/ Magazine / Non-traditional washes under the spotlight

Non-traditional washes under the spotlight

by
MARZIO NAVA

Why focus on MOPs washing and other cleaning processes that are so distinct and diverse from each other? The reason is that we aim to address non-traditional washes, driven by the increasing market demand and growing interest in applications that go beyond the marginal or residual. We believe it is crucial to approach these processes individually, as each type of wash has its own distinct characteristics and requirements. However, beyond MOP washing and petrelated care, what other specialized cleaning processes are more frequently performed and in demand? For instance, certain washes in the food and dairy industries, as well as the treatment of horse blankets, require specialized machines and tailored programs. What are the defining features of the machines employed in these non-common washing treatments? Furthermore, what specific programs are being used to achieve optimal results?

ELECTROLUX PROFESSIONAL

Marco Oleoni, Sales Director Laundry at ELECTROLUX PROFESSIONAL SPA, introduces the company's machines and specialized programs for “alternative washes”. “I would like to highlight two key non-traditional washing processes. The first concerns the treatment of MOPs, fringes, and microfiber cloths. Thanks to our expertise in cleaning microfiber materials and strong partnerships with renowned professional cleaning operators, we have achieved the highest hygiene standards while minimizing mop and cloth replacement costs. Our tailor-made programs allow to effectively remove bacteria and residues during washing, ensuring that operators can always use clean, sanitized mops. Moreover, our machines allow for direct impregnation during washing, enabling MOPs and cloths to be cleaned and treated in a single step, significantly reducing water, detergent, and labour costs”. Over the years, Electrolux Professional has developed specialized washing machine models for MOP treatment. What are their key features? “The drum is designed with large holes that enable faster and easier particle removal. The heating elements are coated and constructed from highly durable materials, ensuring extended performance. Small inspection windows inside the drum which act as lint-collecting filters, simplifying the inspection and cleaning of heating elements to enhance their durability. Finally, the electrically operated drain valve ensures quick and efficient wash water discharge, preventing blockages. The second key application area is in livestock farming, specifically the cleaning of cows' udders before and after milking to prevent infections. In this sector, our collaboration with leading hygiene experts has enabled us to develop tailored solutions for treating microfiber cloths while minimizing water and energy consumption. Also in this case, textile materials are ready for use immediately after the washing cycle, thanks to the impregnation process directly in the washing machine, leading to significant time and operational savings”, concludes Oleoni.

ÈCOSÌ

We meet Antonio Ciccarella, Laundry Division Manager of ÈCOSÌ, who focuses on surface cleaning treatments, “The MOP is an essential tool but also one of the most challenging to manage in terms of hygiene. This is why proper MOP treatment is crucial across all professional frameworks, including healthcare, industry, Ho.Re.Ca., and communities. During use, MOPs accumulate organic dirt, bacteria, viruses, and chemical residues. If not properly washed and sanitized, they can become contamination vectors, compromising the efficiency of the entire cleaning process. ÈCOSÌ has developed four professional washing systems to address these challenges: ÈCOMATIC, BIG FLUID, ELBA ECOLABEL, and BIO, each one designed to meet the specific needs of laundries and professional facilities. For us, disinfection with PMC is not optional; it is a cornerstone of our process. AQUOXIL, a peracetic acid-based solution, can be integrated into washing cycles to ensure microbiological effectiveness, even at low temperatures. MOPs washing - he concludes - is not a secondary task; it is a strategic step in guaranteeing safety, hygiene, and the continuity of professional service”.

IMESA

When discussing about non-traditional washes, which machines or specific programs does IMESA particularly focus on? We asked Enrico Allario, the Chemical Account Manager of the company. “As Imesa, we have a machine specifically designed for the dairy sector, and therefore for the food industry, particularly for cheese production, which has the unique feature of being airtight, with its program section managed remotely. In the food industry, during sanitization, they use high-pressure foaming systems that cause splashes of product water. Therefore, the machine must be properly sealed to prevent any water from entering to its electrical components. The machine is special, while the programs are mostly standard, including a couple of initial rinses to remove most of the dirt, a pre-wash, and washing at temperatures ranging from 40°C to 60°C, more or less - so traditional. For washing MOPs, Imesa uses a program called “microfibres”. MOPs containing detergent residues and dirt require a specific washing cycle. This cycle always begins with two rinses and spinning to remove any residual detergent, followed by a final washing cycle at 60°C. The washing process is adjusted based on the type of cloth and the nature of the detergent to be removed, such as degreaser or disinfectant. Afterward, the impregnation phase is managed by the detergent specialist. In the various washing processes, except for specific cases mentioned earlier, the machine remains the same, while only the programs change. Depending on the type of wash required, operators must manage a series of programs that regulate different washing phases, water levels, drum rotation, and washing temperatures. After washing, the process moves to the dryer, which also has dedicated programs tailored to the specific treatment. Which is the added value of Imesa? As a company, we provide operators the possibility to customize every type of wash by adjusting all parameters. Through the M11 touch display, users can modify and personalize all programs to suit their needs”.

RENZACCI

“In many non-traditional washing processes, we have gained decades of experience by developing machines with dedicated programs and specialized features”, says Marco Niccolini, General Sales and Marketing Director of RENZACCI. “We are talking about MOPs, and particularly those that currently dominate the market - microfiber MOPs. Microfiber is excellent at trapping bacteria and collecting impurities, but it requires highly specific treatment techniques to effectively remove micro-impurities and bacterial load from the cleaned surfaces. We mentioned that the characteristics of the washing machine must be unique, but what do we mean by that? I’m referring to specific engineering techniques, such as the shape of the drum fins, their length, size, and inclination angle, as well as the ratio with the drum’s diameter. These are just some of the key strategic factors that make a difference in performance. Essentially, what many today would refer to as the hardware of the machine. Then, of course, there is the software program, which works in tandem with the machine’s design and structural features. The ability to regulate temperature fluctuations, precisely control washing levels, adjust detergent dosing, etc., allows for customized programs tailored to each customer's specific needs. Washing processes in the food industry require cleaning techniques that preserve the integrity of packaging materials, as seen in the dairy industry but also in the processing of cured meats, where it is essential to maintain a specific balance of the drum agitation and rotation. In these cases, disinfection is crucial. In some sectors, ensuring uniform air circulation through cloths, sheets, or packaging materials also plays a key role in maintaining consistency in fermentation processes and, consequently, in the preparation phases of food products. In all these cases, it is less about washing and more about customized treatment, as the focus is on preserving the original characteristics of the materials used. Renzacci offers a complete range of machines for all treatment needs, with capacities ranging from 9 kg to 120 kg, along with dedicated tumble dryers to address any challenge”, concludes Niccolini.

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS

his reportage increasingly involves me as an interviewer because, among the unconventional washing methods, there are many unique and distinctive ones. It is also the case of the washing machines produced by ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS, which, as Vittorio Maglione, Country Manager for Italy of the company explains, can be adapted to meet any specific request. “We also receive requests for washing the milking cloths”. What does it mean? “In milking systems, before attaching the milking machine, the cow's udder must be properly washed and disinfected. There are cloths that are moistened with a disinfectant solution. The key feature is that the washing system must ensure that the cleaned cloth maintains a temperature of around 38°C, which is ideal for the cow's udder. In this case, in addition to cleanliness, temperature is also crucial because if the cloth is too cold, the udder contracts, resulting in lower milking efficiency. Washing in the equestrian sector is also unique, particularly when it comes to horse blankets and saddle pads. In these cases, the machine and program must be able to handle items covered with hair, requiring a specialized detergent program for effective removal”. Now, let's move on to MOPs. How does the impregnation phase occur after washing? “In the final washing phase, where fabric softener is usually added, an impregnating product is introduced into the machine. This product is absorbed by the MOP, even during a low-speed spin cycle, ensuring uniform distribution. The cleaning cost in service contracts is calculated per square meter of cleaned surface. Another unconventional washing process, one that other companies have mentioned to you, is in the dairy industry”. What is the material of the cloth that needs to be washed? “Cotton and linen. It must be treated after each curdling process, which in some dairies happens twice a day, depending on their needs”, concludes Maglione.

BRENTARENO

“BRENTARENO is supplying specialized machinery and special turnkey solutions for non-traditional washing processes such as cleaning MOPs, especially in Residential Care Homes (RCH) and the health care sector”, says Marzio Klos, Sales Director for Italy/Export of the company. “Our certified washing processes ensure the complete elimination of bacterial loads. We use precise machine calibrations to ensure accurate dosing for MOP impregnation, maximizing the cleaning and sanitizing effect. Our machines handle cotton and microfiber MOPs. The added value lies in the drum's design, featuring optimally shaped beaters that enhance water flow, with strategically placed holes for efficient dirt removal. Additionally, the adaptability of the spin speed ensures optimal moisture levels for maximum MOP performance. The machine is also equipped in the lower part with a drawer with a solid particle filter specifically designed for MOPs washing. A key highlight and our flagship product is the Pet Dry Wash, a stacked machine designed for washing pet beds, blankets, and clothing for domestic animals. We also offer larger machines for washing horse blankets”. Between treatments, do only the washing programs change, or also the machines? "The machines for domestic animals and those used for washing horse accessories mainly differ in size, with the rest being very similar. In both cases, hair is a concern that our machines effectively address. The machine used for washing MOPs and the one used in the food industry, particularly for cheese processing, are essentially the same, with the main difference being the programs”. •

DETERGO MAGAZINE # APRIL 2025

Read also

Laundry Laboratories

December 2025

Care and maintenance of technical garments: operating guidelines