The value of biological

So, everybody has heard of biological and non-biological washing powder but do you REALLY know what the difference is between these two different types of detergent?

A biological washing powder contains enzymes which break down stains and dirt whilst in the wash. A non-biological washing powder does not contain these enzymes but instead uses soap and more natural based chemistry to clean your clothes and this is the major difference.

Sometimes the enzymes may be artificially created so that they are more able to remove stains, particularly ones which are very deep and dried on to the fabric.

Some people with very sensitive skin may find it better to use a non-biological powder, although this may not be as effective at getting rid of stains,

In terms of the environmental impact, neither system is perfect. Whilst the enzymes contained in a biological wash powder may take longer to disperse within the environment, the temperatures for washing can be lower than for a non-biological powder. The non-bio powder could take a higher temperature to do the same wash, which uses more electricity and water and this also has an environmental impact.

You need to find cleaning products that are not tested on animals and do not do too much harm to the environment, So ultimately the choice is whether to use a chemically enhanced detergent for a more effective clean at lower temperatures or to use a more natural detergent that will need a hotter wash to achieve the same result.

By all accounts there is very little difference in cost or environmental impact whichever you choose, so this is a case where it comes down to personal choice!

Contact  Iron Maids  for  all  your  laundry,  ironing  and  dry  cleaning  needs  on iron-maids.co.uk,  01622 870111 or 01233 779009

Why have your clothes Dry Cleaned

Dry cleaning is a technique for washing clothing and fabrics that uses a chemical solution in the place of water. This chemical solution is a much gentler way of removing stains, dirt, and other debris from fabric when compared to traditional washing with water and detergent.

 
The dry cleaning process looks similar to using an ordinary washing machine, except that it is far gentler, uses less heat, replaces water with the chemical solvent, and can also dry its contents. After fabrics have been washed in the chemical solution, they are then rinsed, and the chemical solvent is removed from the fabrics. When all of the solvent has been removed, the machine will then dry the fabrics using a lower heat than traditional machines.

During the dry cleaning process, the operator has to ensure that all garments are free of pens, lipsticks, and other objects that could damage the fabrics. They also must check for seams and zips that have been damaged during the washing process, and repair any damages. While dry cleaning cannot remove every stain, it will remove a larger amount of dirt and residue than traditional washing.

Many fabrics are dry clean only and can be damaged with traditional washing. These fabrics will shrink, stretch, or become worn and damaged if they are put through a regular washer and dryer. Some examples of these fabrics are suede and imitation suede, smooth leather and imitation leather, cashmere, angora, acetate, some knits, and clothing with beading, sequins, and other embellishments.

However, there are also some fabrics that can be dry cleaned or washed in a regular washer and dryer. These fabrics are linen, wool, Polyolefin, silk, and triacetate. While dry cleaning is the best option whenever possible, they can also be washed if necessary. When washing these fabrics, it is important to use gentle cycles, cold temperatures, or even hand wash these textiles.

Even if a blouse or pair of trousers says dry clean only, many people still wish to wash their own clothing in order to save money. Many times, this will lead to a fabric being damaged or shrinking, therefore making it unwearable. If an article of clothing says that it should be dry cleaned, it is usually with good reason. To ignore these instructions is to possibly ruin your clothing.

If it is impossible to have an article of clothing or other textile dry cleaned, than it is important to at least wash the fabric in cold water, on a gentle cycle, and use gentle detergent. While this may still damage the fabric, it lessens the chance that the clothing will be irreparably damaged. However, some clothing, like suits, formal dresses, and leather jackets, should never be machine washed, regardless of the price of dry cleaning. It is more cost effective to dry clean an article of clothing than to ruin it sufficiently so that it must be replaced.

If you have any dry cleaning requirements, contact Iron Maids on 01622 870111, 01233 779009 or via iron-maids.co.uk

The History of Ironing

No-one can say exactly when people started trying to press cloth smooth, but research shows us that the Chinese were using hot metal for ironing before anyone else. They were using pans filled with hot coals that were pressed over stretched cloth. A thousand years ago this method was already well-established.

Meanwhile people in Northern Europe were using stones, glass and wood for smoothing linens and cloths. These continued in use for "ironing" in some places into the mid-19th century, long after Western blacksmiths started to forge smoothing irons in the late Middle Ages.

Ironing continued to be done with hot coals in open metal pans in China, the basic principles no different from an enclosed charcoal iron. Pan irons could be simple or highly decorative. Further west, clay smoothers were sometimes used. Solid ones could be heated for pressing.

Others were designed to hold hot embers like the North African terracotta irons. The ladies preparing newly-woven silk in a 12th century Chinese painting are using a pan iron, in the same way as the ironers in a 19th century drawing.

Although that drawing comes from Korea, Koreans were traditionally known for smoothing their clothes with pairs of ironing sticks, beating cloth rhythmically on a stone support. A single club for beating clothes smooth was used in Japan, on a stand called a kinuta.

In many parts of the world similar techniques were used in both cloth manufacturing and laundering: in Senegal, for example. 

If you would like Iron Maids to do your laundry, ironing or dry cleaning, contact us on 01622 870111 or 01233 779009 or via http://www.iron-maids.co.uk/

Water Softner

Hard water and lime scale affect 60% of UK households costing hundreds of pounds in parts, repairs and replacement appliances. Although billions have been spent ensuring that drinking water complies with EC standards, little has been done about hard water.

The problems associated with hard water are the result of the natural water supply filtering through sedimentary rock and water absorbing additional minerals. These minerals form chemical compounds which form layers of scale in plumbing and appliances.

Just 6mm of lime scale can reduce energy efficiency by up to 40%. For the average household that could mean a considerable increase per year in extra fuel costs. Add to that extra cleaning products, chemicals to soften the water, reduced appliance life, increased maintenance and the true cost of hard water is revealed.

Water softeners are designed to remove the minerals that cause hardness. Water passes through the softener containing resin beads which attract the complexes and are cleaned with chemicals.

Conditioning water through a strong, focused magnetic field is a form of magnetically induced ionisation. Without the magnetic field, minerals contained within the water break down leaving minerals free to attract and bond to adjacent surfaces.

When the minerals are broken down in the magnetic field they take on a charge and act as crystalline centres that allow them to remain in suspension instead of forming crusts on the surfaces.

Magnetic conditioners do not remove any of the natural minerals contained in the water that are essential to health. In the Far East (especially Japan) and more recently in America people are drinking magnetically treated water as it may help the digestive system and allows the waste toxins to be removed more efficiently through the kidneys.

It is also possible that drinking soft water, with high levels of sodium, may cause an elevated sodium level. High salt intake may be linked to a variety of health problems. Magnetically conditioned water does not have an increased sodium level. These also aid in lengthening the life of domestic appliances.

If you would like help with your laundry, contact Iron Maids on 01622 870111 or 01233 779009, or via iron-maids.co.uk