Benefits of Ozone Laundry Systems
While ozone cleaning technology has been been around for decades, it is only in recent years that brands such as ArtiClean have made the equipment compact and affordable enough for vended laundries. Now, we see laundromats switch to ozone laundry systems to benefit from lower operating costs, reduced chemical usage, and increased customer satisfaction. Read on to learn more about this environmentally friendly solution and how your business and customers can benefit from this system upgrade.
What is Ozone?
Ozone, aka O3, is a naturally occurring gas composed of three oxygen atoms. Ozone near Earth's surface is produced in chemical reactions involving naturally occurring gases or those from pollution sources. When solar UV radiation strikes an oxygen (O2) molecule, each free atom attaches itself to a nearby O2 molecule, forming O3.
The ozone in a laundry system should not be confused with the ozone found in our atmosphere's ground level (also known as smog). The O3 we add to wash water can be an effective sanitizing agent, versus the environmental variety, which can have a harmful effect on fabrics and your health.
How Ozone Works on Linens
An ozone laundry system works by forcing oxygen through the electrical field, creating molecules that are then injected into the wash water before it enters the machine. When the compounds come in contact with contaminants — such as bacteria, viruses, grease, or cigarette smoke — they discharge the third oxygen atom (O3), effectively oxidizing and sanitizing. This process:
- Lifts stains and soil
- Kills germs and viruses
- Softens fabrics
- Leaves a mild scent reminiscent of the smell after a thunderstorm
Ozone Cleaning Benefits for Laundromat Customers
The oxidizing power of an O3 wash is difficult to beat. If customer satisfaction is your goal, an ozone system can set your laundromat apart from others, thanks to these benefits:
Cleaning Without Harsh Chemical Detergents
O3 is an effective substitute for laundry detergent, bleach, and fabric softeners, providing clean, soft, bright linens. Due to is impressive ability to disinfect, ozone has earned the nickname of "Nature's Sanitizer." Health-conscious and sensitive customers appreciate getting an effective, sanitary wash without relying on harsh chemicals or additives.
Improved Stain Removal
Laundromat customers can’t always get clothes in the wash right away, and delaying can allow spills to set into fabrics. When a laundromat offers ozone cleaning, people have a better way to oxidize substances and remove stains. The chemical reaction helps break the bonds in the stain, prompting stubborn or dried-on substances to release from the fabric and wash away.
Enhanced Disinfectant Capabilities
Ozone is among the most powerful sanitizing solutions available and an excellent substitute for laundry detergent. The pandemic increased people’s desire for washers that effectively kill bacteria, fungi, and live viruses, and ozone technology handles it all. Laundromat customers can feel safe knowing their linens are effectively sanitized without using chemicals that may damage fabrics or cause skin reactions.
Softer Fabrics
Hard water often causes linens to feel stiff and scratchy. Ozone is a natural water softener, which helps to produce fluffier towels, blankets, and clothing. Customers appreciate an eco-friendly approach to fabric softening, and since ozone converts back to oxygen after use, it doesn’t leave a chemical residue on the clothing.
Reduced Loads
The O3 wash cycle is faster when it doesn’t need to rinse bleach or detergent, and enhanced moisture release allows for quicker dry times. Efficient laundry days can keep customers coming back to your laundromat. Ozone also eliminates the need for bleach, allowing people to wash colored and white fabrics together, reducing the number of separate loads. Because mixed loads tend to be higher volume, laundromats can retain profits by offering larger-capacity washers and dryers at premium prices.
Benefits of Ozone Wash for Laundromat Owners
Laundromats can benefit from ArtiClean ozone laundry systems, whether they operate self-service machines or provide wash-and-fold services. Here are some ways these enhanced wash cycles make a difference for laundromat owners:
Economical Cold Water Washes
Ozone is most stable in cold water, allowing customers to effectively launder heavily soiled loads without needing to select hot water. Cold water cycles save your laundromat money in water-heating costs while reducing your business’s environmental impact. Cold water is also gentler on fabric than hot, so there’s less risk of damaging linens for wash-and-fold customers.
Reduced Chemicals
Because ozone systems allow customers to launder clothing or linens without any detergents or chemicals, multiple rinse cycles aren’t necessary. This reduces overall water usage while still providing an exceptional clean, further reducing the laundromat’s utility costs. Using fewer chemicals can also increase the profitability of full-service offerings without compromising on wash quality.
Improved Sustainability
Ozone aids moisture release, reducing rinse cycles and drying time. This saves water and electric or gas usage, which is a win for the environment and your laundry business. Outdated washers without sustainable features create pollution by dumping large volumes of soapy, contaminated water into the sewage system. With ozone systems, you can eliminate wash chemicals and neutralize some contaminants in the wastewater.
Achieve a Better Store Environment
Installing an ozone system can keep washing machines looking and smelling fresh, and a clean store environment can attract new business and help retain existing customers. Here’s how O3 wash cycles can improve a laundromat’s atmosphere:
- The wash system disinfects every time it fills, preventing bacteria, mold, or mildew from forming in the gaskets, dispensers, or other areas.
- Since customers don’t need to use soap, washers are less likely to become caked with detergent residue and will look cleaner longer.
- Ozone’s deodorizing capabilities eliminate funky, damp odors, so there is less need to mask smells in the laundromat with overwhelming scents.
- With less machine upkeep, staff can focus on cleaning other areas of the laundromat and provide better customer service.
Stand Out from Competitors
Any laundromat owner who wants to attract new customers and retain existing ones should consider an ozone wash system to stand out from competitors. When a customer opens a washer operating an ozone system, they will be met with a fresh scent, rather than that from mildew or residue from detergent. The superior clean and soft feel will be noticeable, giving customers reasons to come back. Also, those who have positive laundromat experiences are likely to leave reviews encouraging new customers to give your business a try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ozone Replace Laundry Detergent?
Adding ozone to wash water can replace laundry detergent, bleach, and fabric softeners. This effective cleaning system kills bacteria and viruses, removes stains and grease, brightens linens, and produces soft, clean, pleasant-smelling laundry, without any chemical additives.
Are Ozone Laundry Systems Worth It?
Yes, ozone laundry systems are worth the investment because you can expect significant returns through positive environmental impact, energy savings, and increased customer loyalty.
Does Ozone Laundry Cleaning Break Down Fabric?
No, an O3 wash won’t break down fabric, and it won’t leave residue that can trap dirt and minerals, causing potential damage to linens. Ozone has the opposite effect, extending linen life by thoroughly cleaning without the use of hot water or harsh detergents.
Are Ozone Washers Safe?
When installed to code and used properly, ozone wash systems are considered completely safe for laundromats and commercial laundries. Eliminating bleach and other cleaners also reduces the potential for chemical spills or splashes, and the O3 compounds safely sanitize any machine-washable laundry. Look for monitoring features, like those on ArtiClean Ozone Laundry, which allow operators to confirm the system is running correctly.
Is Ozone Compatible With All Washer Brands and Models?
No, the cleaning agent in ozone systems can be highly corrosive to certain washer materials. Before adding O3 sanitizing equipment to your machines, confirm that the vended laundry equipment features commercial-quality, compatible construction.
If you’re looking to reduce your coin-operated laundry’s operating costs, eliminate harsh laundry chemicals, and give customers a cleaner, safer environment, an ozone laundry system could be the upgrade you need. If you’d like to know if your machines are compatible or discuss equipment options, contact a WSD Laundry Specialist today.
