During daily operations, main detergents are not the only key factor. Common laundry additives include sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, and sodium percarbonate. They can help handle common issues (such as odor, oil stains, hard water, yellowing, and colored-garment care). Using more does not mean better cleaning performance. The dosage depends on fabrics, stain types, as well as water quality. They also determine the temperature and processing time.
Sodium Bicarbonate
It is mildly alkaline and suitable for daily cleaning support. It is safe and available, as well as gentle on most cotton, linen, and blended fabrics.
- Operations
– Enhance cleaning performance
When using a Kingstar wet cleaning machine, dose one cup of sodium bicarbonate into the detergent dispenser together with the laundry powder. It is suitable for garments with strong sweat odors or slight yellowing.
– Spot stain removal
Add two spoons of sodium bicarbonate to a little water. Apply the paste to collars, cuffs, as well as slightly stained areas. Leave it for 10-15 minutes. Then wash as usual after gently brushing.
– Eliminate odors & soak
Add half a cup of sodium bicarbonate to 5 L of warm water. Soak the items in the solution for 30 minutes. Then wash as usual. This method is suitable for towels, sports wear, and pet textiles.
– Hard water support
In hard-water areas, dose half a cup or a cup of sodium bicarbonate into the detergent dispenser of the Kingstar wet cleaning machine. Select the detergent dispenser in the wash program. It can automatically dose the additive to help detergents achieve better cleaning performance.
- Cautions
Sodium bicarbonate cannot effectively remove heavy oil stains. It is not suitable for protein fibers, such as wool and silk. Do not mix it with chlorine bleach.
Sodium Carbonate
It is more alkaline than sodium bicarbonate. It is effective in removing oil stains, adjusting the pH level, as well as softening water. It is suitable for workwear, cotton and linen, as well as heavily soiled garments.
- Operations
– Heavy oil stain pre-treatment
Add sodium carbonate to warm water. Apply the paste to the stained areas. Leave it for 10-20 minutes. Then wash as usual after gently brushing.
– Enhance cleaning performance
Add half a cup of sodium carbonate to warm water. Dissolve it completely before dosing it into the washing machine. In the Kingstar wet cleaning machine, dose the sodium carbonate into its detergent dispenser. It can dissolve the additive in water and dose it into the drum through siphoning. This helps prevent clumping and localized fabric damage.
– Color care for cotton and linen
Dose one-third or half a cup of sodium carbonate into each machine. It can help maintain garment color and brightness. Test colorfastness first.
- Cautions
Sodium carbonate has high alkalinity. Wear gloves during operations. It cannot be used for delicate fabrics (such as wool, silk, and lace). Excessive usage can cause stiff hand feel and color damage. Make sure the laundry is rinsed thoroughly.
Sodium Sesquicarbonate
Sodium sesquicarbonate is a compound of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. The alkalinity is between sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate. It can be used for water softening, light-to-moderate stain removal, as well as odor elimination.
- Operations
– Regular dosage
Dose a quarter or half a cup of sodium sesquicarbonate per machine together with detergents. It is suitable for daily garment cleaning in hard-water areas.
– Stain removal & soak
Sodium sesquicarbonate should be dissolved in warm water. Garments can be soaked for about 30-60 minutes. Then wash as usual.
– Eliminate odors & care
Dose a quarter cup of sodium sesquicarbonate per machine. This can reduce sweat and musty odors.
– Colored garments
It is gentle on colored cotton and linen fabrics. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
- Cautions
Skin-sensitive operators should wear gloves. Check care labels before washing delicate fabrics. Do not mix it with chlorine bleach. Excessive usage can leave alkaline residues.
Sodium Percarbonate
Sodium percarbonate is an oxygen-based bleach. It is often used in laundry shops. It can release active oxygen after dissolving in warm water. It can remove stains, whiten fabrics, eliminate odors, as well as support disinfection. It is milder than chlorine bleach. It is suitable for white garments and many colored clothes.
- Operations
– Regular whitening
Add 1-2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate into the detergent dispenser of the Kingstar wet cleaning machine together with laundry powder. A water temperature of 40-60℃ can achieve better cleaning performance.
– Soak & stain removal
Add 1-2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate (per 5 L of warm water). Garments can be soaked for 30 minutes to 2 hours. It is suitable for removing coffee, wine, grass, as well as collar yellowing stains.
– Whiten white garments
For white cotton and linen garments, use laundry powder with 60℃ water. Do not use chlorine bleach.
– Oxygen bleaching for colored garments
These garments are suitable for 30-40℃ water. Test colorfastness first to prevent dark-color fading.
– Support disinfection
Follow production instructions. Choose the proper temperature and time. It is suitable for towels and bedding.
- Cautions
Sodium percarbonate is effective in warm water. It can release oxygen in a closed container. Leave room for gas release during storage and soaking processes. Do not mix it with chlorine bleach, acid, and reducing agents. It is not suitable for wool and silk. Test dark garments first.
Operation Cautions
- Identify
Check care labels, fabrics, stains, and water quality.
- Dissolve
Sodium carbonate and sodium percarbonate should be dissolved in water first before dosing into the machine. This can reduce local garment damage.
- Use the right dosage
Test on a small area before processing in a batch.
- Sort by color & fabrics type
Besides white and colored garments, towels and delicate fabrics should be separated.
- Record wash details
For example, record water volume, temperature, chemical dosage, as well as soaking time for reviewing rewash results.
- Rinse thoroughly
Chemical residues can affect fabric feel or irritate skin. Proper rinsing can remove residual chemicals.
Conclusion
Choose sodium bicarbonate for light stains, odors, as well as daily garment care. Sodium carbonate can be used for removing heavy oil stains. Sodium sesquicarbonate is suitable for softening water and stain removal. Sodium percarbonate can help remove yellowing, whiten fabrics, act as an oxygen bleach, and disinfect. The four laundry additives should be used for the right applications and at proper dosages and temperatures. Therefore, laundry shops can reduce rewash rate, improve efficiency, and deliver consistent garment care results.
Q&A
Q1: Can laundry additives and laundry powder be dosed together into the drum?
A1: No. Direct dosing into the drum can cause excessive local concentration. This can damage garments. Without the pre-wash cycle, the cleaning performance can be reduced. The Kingstar detergent dispenser can ensure that detergents are dosed at the proper stage. The dissolved laundry chemicals can be automatically dosed without opening the door during the wash cycle.
Q2: Does a Kingstar wet cleaning machine have preset programs?
A2: Some programs have been set for direct use. Laundry parameters can also be adjusted before use.
Q3: What should one know before opening a laundry shop?
A3:
- Check care labels carefully
- Understand different fabrics’properties
- Learn how to identify and remove common stains
- Join professional training if possible
- Keep records during operations and review the results
This can help improve experience and laundry skills.
