take place? Most small maintenance issues can be done throughout the day but on occasions, maintenance may need to be done overnight or when the laundry is closed down. This is because some maintenance will require the machines to be switched off and cold. Other issues may require an area to be screened off for safety reasons. An annual inspection of boilers will be scheduled on a quiet weekend for example. Lubrication (oiling) All machines will have lubrication points and many will have several points. Lubrication is a very important part of the maintenance schedule. There are many different lubricants for this purpose. It is common practice that the different lubricant cans are colour-coded and all points for lubrication by each oil on each machine will be marked with the same colour paint. This makes it easier to complete the lubrication schedule much more quickly than constantly referring to the manual. Inspection check lists It is recommended you formulate your own check list for each type of machine showing all the items that need checking (based on the manufacturer's maintenance manual) and their frequency. Once designed, this check list can then be photocopied and used for all the same type of machinery.