Prompt Results:

Coaching can indeed have a significant impact on improving time management for Dry Cleaner Owners facing challenges in this area. It can help them prioritize tasks effectively, set achievable goals, and develop sustainable habits for personal and professional growth. Here is an assessment of the impact of coaching and various coaching techniques that can benefit Dry Cleaner Owners struggling with time management:

Impact of Coaching:

1. Improved Time Management: Coaching can provide Dry Cleaner Owners with the necessary tools and techniques to better manage their time, leading to increased productivity and efficiency in their operations.

2. Enhanced Prioritization Skills: Coaches can assist owners in identifying and prioritizing tasks that are most critical to the success of their business, helping them focus on what truly matters.

3. Goal Setting and Accountability: Through coaching, Dry Cleaner Owners can set realistic and achievable goals, with coaches providing the necessary support and accountability to ensure consistent progress.

4. Development of Sustainable Habits: By working with a coach, owners can develop sustainable habits and routines that promote long-term growth and success, leading to improved work-life balance.

Coaching Techniques:

1. Goal Setting: Coaches can help Dry Cleaner Owners set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals that align with their business objectives.

2. Time Blocking: This technique involves allocating specific blocks of time for different tasks, allowing owners to focus on one task at a time and avoid multitasking.

3. Pomodoro Technique: This technique involves working in focused intervals (e.g., 25 minutes of work followed by a short break), which can help improve focus and productivity.

4. Mindfulness Practices: Incorporating mindfulness techniques can help owners stay present, reduce stress, and make better decisions related to time management.

Implementation and Potential Outcomes:

To effectively implement coaching techniques for Dry Cleaner Owners, it is essential to:

- Conduct an initial assessment to identify specific challenges and areas for improvement.

- Create a tailored coaching plan that addresses the unique needs and goals of the owner.

- Establish clear expectations, accountability measures, and regular check-ins to track progress.

- Encourage continuous feedback and adjustments to ensure the coaching remains effective.

Potential outcomes for Dry Cleaner Owners seeking to enhance their productivity and achieve a better work-life balance through coaching include:

- Improved time management skills and increased productivity in daily operations.

- Enhanced ability to prioritize tasks effectively and focus on key business objectives.

- Development of sustainable habits that support personal and professional growth.

- Greater work-life balance and reduced stress levels.

Comparison of Coaching Styles:

1. Transformational Coaching: This style focuses on personal growth, mindset shifts, and long-term transformation. It can be effective for Dry Cleaner Owners looking to make significant changes in their approach to time management and productivity.

2. Transactional Coaching: This style emphasizes setting clear goals, tracking progress, and accountability. It may suit owners who prefer structured approaches and are looking for immediate results in improving their time management.

Both coaching styles can be effective in improving personal productivity and work-life balance for Dry Cleaner Owners, depending on their preferences, needs, and readiness for change. The key is to align the coaching style with the owner's goals and objectives to maximize the benefits of the coaching process.

BioZaq Poly is the novel American manufacturer and hub of PVOH water soluble plastic resins, films and bags. How are these materials used?? Wow, so glad you asked.

The film is similar to that employed by modular dosed detergent pods, now common and readily available. One of the commodity styled applications of this material: water dissolving soiled laundry bags used by the commercial laundries industry. The following paragraphs describe several categories of applications of this material, two of which are employed by the dry cleaning and commercial laundries industries:

•BioZaq material is used for modular dosed items like detergent pods: agrochem pesticide concentrates (throw concentrate pouches into a tank of water), pouches of water treatment chemicals, cement additives, etc. This application category employs the material as packaging film, and uses the dissolving film properties to add doses to liquid mixes.

• Another application is that of 'soiled linen bags', which is a commodity-style application employed heavily by the commercial laundries. Hospitals and surgery centers place their scrubs, uniforms and linens into a plastic bag that looks like a standard garbage bag; the bag is then shlepped over to the commercial laundries, and the whole bag (still sealed) is simply thrown into the laundry machine. The bag dissolves and out comes the clean clothes. This application reduces labor, reduces environmental impact, and... acts as an amazing barrier film! The bags help contain blood, feces, pathogens, mold, bed bugs, etc.

•Another general use of this material: a more sustainable alternative to standard polyolephins. This use of the material would include the dry cleaner poly garment bags.

Standard plastic garment bags are made of polyethylene, one of the most used materials on the planet. Society is more than aware of the giant islands of plastic in the ocean and the general effects of plastic on the environment as litter. However, the end-of-life expectations for plastics when properly disposed are not much greater. Polyethylene can take decades to begin to begin to break down in perfect composting conditions at a designated facility (which is still not advised, as to preserve the quality of the soil), but the process practically takes hundreds of years when put into a home-compost bin, left as litter, or sent to the landfills. Plastics are typically ‘fossilized’ in the landfills, or left as litter, and take some 450 years to begin to break down. In the sea, plastics can achieve some photo degradation if floating on the surface and thus exposed to the sun, though this means that the UV rays simply break up the plastic films into smaller pieces called ‘microplastics’ that are then mistaken as food and consumed by marine life. The microplastics are just mini pieces of plastic films, not decomposed. Microplastics are found in the bloodstream of the entire food chain, from sea creatures to humans. Microplastics may accumulate in organs and tissues, and may even be passed on to an unborn child. If plastics do decompose, the process releases significant greenhouse gasses.

BioZaq water soluble film does not make microplastics. The film dissolves in water, like a sugar cube. When dissolved in water, the solution is non-toxic. Furthermore, even though the material dissolves in water, leaves no microplastics, and is non-toxic... the PVOH molecules in the solution are biodegradable.

Garment bags can be made from this material. The film formulation can be adjusted to be more water resistant at cold water temperatures, and still act as a water barrier film when walking to/from the car in the rain; however, the bags will still be able to dissolve, either immediately by being submerged in hot water, or over a few months if left in cold water.
While the laundry bags are a clear and amazing staple in the industry, the 'green garment bags' have a notably higher price than standard polyethylene. Accordingly, the garment bag application may appeal to some dry cleaners more than others, depending on the individual dry cleaner's styles and goals.

"Dissolve away your laundry worries".

More information may be found on the website BioZaq.com

Sales Tax Rate and Rule Updates: August 1, 2024

The National Cleaners Association (NCA) strives to keep our members informed about important updates that impact their businesses. Each month, states make changes to sales tax rates and rules, and this month is no exception. Below is a summary of the rate and rule changes effective August 1, 2024, which may affect your business transactions. Being aware of these changes will help you avoid any surprises and ensure smooth operations.

For those using accounting software like QuickBooks, these updates will be automatically reflected in the software, streamlining your sales tax management process. Additionally, you can use the free sales tax calculator within your accounting software to find rates for any US address.

Sales Tax Liability Report

Curious about your Sales Tax Liability report? Explore this newly published help article written by sales tax experts, available in your accounting software’s support section.

Invoice Update

Review your invoices for the latest layout updates. You will now see:

• A new location of sale box
• A before and after tax discount toggle
• The ability to add rates directly on the invoice face

Rate Updates

Effective August 1, 2024:

• Alabama (Skyline use tax)

Tax Administration Updates

Alabama

• Gadsden: The administration of sales, use, and rental tax for the city of Gadsden will transfer from Avenu to the Alabama Department of Revenue, effective August 1, 2024. This change will impact reporting on or after September 1, 2024.
• Pinckard: Similarly, the administration of sales, use, and rental tax for the town of Pinckard will move from Avenu to the Alabama Department of Revenue, effective August 1, 2024, with reporting changes taking effect from September 1, 2024.

Content Updates

Oklahoma

• House Bill 1955: Effective August 29, 2024, Oklahoma exempts retail sales of food for human consumption off the premises where sold. All relevant tax categories will be marked as exempt starting from this date. More information on this change can be found here.

Sales Tax Holidays

Maximize your benefits during this year's sales tax holidays. We’ve added numerous new tax categories in the Sales Tax feature of QuickBooks Online. Learn how to map your products and services to these new categories with this quick tutorial.

• Arkansas: August 3-4. During this period, certain electronic devices, school supplies, art supplies, instructional materials, and clothing are exempt from state and local sales and use tax.
• Connecticut: August 18-24. Clothing and footwear costing less than $100 per item will be exempt from sales tax.
• Florida: July 29 - August 11. Exemptions include clothing, footwear, certain accessories (up to $100), school supplies (up to $50), learning aids and jigsaw puzzles (up to $30), and personal computers and related accessories (up to $1500) for noncommercial home use.
• Iowa: August 2-3. Clothing or footwear sold for less than $100 per item will be exempt from sales tax.
• Maryland: August 11-17. Sales tax does not apply to clothing or footwear priced $100 or less, and the first $40 of a backpack/bookbag.
• Massachusetts: August 10-11. Retail items up to $2,500 purchased for personal use will be exempt from sales tax.
• Missouri: August 2-4. Exempt items include clothing and footwear, personal computers and peripherals, software, and general school supplies.
• New Mexico: August 2-4. Qualifying tangible personal property will be sold tax-free.
• Ohio: July 30 - August 8. Most items $500 or less are exempt. Previously, the holiday included only clothing and school supplies.
• Oklahoma: August 2-4. Clothing and footwear sold for less than $100 per item are exempt from state and local sales taxes.
• South Carolina: August 2-4. Exempt items include clothing, accessories, footwear, school supplies, computers, and bed and bath linens.
• Texas: August 9-11. Most clothing, footwear, and school supplies priced less than $100 are included.
• Virginia: August 2-4. Exempt items include school supplies, clothing, footwear, hurricane and emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star and WaterSense products.
• West Virginia: August 2-5. Exempt items include clothing, footwear, instructional materials, school supplies, sports equipment, laptops, and tablets.

Sales Tax News

Kentucky

• Collectible Bullions, Coins, or Currency: Kentucky's HB 8 provided an exemption for these items, starting August 1. However, due to a line item veto by the Governor, the Kentucky Department of Revenue's position is that these items remain taxable.
• Credit Card Fees: According to the June 2024 Newsletter, if a retailer passes the cost of credit card fees onto the customer, the itemized charge for the fee is taxable.

New Jersey

• Sales Tax Holiday: Repealed by P.L. 2024, c. 19. Sellers should charge sales tax on all taxable items. More information can be found on the New Jersey Division of Taxation website.

These changes have been released by the states as of the date of this email, and there may be other small changes enacted late or retroactively by the states.

By staying informed through your accounting software and resources like QuickBooks, you can efficiently manage these updates and ensure compliance. For any questions or further details, please reach out to your software support or consult the relevant state tax authority.

We have received numerous calls from our membership concerning how their customers can safely remove perspiration stains during home laundering. First of all, this is a perfect opportunity to advise them about your wash and fold service. It’s also a perfect opportunity for you to “show off”  your garment care expertise to your customers.  

 

If a fabric is affected by its contact with perspiration, the difficulty in the removal of the stain depends on the following factors:

 

1.     The physical chemistry of the individual (the acid content in perspiration varies with each individual).

2.     The type of antiperspirant used by the consumer (antiperspirants contain metallic salts and alcohols that may discolor dyes).

3.     The type of medication(s) that the consumer may use (some types of medications may affect the acidity of their perspiration).

4.     The conditions of wear.

5.     The length of time that the perspiration was allowed to remain in the fabric prior to its laundering.

6.     The characteristics of the fabric and dyestuffs.

 

The safest, but least effective method for removing perspiration stains:

 

1.     In a bowl, mix baking soda and water until it forms a paste.

2.     Apply the paste to the stained areas of the garment.

3.     Tamp (do not brush) the with the back of a stainless steel or wooden spoon.

4.     Wait approximately 30 minutes.

5.     Launder the garment in accordance with its care label.

 

 

 

This procedure is more effective on oxidized or aged perspiration stains, but may carry a certain amount of risk:

1.     Mix a solution containing 8oz. of water, 1 tablespoon of clear household ammonia, and ½ tablespoon mild laundry detergent.

2.     Apply the solution to the stained area(s).

3.     Tamp with the back of a stainless steel spoon.

4.     Wait approximately 30 minutes.

5.     Flush the areas with water.

6.     Apply a solution of 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar (this will neutralize the ammonia).

7.     Launder the garment in accordance with its care label.

As a dry cleaner owner, you may be missing out on a highly profitable service: the cleaning and restoration of outdoor or patio furniture cushion covers. Despite the demand for this service, many cleaners have yet to tap into this lucrative market. These cushion covers, often exposed to the elements, can accumulate stains from mold, mildew, animal droppings, tree sap, and air pollutants. Fortunately, most outdoor furniture upholstery is washable or wet cleanable, making it an excellent addition to your in-plant services.

Why Offer Outdoor Cushion Cleaning?

Outdoor cushions are a significant investment for homeowners, and maintaining them can extend their lifespan and keep them looking fresh and clean. By offering this service, you can meet the needs of your customers while boosting your business's profitability.

Supplies Needed

To get started with cleaning outdoor cushion covers, you'll need a few essential supplies. These can be sourced from your chemical supplier, who can also install a dedicated program for processing these items, or purchased from home improvement centers. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Commercial Detergent for Outdoor Fabrics: Specifically designed for outdoor materials, these detergents effectively remove dirt and grime without damaging the fabric.
2. Commercial Anti-Microbial Agent: Essential for eliminating bacteria and microorganisms, ensuring the cushion covers are hygienically clean.
3. Chemical Agent for Mold and Mildew Removal: These agents tackle stubborn mold and mildew stains, restoring the fabric’s original appearance.
4. UV Protectant (Optional): Applying a UV protectant can help prevent future fading of the fabric from sunlight, extending the life of the cushion covers.

Steps for Cleaning Outdoor Cushion Covers

1. Inspection: Before starting the cleaning process, thoroughly inspect the cushion covers for any pre-existing damage, such as discoloration, fading, or weak and worn areas. Document these issues to manage customer expectations and avoid liability.

2. Pre-Treatment: Apply the mold and mildew remover to any affected areas, allowing it to work according to the product’s instructions.

3. Washing: Use the commercial detergent in your washing equipment, following the manufacturer’s guidelines for outdoor fabrics. Ensure that the covers are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.

4. Anti-Microbial Treatment: After washing, apply the anti-microbial agent to eliminate any remaining bacteria and microorganisms.

5. UV Protection: If you choose to offer UV protection, apply the UV protectant to the clean cushion covers and allow it to dry completely.

Benefits of Adding This Service

• Increased Revenue: By offering outdoor cushion cover cleaning, you can attract new customers and increase your service offerings to existing ones.
• Customer Satisfaction: Providing this service can enhance customer loyalty, as homeowners appreciate the convenience and expertise you bring to maintaining their outdoor furniture.
• Differentiation: Stand out from competitors by offering specialized cleaning services that cater to a growing market demand.

Conclusion

Adding outdoor cushion cover cleaning to your dry cleaning services can be a highly profitable and valuable addition. With the right supplies and procedures, you can effectively clean and restore these items, meeting customer needs and boosting your business’s bottom line. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your services and increase customer satisfaction.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing new rules to prevent heat-related injuries and illnesses in both outdoor and indoor work environments. This move aims to address the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the U.S., ensuring safer conditions for workers exposed to hazardous heat. The proposed regulations will require employers across various sectors to develop comprehensive heat protection plans, potentially reducing the average annual fatalities and injuries significantly. Public comments are encouraged to shape the final rule, ensuring it is both effective and feasible.

Public Comment:
Public comments play a crucial role in shaping OSHA's final rule on heat exposure by providing diverse perspectives and insights from stakeholders, including business owners, workers, and safety experts. These comments help OSHA understand the practical implications, potential challenges, and industry-specific concerns related to the proposed regulations. By analyzing this feedback, OSHA can refine the rule to ensure it is effective, feasible, and tailored to the needs of various sectors. This collaborative process aims to create well-balanced and comprehensive safety standards that protect workers while being practical for employers to implement.

Specific Requirements in OSHA's Proposed Heat Exposure Rule

The proposed OSHA rule includes several key requirements to ensure the safety of workers exposed to high heat:

1. Heat Protection Plans: Employers must develop and implement a written plan to protect workers from heat-related injuries and illnesses.

2. Training Programs: Mandatory training for workers and supervisors on recognizing heat stress symptoms and prevention methods.

3. Monitoring and Response: Procedures for monitoring heat conditions and ensuring timely medical response for affected workers.

4. Engineering and Administrative Controls: Implementation of engineering controls like ventilation and cooling, and administrative controls such as work/rest cycles.

For more information, visit OSHA's Heat Exposure Rulemaking page

Corporate Transparency Act - An Update - IMPORTANT

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS: 

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), enacted by Congress in 2021, aimed to address serious issues such as money laundering, financing of terrorist activities, and tax evasion. However, the National Small Business Association (NSBA) has filed a brief with the Eleventh Circuit, urging it to uphold a lower court’s finding that the CTA is unconstitutional. This move is accompanied by legislative efforts to repeal the law.

The Intent and Requirements of the CTA

The CTA mandates that specified business entities must file beneficial ownership information about their owners, officers, and other control persons with the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). These initial reporting requirements took effect in January, with penalties for noncompliance including substantial fines and imprisonment.

Constitutional Concerns

The NSBA argues that the CTA’s reporting requirements compel US citizens and residents to report sensitive personal information, violating their constitutional rights. An Alabama federal district court concurred in March, ruling that Congress had overstepped its foreign affairs, commerce, and tax powers in enacting the CTA. Consequently, the court enjoined enforcement of the CTA’s beneficial ownership information filing requirements for NSBA members, though all other business entities must still comply. THIS IS IMPORTANT - ALL SMALL BUSINESSES FOR THE MOST PART ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY.

The Appeal and Fourth Amendment Issues

The case is now on appeal before the Eleventh Circuit. NSBA’s attorneys argue that the district court correctly found the CTA exceeds Congress’ Article I powers. They also contend that the CTA violates the Fourth Amendment’s protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. According to the NSBA, requiring businesses to submit beneficial ownership information for law enforcement purposes constitutes a "search." They argue that the CTA is essentially a workaround to the Fourth Amendment’s warrant requirement, facilitating the fight against financial crimes more efficiently but unconstitutionally.

Legal Precedents and Arguments

The NSBA’s brief draws a parallel to the 1979 US Supreme Court case Brown v. Texas, where the Court struck down a state statute that allowed police to detain individuals and require their names and addresses without a specific basis for suspicion. The NSBA argues that the CTA similarly violates constitutional protections by demanding sensitive information without specific suspicion of wrongdoing.

Diverging Opinions

Thomas Lee, co-author of the NSBA brief, asserts that collecting massive amounts of data from millions of law-abiding small-business owners is not only unconstitutional but also ineffective for addressing law-enforcement and national-security threats. Conversely, Zorka Milin of the Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency (FACT) Coalition defends the CTA, stating that the law is within Congress’ powers and that the information required is routine and non-incriminatory. The FACT Coalition, along with other organizations and subject matter experts, has filed amicus curiae briefs supporting the CTA’s constitutionality.

Legislative Efforts to Repeal the CTA

Amid these legal challenges, legislative efforts are also underway to repeal the CTA. Representative Warren Davidson (R-OH) introduced a bill (HR 8147) to repeal the CTA, followed by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) with a Senate bill (S 4297). These lawmakers argue that the CTA unfairly targets small business owners and imposes severe penalties for noncompliance, including up to two years of jail time and fines of up to $10,000 per violation.

Davidson criticizes FinCEN for violating the personal privacy of American business owners by mandating the disclosure of sensitive information. Tuberville echoes this sentiment, highlighting the unprecedented intrusion into personal privacy and the severe penalties for noncompliance.

Conclusion

As the Eleventh Circuit considers the appeal, the debate over the CTA’s constitutionality and its impact on small businesses continues to intensify. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the balance between financial transparency and constitutional protections.

URLs

National Small Business Association 

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) 

FACT Coalition 

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve rapidly in 2025, service businesses must adapt to new trends and technologies to stay ahead of the curve. Here are twelve strategic imperatives to ensure your marketing efforts thrive in the coming year.

Focus on Customer Profiles and Feedback Loops

Creating Unified Customer Profiles for Service Businesses

In the dynamic world of 2025, creating unified customer profiles and establishing continuous feedback loops are critical for understanding and responding to consumer needs. For service businesses, this means gathering data from multiple touchpoints such as appointment bookings, customer service interactions, feedback forms, and social media engagement. Implementing a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system like Salesforce or HubSpot can help consolidate and organize this data into a single, unified profile. Regularly analyzing this data to identify patterns and segment customers based on behavior, preferences, and demographics allows for more precise and personalized marketing efforts.

Establishing Continuous Feedback Loops for Service Businesses

Feedback loops provide ongoing insights into customer experiences and expectations. For service businesses, this involves implementing feedback mechanisms like follow-up emails, SMS surveys, or feedback forms post-service to gather valuable customer opinions. Actively monitoring social media and review platforms helps understand customer sentiment and identify areas for improvement. Regularly reviewing feedback and taking actionable steps to address concerns demonstrate a commitment to meeting customer needs, fostering long-term relationships and brand loyalty.

Predictive Analytics for Service Businesses

Leveraging Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics is becoming a cornerstone of effective marketing strategies, offering the ability to foresee customer needs and behaviors before they arise. For service businesses, this involves gathering extensive historical data on customer behaviors, transactions, and interactions. Investing in predictive analytics tools like SAS Analytics, IBM Watson, or Google Analytics enables the processing and analysis of large datasets. Developing predictive models with the help of data analysts allows businesses to anticipate customer demands, tailor their offerings, and create highly relevant content. Integrating these tools with your CRM and marketing platforms ensures real-time personalization, delivering the right message at the right time.

Empowerment and Learning for Service Businesses

Empowering Customers

Empowering customers to take control of their data and preferences is a growing trend that places them at the center of the marketing experience. For service businesses, this involves providing data control options through user-friendly online portals, allowing customers to update their profiles, service preferences, and appointment settings. Offering customization options and clearly communicating how customer data is used enhances transparency and trust, leading to higher engagement rates and stronger brand loyalty.

Cultivating Continuous Learning

Continuous learning within marketing teams is vital in adapting to the fast-paced digital landscape. Service businesses should encourage regular training sessions to keep staff updated on the latest service techniques and customer service best practices. Fostering a culture of experimentation where staff can suggest and test new ideas for improving service delivery promotes innovation. Staying informed through industry newsletters, webinars, and conferences ensures marketing strategies remain cutting-edge and effective. Implementing internal feedback mechanisms allows team members to share insights and learnings, creating a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement.

Purpose-Driven Marketing for Service Businesses

Defining and Communicating Purpose

Purpose-driven marketing is more than a trend; it's a necessity in today's socially conscious marketplace. Service businesses need to clearly define their mission, vision, and core values, and ensure these principles are reflected in every aspect of their operations. This might include sustainability initiatives, community engagement, or ethical business practices. Developing marketing campaigns that highlight your commitment to these values helps build stronger emotional connections with your audience, enhancing brand loyalty and differentiation. Engaging with the community through participation in local initiatives and supporting relevant causes demonstrates a commitment to making a positive impact. Regularly sharing updates on your purpose-driven initiatives through blogs, social media, and other communication channels keeps your audience informed and engaged, fostering long-term loyalty.

The year 2025 promises to be an exciting time for marketing, with new opportunities and challenges on the horizon. By focusing on creating unified customer profiles, leveraging predictive analytics, empowering customers, cultivating continuous learning, and implementing purpose-driven marketing, service businesses can position themselves for success. These strategic imperatives ensure a comprehensive and adaptive marketing strategy that prioritizes the customer and fosters long-term growth and loyalty. Stay ahead of the curve and thrive in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.

The body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially in high humidity conditions like a dry cleaning plant, sweating isn't enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if workers don't drink enough water and take periodic breaks in a well ventilated, low light space. Without reasonable precautions workers can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

In 2023, the United States saw a record number of heat-related deaths, with more than 2,300 people dying from excessive heat. That is the highest number since they have been tracking it.  Between Jan. 1, 2023 and Dec. 31, 2023, there were a total of 119,605 ER visits for heat-related illnesses, with 92% of those visits occurring between May and September, according to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heat illnesses and deaths are preventable.

OSHA requires employers to provide a safe workplace, including protection from extreme heat.

Here are some things you can do to protect your workers from excessive heat.

• Make arrangements to increase the delivery schedule for your water cooler.

• Make arrangements to have ice, ice coolers and water bottles on hand.

• Make towels available for workers to wet down with cold water.

• Make sure every work station has a properly operating fan and cool water.

• Instruct workers to drink water at least every 15 minutes, even if they are not thirsty.

• Instruct workers to wear cool, looser fitting clothes made from natural fibers (cotton) that will breathe.

• Allow frequent breaks for workers to rest in a location that provides respite from the heat.

• Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimatize, or build a tolerance for working in the heat.

• Adjust working hours to avoid having employees work during the hottest part of the day

• Make sure all steam pipes and hoses are insulated.

• Plan for emergencies and train workers on signs of heat distress.

• Encourage workers to ‘keep an eye’ on each other

• Require supervisors to monitor workers for signs of illness.

FACTS ABOUT REDEPOSITION

When insoluble particles are released from a fabric while being cleaned, the soil particles will become suspended in the solvent and picked up by the filter.  However, before passing through the filter, loose soil particles may be attracted to a fabric in the wheel, which results in an overall gray or dull appearance. 

Sometimes the redepostion will be limited in area to a streak or blotch.  Not every garment in a load may be affected.  Often, only one garment is affected.  Resin finishes, which give the fabric easy care features, attract loose soil particles.  Polyester, nylons, acrylics as well as woolens when abraded (from the rotation of the drum) during dry cleaning, become electrically charged and attract loose soil particles.  Once attracted to the resin finish or electrically charged fibers, these particles cannot be easily released.

SUGGESTIONS TO AVOID REDEPOSITION

The two basic objectives in avoiding redeposition are to remove the soil from the garment and then to remove soil from the solvent as quickly as possible.  Even where solvent purity is properly maintained, redeposition may occur under certain predictable circumstances, which can usually be avoided.

(1)   Improve the flow of solvent from the wheel, through the filter, and back to the wheel. The complete changeover of solvent in the machine should require no more than 1 minute.  The possibility of redeposition increases as the flow of solvent decreases. The reason for a slow solvent flow may be the result of clogged disc filters or cartridges, a faulty or clogged solvent pump, a clogged button trap or pump screen, or clogged inlet or outlet lines.  High or low filter pressure could be an indication of a filter problem.

(2)   Pure solvent. If the machine is fitted with a still, distillation is required to remove solvent soluble impurities.  The filter removes only the insoluble soil such as soot, carbon and dust, and lint.  For each 100 pounds of garments, it is desirable to distill at least 10 gallons of solvent. Spin disk filters require more distillation to maintain the purity of the solvents (16 gal per 100lbs). If the machine is not fitted with a still, large format cartridge filters that contain either clay or a larger carbon core are sometimes used in machines that do not use perchloroethylene. These filters will remove solvent-soluble as well as insoluble impurities from the solvent. These types of filters must be changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

(3)   Improper detergent injection or detergent concentration charge.  Most detergents hold insoluble soil in suspension.  Detergents are also helpful in minimizing the undesirable effect of moisture on many fabrics.  The detergent manufacture suggestion for concentration and addition should be maintained. 

(4)   Proper load classification.  Dark color garments usually release more dye and can be assumed to carry more soil.  When light and dark colored garments are dry cleaned in the same load, redeposition is more likely.

(5)   High moisture retentive fabric.  Many fabrics such as cotton, wool and rayon can retain a high percentage of moisture and will attract more loose soil when wet or damp.  If these garments are not allowed to dry after wetside spotting, they will attract soil when loaded into the dry cleaning machine.

(6)  Overloading the wheel prevents circulation of the solvent especially to the center of the load.  The insoluble particles become trapped and are more easily redeposited onto the fabric instead of being pumped through the filter.

(7)   Excessive solvent temperatures. Solvent temperatures should be maintained between 75-80 degrees F.  Hot solvent releases moisture and dyes that can contribute to redeposition

(8)   Excessive dyes and impurities.  The solvent color should be lighter that the color of a light beer.  Increased distillation and (or) more frequent carbon cartridge changes will aid in solvent maintenance.

(9)   A malfunctioning still that releases impurities along with the distillate.

Determining redeposition on garments

a.       Applying oily type paint remover or a P.O.G. to the affected area(s)

b.      Tamp vigorously.

c.       Apply a few drops of ammonia

d.      Tamp vigorously.  If the area becomes lighter, the problem is redeposition.

 

Correction Procedure

The procedure for the removal of redeposition is time consuming and is frequently unsuccessful.  Localized areas should be pre-spotted with oily type paint remover or a P.O.G., then tamped and rerun.  Sometimes rust remover is effective on an affected area that attracted metallic impurities.  For large areas use the following:

(1)   Soak the garment in a high detergent concentration in the basket.

(2)   Batch the garment for 10 minutes, then run on filter for 8 minutes.

(3)   If the previous method was unsuccessful, try soaking the garment overnight, using sodium perborate or sodium percarbonate (2 ounces/gallon of water) with a mild synthetic laundry detergent. Rinse thoroughly, then neutralize the bleach by souring with a mild acid. Rinse again.    

           Correcting soil redeposition is time consuming and the results are unpredictable.  It is far better to avoid redeposition with the following:

(1)   A properly functioning still and filter

(2)   Proper load classification

(3)   The addition of clear (“make-up”) solvent

(4)   Proper solvent temperatures

SOLVENT PERFORMANCE TEST

Take a white cotton swatch or handkerchief and cut it in half.  Clean one half and use the un-cleaned half for a control.  Compare the color both pieces after cleaning.