Just three oxygen atoms but oh so much to talk about. That’s ozone for you. In the earth’s upper atmosphere, it is a necessity and protects us all from UV radiation. Here at ground level, it can cause mayhem as a pollutant that is harmful to breathe and can damage crops, trees, and other vegetation. In a hotel, as part of a laundering system, ozone can be a hotelier’s best friend. When used safely, ozone can allow one to wash linens and towels mostly in cold water, saving a lot of energy in the process.
At one time, ozone laundry systems had a bad reputation. They were often unreliable and broke down easily. Today, you can still find bad product, but for the most part, ozone laundry systems are reliable, effective, and beneficial for many reasons. There are many suppliers you can count on, many of whom have installed hundreds of systems. They are not fly-by-night operations.
By adding ozone to the laundering process, one can eliminate not only hot water, but also almost all warm water, waste water volume, and reduce laundering cycles. Fewer chemicals are required and linen and towel life is extended. Drying times can be reduced and an improved work environment can be provided for associates because machines are not producing as much heat.
“Ozone will give you a whiter, brighter, cleaner product,” said Ralph Daniels, president and CEO of Aquawing Ozone Injection Systems (AWOIS).
In addition, a high level of disinfection can be achieved. According to Jim Gross, president of Ozone Water Technologies, ozone is 3,000 times faster than chlorine when it comes to sterilizing linens. Because ozone reverts back to pure oxygen after it is used, there are no chemical residues.
“Validation of proof of effectiveness continues to develop,” said Cameron Tapp, president and CEO of ClearWater Tech, whose company was one of two featured in a U.S. Department of Energy report released last year—the other company being Ozone Water Technologies. The report, titled, “Demonstration of Advanced Technologies for Multi-Load Washers in Hospitality and Healthcare—Ozone Based Laundry Systems,” validated the energy-saving effectiveness of ozone laundry systems.
In recent years, suppliers have added new bells and whistles to their systems. For example, engineers at AWOIS have created the VO3, a new device that validates that mandatory levels of ozone have been reached and maintained within the wash wheel. Ozone Water Technologies has added maintenance meters to make it easy for users to maintain the systems. At April’s Clean Show, ClearWater Tech introduced NatureWash, a new ozone laundry system for coin operated laundry applications.
Most ozone laundry systems today make the most sense for properties with 50 to 75 rooms and above. Return on investment time will vary from a few months to up to two years. The size of the system will impact ROI, as well as whether a rebate was utilized. Rebate programs continue to evolve and expand.
Hoteliers who are considering ozone laundry systems for the first time should ask potential suppliers about third-party approvals, ClearWater Tech’s Tapp recommended. “Has the system been validated by a third party—UL, CE, CS?” Tapp said. “Be sure to ask if the system is appropriate for your washers. Will it benefit your size facility? Ask the supplier about the number of years in business and whether or not they manufacture their systems themselves or source them from offshore.”
“Understand how ozone works,” added Ozone Water Technologies’ Gross. “Get an understanding of the basics. Ask companies what is the ROI that can be expected in a conservative form.”
About the Author
Glenn Hasek is the publisher and editor of Green Lodging News. To subscribe to the weekly Green Lodging News e-newsletter, go to www.greenlodgingnews.com.
Photo credit: Washing machine via Bigstock.
