By promptly washing cleaning textiles after use facilities can maintain high standards of cleanliness. Using appropriate detergents, sorting microfibre cloths and mops separately, and following recommended washing temperatures and dosages further help to preserve textile quality.
Choose a textile detergent suitable for microfibre
Take care of washing the cleaning textiles immediately after use. Unfold each cloth before washing, and remove loose soil from the microfibre cloths, mops, and other cleaning tools to ensure a good cleaning result.
Please note that mops and cleaning cloths should be washed separately. Microfibre textiles must always be washed separately from other textiles.
For washing cleaning textiles, choose a suitable liquid or powder detergent. Do not use fabric softeners or chlorine bleach when washing microfibre.
For washing microfibre textiles, Kiilto Pro Textile Liquid, Kiilto Pro Textile Wash and Kiilto Pro Colour Textile detergents are suitable.
Washing temperature for cleaning textiles
The washing temperature for cleaning textiles ranges between 60-95 °C. Microfibre cloths can last longer, when washed at 60 °C, depending on the product, but they can also be washed at higher temperatures.
Detergent should be dosed at half the normal amount, depending on the textile detergent used. The washing machine should be filled to 2/3 of its capacity with cleaning textiles.
When using Kiilto Pro Oxy Wash booster, textiles can be hygienically washed even at 40 °C. When washing cleaning textiles, the detergent dosage is already reduced by 50 %. Therefore, do not further halve the dosage when using the booster.
The washing machine also handles the pre-treatment of cleaning textiles
A washing machine can also be used for the pre-treatment of cleaning textiles. Add the cleaning or care product to the rinse aid compartment of the washing machine. Alternatively, dosing can be managed through an automatic dosing pump connected to the washing machine.
Suitable products for pre-treatment include Kiilto Pro Vieno Non-perfumed general cleaner or Kiilto Pro Illusia 10 cleaning and care product. The correct dosage is calculated based on the amount of water used in the machine’s final rinse. Adjust the spin level to achieve the desired moisture level, either damp or moist. Once the wash cycle is complete, the cleaning textiles are ready for immediate use.
Maintenance of the washing machine
Regular washing machine maintenance is essential to ensure hygienic cleaning textiles and workwear in professional cleaning operations. Cleaning seals, filters, detergent drawers, and running hygiene wash programmes when required helps prevent residue build-up and ensures consistent wash results.
Workwear washing for professional cleaning staff
Professional cleaners often work in environments where they are exposed to different types of stains, chemicals, and potentially harmful microorganisms. Their workwear, such as overalls, jackets, trousers, and protective garments, must be maintained to ensure hygiene, safety, and compliance with health standards. Clean workwear reflects the quality and reliability of the cleaning service, reinforcing a professional image.
Best practices for washing cleaning staff workwear
Workwear should generally be washed at 60 °C or higher to achieve a hygienic end result, unless fabric care instructions require lower temperatures. When high temperatures are not suitable, use washing boosters to ensure sufficient hygiene levels. Professional detergents are recommended because they effectively remove both soil and chemical residues, while strong perfumes should be avoided to prevent allergic reactions or lingering odours.
To maintain hygiene, cleaning staff workwear must be kept separate from other textiles such as office and kitchen textiles, and soiled textiles should always be stored in closed containers to prevent contamination.
Practical tips for washing workwear
- Sort by colour. Keep light-coloured workwear separate from dark-coloured items to prevent colours from transferring between textiles.
- Look for stains. Check each piece of workwear for stains, such as grease, oil, food, or coffee. Treat stains before washing using a stain remover or a mix of textile washing detergent and warm water.
- Consider pre-washing heavily soiled workwear. If workwear is heavily soiled, start by treating stains and consider pre-washing them before the main wash.
- Follow instructions when washing. Place the workwear in the washing machine without overloading it. Add detergent following the instructions on the label.
- Drying workwear carefully. Dry the clothes in a dryer on low heat or hang them to air dry. Avoid high heat, as it can cause stains to set and make the fabric shrink. Hang the clothes neatly right after drying to avoid wrinkles and keep them looking professional.
Note! Always follow the care label instructions on the workwear.
Workwear should be washed daily or after each shift, and any damaged or heavily contaminated workwear must be replaced immediately. Sustainability should also be considered by choosing durable fabrics that can withstand frequent washing and by optimizing water and energy use during textile care operations.
Once cleaned, workwear should be stored in a dry, hygienic area away from chemicals and dirty textiles, and sealed packaging is recommended if workwear is delivered to staff.