2nd Year Accommodation Operation Accommodation Operations 3 /4 Semester
2nd Year Accommodation Operation Accommodation Operations 3 /4 Semester
2nd Year Accommodation Operation Accommodation Operations 3 /4 Semester
ACCOMMODATION OPERATIONS
3RD/4TH SEMESTER
Linen Room
The linen room is the centre-stage for the supporting role that the Housekeeping Department
plays in the hotel. Most linen rooms are centralized and act as a storage point and
distribution centre for clean linen. Usually, a par stock is maintained on each floor or at each
unit to suffice immediate requirements.
The word linen is meant to refer to those fabrics, made from the fibre derived from the stem
of the flax plant. However in common terms, the word linen is u referred to a wide variety of
fabrics, used for domestic purposes.
The word linen is meant to refer to those fabrics, made from the fibre derived from the stem
of the flax plant. However, in common terms, the word linen is used to refer to a wide variety
of fabrics, used for domestic purposes.
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Linen Room
Count, record
and despatch Laundry
(OPL)
Laundry
(Off-Premises)
Mending
if required Condemn Replace
Issuing to units
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3. Packaging
Soiled linens are packed in hampers after sorting to avoid mix-ups and to prevent
linen damage. Linens requiring repairs, or heavily soiled are put into different bags
colour coded respectively
Linen should be properly arranged in trolleys as to avoid damages. Linen edges
should not drag on the floor
4. Dispatch
Dispatch of soiled linen to laundry after sorting and counting & packaging.
In case of commercial laundry the linens are dispatched outside for laundry or the
hotel also has its own laundry for washing linens.
Generally dispatch time is between 3 to 5 pm after servicing the room.
A list of soiled linen is sent to laundry along with dirty linen. A duplicate copy is
kept in the linen room (information like date, time, items, number of soiled linen and
signature)
5. Deliveries
Clean linen is delivered in the morning hours and evening deliveries are usually for
guest laundry.
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Inspection of quality of wash i.e. stains & dirt removed, no damages, no loss of
shape or colour, no blue streaks, or patches from optional brighter, properly ironed.
Note: - it is also important because we need to check that articles belonging to other
hotel have been in advertently delivered
7. Storage
Linen room storage depends on the size of the hotel, frequency of wash, change, type
of operation, linen coverage (par), storage should have good space, shelves clean &
safety factors being attacked by pests. Should be well ventilated and inaccessible to
pests
STORAGE OF LINEN
Constructed as to eliminate the possibility of damage by insect.
Room must be well ventilated, cool & dry
Steam pipes, water pipes should not run through linen room as it may create
dampness.
Racks, shelves should be properly designed to avoid rust, white ants, & pests
Last shelf of the rack should be at least 6” above the floor, so that linens do not soil
up during floor cleaning
Room should have 1 entry/exit for security purpose
Room accessible to all staff of the hotel
Periodical pest control should be practised
Arrange linen by size ie. heavy on bottom and lighter on top as to maintain balance
Small items should be kept in cupboard
Soiled linen should be put in separate hampers so to avoid mixing.
Woollen items should be washed or dry cleaned before storage. They should be
wrapped & sealed in air- tight plastic foil e.g. :- Blankets
For long time storage, linen should be wrapped in plastic foil to preserve colour
Always follow FIFO
Linen should be stored and stacked with folds outwards for easy issue of items.
Linen should be exchanged on one to one basis.
8. Distribution to unit
Clean for dirty/ Fresh for soiled/ one on one basis
Soiled linen Clean linen
Topping up Dirty linen is dispatched down the linen chute in laundry & floor stock
is made up later in the day by houseman.
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Pillow Slips
Bath Towel
Bed Sheets
Bath Mats
Face Towels
Hand Towels
Bed Cover
Mattress
Cover
Foot Mats
Set Amount Dirty linen is collected frequently from the corridors by the spotter
from laundry and the floor linen, clean linen items are made up at set amount
quantity. Set of linen issued on daily basis.
Requisition Requisition filled up by department is given to linen room for issue.
9. Monogramming
Monogramming- putting Name and Logo
Identification- in Case of an off- premises laundry, where linen of different
hotels may get mixed and in the hotel itself, where-in each department's linen
may be identified.
Advertisement
Detecting Pilferage
Monogramming - Name and logo of the establishment is put onto the linen item for
identification , advertisement & discouraging pilferage. This can be stitched, slicked
(wax sticker), printed or embossed
Marking - Stamping is done for year and date on the new linen arrived. It also
indicates the size of the article and date of putting it into circulation. Done by the
linen room supervisor and it is said to be Quoting of linen. Done in many ways:-
a) Marking pen which become permanent when applied at 400°F
b) By heat seal machine
c) Hand or machine embroidery
d) Stitching labels or stickers which permanently stick to the fabric when applied with
hot iron
e) Marking is done on the right hand side of the linen item.
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LINEN-DISCARD REGISTER
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EHK { } Accounts { }
12. StocktakingPhysical counting of all linen items at frequent intervals to know the
actual stock of linen and to check on to losses, a stock register is updated accordingly
13. Security Linen room should have only one entry/ exit to restrict the movement
and to prevent the misuse of linen. It should be a non- smoking zone (area)
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A. LOCATION
1. Ideally be located in the basement.
2. Next to the laundry so that there is easy exchange of linen items.
3. Should be away from food production area such that to avoid different food odours to
settle over linen.
4. Linen room should be near to the service elevator and should face the executive
housekeeping office so that transportation of linen items is easy and executive
housekeeper can keep an eye on the staff.
B. SPACE ALLOCATION
Ideal space allocated should be 6 sq ft per room. Space should be large enough so that all
the work is carried out without overcrowding.
1. Storage area
shelves should be designed using maximum utilisation of space
Shelves must be slotted for proper ventilation; they must be wooden or
metallic. If metallic should be painted and maintained so that they are rust
free. Wooden shelves should be painted for mildew and ants and termites.
Depth of the shelves should be about 18” to 20” if against the wall and 38”to
40” if shelf is accessible from both sides.
The shelves can reach up the ceiling with 6” clearance at the bottom for easy
cleaning and saving it from pests like termites, rats and even from dampness.
Shelves should be clearly marked for each type or article.
Linen room should be subjected to pest control schedules. Linen items stored
for long time like blankets must have shelves with cover/ curtains.
2. Wash basin
Linen room have a wash basin and along with the soap and towels as most of the
articles dealt are white in colour and the staff must wash their hands before handling
the linen
3. Ironing board Linen room should have an ironing board for minor finishing jobs
4. Inspection table
Inspection table should be large enough to accommodate the freshly washed
linen items which need to be inspected after they come from laundry
The colour should be in contrast with linen since only then standards of linen
will be visible. Since the inspection table requires a lot of space underneath
these table areas can be utilised for storage of different types of linen items
5. Soiled linen area
The soiled linen area should be close to the entrance and large enough and
large enough to accommodate all types of linen.
There should be enough of space to sort out and count the linen and pack
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The floorings and the walls of the areas should be of a surface which does not
stain the day dry or wet soiled linen.
A separate adjoining room should be for new linen items
6. Supervisor desk
The supervisor desk should be located in such a way that he has good view of entire
linen room especially the transaction points. The desk should be designed having
suitable amount of drawers for storing different files and records used for linen
exchange purpose.
7. Exchange counter
It is normally a window without any grill and wide enough to pass bundles of
linen. The window is used to exchange linen-:
The area below this counter can be used to park trolleys for collecting dirty
linen when the counter is not in use it should be kept bottled
The opening hours of linen room varies from establishment to establishment
but generally it is 8am-5pm
The rule of clean for dirty is considered the best way of keeping control on
linen with regard to losses and careless use.
C. ENTRY/ EXIT DOOR
Ideally, there should be only one entry/exit which must be 4 ft wide so that there is
easy movement of trolleys.
D. SECURITY
1. As linen room has large assets stored in, it is important that no authorised person
should be allowed access to linen room.
2. When linen room is closed the door should be always kept locked and the keys should
be deposited to the security. In case of emergency the door can be opened in presence
of security Manager, duty manager and housekeeping supervisor.
E. FIRE SAFETY
Since the linen area has highly inflammable items, a small amount of negligence also can
cause huge losses. So the fire precaution point should be placed in such a way that they
are easily accessible at the time of such incidents. Hot water or steam pipes should never
run through the linen room.
F. LIGHTING
1. The linen room should be well lit, as it lies in the basement and so the amount of
natural light will be very little.
2. White lights are preferred to yellow or glaring lights
G. HEATING & VENTILATION
1. Linen room should be free from humidity as it invites mildews, moulds & pests.
2. Ideal temperature of linen room should be 20°C
3. Should have adequate ventilation provided by fresh air vents
H. FLOORS
1. Should be even, smooth, non slippery, heavy duty floors so that these can take heavy
load of dragging trolleys
2. Floors should not be noisy
3. Floors should be free from dampness
4. Floor should be preferably made up of kota stone.
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I. WALLS
1. Walls should be light in colours, ideally white. They should be free from moisture,
cracks etc.
2. They should be easily cleaned i.e. if painted then it should be washable
Inspection table
Exchange
Counter
Shelves
laundry
Control EHK Linen
with
Desk OFFICE supervisor
Exchange
counter
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5. Amount of dressing
Process of adding starch to make the fabric look stiff & durable is known as dressing. So
even loosely wooven fabric appears to be stiff and firm when starched. Hold linen in hand
and rub it over a black surface. If you see white dust or starch particles falling out it denotes
poor fabric. Higher the amount of dressing lesser will be the durability & cheaper will be the
fabric. Look at the fabric under a magnifying glass.
6. Tensile strength
This is the stretching ability of fabric defined as the pressure that a fabric can sustain under
conditions of humid & temperature. Higher the tensile strength more will be the durability.
The tensile strength starts reducing after 20-30 wash of fabric.
7. Abrasion resistance
It is the resistance of fabric to the surface wear & tear. Denim has high abrasive resistance
therefore more durable.
8. Shrinkage resistance
This refers to the shrinkage percentage of a particular fabric after washing. Fabric may shrink
after 2-3 wash.
9. Resistance to Pest
The fabric should be pest resistant. Generally silver fish & cockroaches are common pest
which damage the fabric
10. Thermal Power
Only in hilly areas where fabric is required to have a mixture of wool along with polyester.
This type of fabric also gives indication for laundry temperature & washing temperature
Purchase should be made from a reliable supplier. Executive housekeeper should ask for
catalogues, samples of the fabric before purchasing linen in bulk.
Fabric should be comfortable, smooth, soft and easily launderable. Bed sheets of high quality
may be combinations of linen & cotton or some hotels may use cotton only as it is less
expensive. Cotton may be Percale or Muslin. Percale is more durable than muslin. Nowadays
bed sheets are also made of combination between cotton & polyester (polycot) for easy
laundering best blend 65% cotton 35% polyester
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Linen Hire
In this process the linen required for hotel are hired from outside on contract. These
firms undertake to supply clean article in good condition and arrangement are made
between the firm & hotel regarding the amount of linen required. Thus it is a contract
of hotel with a company which hires & launders linen.
Advantages of linen hire:
No heavy initial cost of buying linen.
No repairing, alteration on premises.
Less storage space required.
Less manpower, less salary.
Laundering facilities not required.
Ideal for sporadic trade eg:- Seasonal Hotels, resorts.
Disadvantages & linen Hire:
No monogramming of the organisation [caters to different outlets]
No discards, makeover for organisation
Standards may not meet the organisation [ folds, sizes, quality &wash]
Supply affected by bad weather
Damages to be paid at higher rate
Extra requirement is charged at current rate.
Hotel totally dependent
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Linen room / House Keeping Store {for inspection of quality & quality}
LINEN CONTROL
This is carried in four phase:-
a. Routine checking for appearance and hygiene standards
b. Quantity control of the daily flow of linen stock/ linen exchange procedure
c. Stocktaking or physical inventory of linen
d. Proper documentation of line through the master line inventory control sheet
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# 102 3
# 104 3
Cart 1 10
Cart 2 10
Floor Pantry 1 50
Floor Pantry 2 50
Linen chutes --
Hampers 10
Skips 10
Total
Date :______ EHK: ____________ Auditor:__________
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Linen Stock Book
Item Previous Receive Sub- Condemned Book Linen Linen Linen in Actual Dis Par To
Stock total Stock on in laundry stocktaking stock Order
Inventory {=4- Floor linen Crepency
5} Room {=a+b+c}
{=10-6}
(6) (8) (9)
(2) (7)
(4) (10) (12) (13)
(1) (3) (5) (11)
SIGNATURES
Linen Coverage is a term used to refer to the total number of sets of linen maintained by the
hotel and their distribution. The number of sets is also referred to in terms of ‘par’.
PAR STOCK - Optimum amount of linen/ uniform required to meet the daily demands
so as to ensure smooth operation of the hotel.
Floor set up minimum amount of each linen item required to outfit all guest rooms on one
floor or section at a given point of time
House Set up minimum amount of each linen item required to outfit all guest rooms in a
hotel at a given period of time.
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1. LAUNDRY CYCLE
It means the number of wash cycle of linen. If washing is done on daily basis, the hotel
needs to set up more pars, but in case of small hotels where frequency of wash is low, the
par can be set low
1st par circulation (room)
1 set - Laundry
1 set - Circulation
= 6 set
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2. REPLACEMENT linen are stored in the floor pantry and these are used in
case of wear and tear, damages or extra request from guest
3. EMERGENCY one set of linen is stored in housekeeping store for emergency
like power failure, equipment damage/breakdown, union problem, which means
disturbing the movement of linen in the hotel.
4. NO. OF ROOMS linens are decided according to no. of rooms where we have
more number of rooms there is more par and vice versa as re-sheeting is done on
daily basis in large hotel and in small hotel re-sheeting is done after guest
departure. Depends on frequency of wash & change.
5. STANDARD POLICY while maintaining the par the Executive Housekeeper
has to follow policy laid down by hotel
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SEWING ROOM
May be a part of laundry or it may be in the linen room, also it can be separate.
Tailor:- Responsible for attraction of uniform, the main repairing, mending or any
other minute repair.
Upholsterer:-Responsible for preparing expensive and delicate linen item like carpets,
sofas, curtains, frills.
Sewing Room may be on contract basis or it may a part of housekeeping. The sewing
room is maintained under the Executive Housekeeper is responsible for stitching hotel
linen, staff uniform and only other minute repairing.
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Equipment
Blind stitch machine: - They are used for Hemming (putting of the linen items to
provide a neat look)
Over edging Machine: -These machines are used for remaking discarded linen items
like towels, dusters. This machine outs seams in one operation and does not give any
wears and tears
Zigzag Machine: -These machine are used for mending darning ( is a type of knitting)
and button sewing.
Patch Machine: -These are the machine used for mending holes in the table mats.
Punch Kit: -This machine does invisible stitching. Apart from these we can also find
accessories like scissors, markers, Measuring Tape, different colour thread, button,
needles, fly hooks
2/3 sewing machines, manual or motor preferably with a foot treadle which leaves
hands free for darning; thread release on looper for tension control so as to enable
stitching to be carried out on fabrics of varied thickness; different runner attachments
to facilitate zig-zag stitching, edging, mending and darning.
A sewing kit containing: A sharp scissors
A snippet scissors
Threads of various colours
Buttons of different types
Plain pins, sewing needles and machine needles
A ripper
Spare bobbins
Machine oil and machine repair kit
Tailor’s chalk and pencil
Ruler and measuring tape
A heavy/steam iron with an ironing board and a power point in the vicinity
Above all, good lighting is essential to facilitate the sewing functions without
eyestrain.
NOTE:- The machine has to be regularly oiled, cleaned with brush, covered with cloth after
every use.
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UNIFORMS
Uniforms play a very crucial role in establishing and reinforcing the image of a hotel
or restaurant. After all, other aspects of housekeeping are inanimate, material things.
It is the people who bring warmth and friendliness into these spaces and these people
are the employees of the hotel. Ill-conceived, and poorly co-ordinated uniforms worn
by hotel staff can create a jarring note in the entire image projected by the hotel.
Providing uniforms for hotel staff is one way of ensuring proper grooming, thereby
reflecting the standard of the hotel and creating a good impression on the guest.
Having a uniform creates a sense of orderliness and enables the guest to identify staff
and their position in the organization. To the employee, it is a status symbol, creating
a sense of belonging and thereby boosting employee morale. Apart from the aesthetic
appeal, uniforms are frequently designed to suit the task that is carried out.
When staff are issued uniforms, a record is maintained in order to ensure that the
uniform is returned when they leave the organization.
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FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
Flower arrangement may be defined as the art of organizing and grouping together plant materials
(flowers, foliage, twigs, etc.) to achieve harmony of form, colour, and texture, thereby adding cheer,
life, and beauty to the surroundings. It is essentially a decorative piece and should be the centre of
attraction. An arrangement can be composed of only flowers and/or foliage or in combination with
vegetables and fruits. Flower arrangements have an ability to introduce a personal touch in an
otherwise staid and impersonal hotel room. Arrangements can be used in lobbies, restaurants, suites
etc. Guests appreciate flowers for the freshness they bring to the surroundings. Arrangements need
not be reserved only for parties or special occasions. They can be used regularly depending upon the
season and the theme. Unconventional and dry material can also be used to make arrangements which
are more economical and last longer.
In hotels, flowers are used extensively. Various types of arrangements are chosen, as appropriate to
the area and occasion. Medium-sized ‘round’ arrangements are often provided at the guest relations
executives’ desk in the lobby and on coffee tables in the lounges. In most five star hotels, one can see
huge, spectacular arrangements in the lobbies. Restaurants generally have bud vases on each table,
with one or two flowers in them. Table arrangements for conferences must be low so that guests may
see over them. At informal banquets, large arrangements may be seen. At wedding banquets, wall
arrangements using gerberas are very popular nowadays. On special occasions and festivals, some
hotels even make beautiful traditional flower carpets for the lobby.
BASIC INGREDIENTS
1. Mechanics
2. Equipment
3. Containers
4. Bases
5. Accessories
6. Plant material
7. Support
MECHANICS:
These are items used to keep flowers, foliage, and stems in place within the container. Mechanics
must be fixed securely and should be hidden from view.
Examples – florists’ foam (oasis), pin holders (Japanese term – kenzan), chicken wire, prong,
adhesive clay and tape, florist cone.
Floral foam, also called oasis, is a cellular plastic material, available in two types – green foam and
brown/grey foam.
Pin-holders, also called kenzan or needle-point holders, is a series of sharply pointed pins are
firmly held in a solid lead base, to hold thick and heavy stems securely by impaling them on the pins.
Chicken wire, also called ‘wire mesh’ or ‘wire netting’, is a fine- gauge wire used to cover floral
foam blocks in large displays.
Prong is the simplest type of floral foam anchor. It is a small plastic disc with four vertical prongs.
The base of the prong is attached to the container with adhesive clay and the floral foam is pressed
down onto the prongs.
Florist’s cone, also called a ‘flower tube’ or ‘flower funnel’. It acts like a miniature vase. It is used
in large arrangements, where foliage or flowers need to be placed above their stem height.
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EQUIPMENT:
This includes tools used to ensure that a satisfactory arrangement of plant material is created within
the container.
Examples – bucket, scissors, knife, watering can, mister, wire cutter, cocktail sticks, turn, wire, floral
tape, candle holder, cut flower preservatives, and secateurs.
Mister is a hand- held spray bottle to produce a fine mist of water droplets to keep an arrangement
look fresh in warm weather.
Secateurs are used to cut through thick and woody stems.
Cocktail sticks or a tooth pick is used to make holes in florists’ foam for a soft stem of flower.
Cut-flower preservatives is a bactericide ,available in powder or liquid form, to prevent slime and
smell from developing in the vase water, plus sugar to prolong the life of fresh flowers. A preservative
can be made in-house by adding 3 teaspoons of sugar and 1 drop of bleach to half a litre of water.
CONTAINERS:
These are receptacles that hold the flower arrangement. They may or may not be hidden by the plant
material. The container must be waterproof and neutral colours such as soft grey, dull brown, off-
white, or earth colours are most suitable because they are inconspicuous and do not detract attention
from flowers displayed. Theme and simplicity should be kept in mind while choosing the design of
the container.
Example – vases and jugs, basket, bowls and trays, wreath frame etc.
BASES:
An object that is placed underneath the container to protect the surface of the support and/or to add to
the beauty of the display is called a base.
Example – table mat, tree section, wood base, stone base, and oriental base.
SUPPORT:
This refers to the structure on which the container stands.
Example – tables, sideboards, alcoves, and shelves.
PLANT MATERIALS:
These can be divided into 3 basic types-
a) Flowers ( dominant/ focal/ point material) –
This consists of bold flowers or clusters of small showy blooms. The dominant material provides a
centre of interest.
Example – Gerbera, Chrysanthemum, lilies, Anthurium, Tulips, Poppies, Roses, Dahlias, and
Daffodils.
b) Fillers ( secondary material) –
This consists of smaller flowers and all sorts of leaves and foliage that are used to cover the
mechanics and edges of the container and also provide added interest and colour to the display.
Example – Asters, Ivy, Button Chrysanthemum, Carnations, Gypsophila
(Baby’s breath), Limonium and Marguerites.
c) Foliages ( line material ) –
This consists of tall stems, flowering spikes, or bold leaves that are used to create the basic framework
or skeleton. This line material may be straight or curved and it sets the height and width of the
finished arrangement.
Examples – Gladioli, birds of paradise, golden rods, larkspur, asparagus ferns, palms, tuberoses, and
Peruvian lilies.
ACCESSORIES:
These are non-plant materials included in or placed alongside the arrangement. Their purpose in
generally decorative but could be functional at times. Accessories are added to the design for extra
interest or to ‘stretch’ the flowers when they are in short supply.
Example – miniature dolls, hats, ribbons, beads, painted wire, wooden fruit shapes, silk flowers and
foliage, candles, driftwood, shells, idols, interesting pebbles etc.
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A flower or leaf cut from a plant has a short, though beautiful, life. It is possible to prolong this for a
little while by a few methods. Flower arrangers use the term ‘conditioning’ to refer to the preparation
of cut plant materials for a long life, the filling of stems with water, and prevention of wilting.
1) A bucket of water at room temperature should be carried into the garden and the cut flowers should
be immediately plunged into it. This helps retain their moisture for a longer period of time.
2) Plant material should be cut at a slant, using sharp scissors or knife, either early in the morning or
after sunset. At this time, they are crisp and filled with moisture.
3) As a general rule, it is best to cut flowers before they reach maturity.
4) Carry cut flowers in a heads-down position so that heavy-headed flowers will not snap off.
5) Wrap the flowers in newspaper till the neck of the flowers. Plunge this bunch into a bucket of water
for 3-4 hours or overnight to condition. This is called ‘hardening’. In case of foliage, submerge them
in water for about 2 hours.
6) Use a good pruning knife or scissors to make clean, slanting cuts, causing minimal damage or
bruising to the little ducts in the stem which carry water.
7) Make slanting cuts in stems rather than straight ones – preferably underwater, as this helps expose a
larger surface area for water suction by the stems.
8) When stems are woody, they may be cut crushed or split at the end, e.g. cherry, etc.
9) To revive wilting flowers, snip off half an inch of the stem underwater and plunge in a deep
container of water. Dead flowers should be cut off.
10) Re-cut any stem that has been left out of water, doing this underwater if possible and removing about
2 inches of the stem.
11) To reduce underwater decay, strip the stems of all foliage and thorns that fall below the waterline.
12) Never place a fresh flower arrangement where it will be exposed to direct draughts from a fan or
window. To prevent dehydration, keep cut flowers away from direct sunlight and large appliances as
well.
13) Do not put flowers near a bowl of citrus fruits as they emit ethylene gas when ripening, which causes
wilting of flowers.
14) Prolong the freshness of the arrangement by spraying with lukewarm water from a mister morning
and night.
15) Change the water every day if the arrangement is meant to last a while. Never use chilled water, as
cut stems fare best in warm water of about 45 degree Celsius.
16) Listerine, ammonia, charcoal, salt, lemonade, sugar, camphor, aspirin added in small amounts to the
water, or commercial cut-flower preservatives slows down bacterial growth, thus prolonging the life
of flowers.
17) Use clean containers to prevent premature fouling and bacterial growth. Do not use aluminium
containers for flowers.
18) Every 3 days, re-cut the stems, clean the vase, completely replace the water, and add more
preservative.
How to cut
When cutting from a plant, cut the stem on a slant as this exposes a greater surface of the inner tissue
which takes in water more easily than the protective outside tissue.
Re-cutting
Stems which have not been placed in water immediately should be recut, removing about 2 inches
from the ends. There are two reasons for this:
1. When the stem is cut from the parent plant, air enters the cut end. Sometimes this forms an air
bubble which can prevent water travelling up the stem and causes wilting even though the
stem may be standing in water. The air bubble can normally be removed by cutting off two
inches of stem. If the second cut is made under water then no further air can enter the end.
2. When a stem is cut, the end begins to seal over (as with a cut finger) and a hard callus can
form which does not allow water to enter the stem and again wilting will occur. Re-cutting
removes the callus
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Grooming
All plant material needs grooming before use. Foliage often needs washing –swishing in a sin of
warm water is effective. Damaged leaves should be trimmed away. Bent stems and dead flowers
should be cut off.
Immediate immersion
Most flower stems benefit from standing in deep water for a minimum of two hours after the stem has
received any other special preparation and before being arranged. This is because many plants may
take a certain amount of water in through the whole length of the stem.
Water absorption
Stems vary in their structure, which may be strong, weak, hard, soft and so on.
Soft Stem:
These take in water easily and no further preparation other than re-cutting is necessary.
The stems of spring bulbous flowers can become too soaked and floppy and are better
arranged in shallow water, with only a short soaking period beforehand.
Hard Stem:
These take in water less easily and it is helpful to expose more of the inner softer tissue by
cutting the stem upwards for one to two inches. Very thick stems can have more than one cut.
Example:- Roses and Chrysanthemums
Woody Stem:
These have a really thick outer covering which is very protective and does not allow water to
get in easily.
About two inches of this covering should be scrapped off the stem end with a knife, in
addition to cutting the stem upwards
Example :- Lilac and cherry
Hollow Stem:
These may be upended and filled with water by means of a small funnel and a watering can.
Plug the end of the stem with cotton wool which will act as a wick, drawing more water into
the centre of the stem when it is placed into a bucket.
Example:- Lupins and delphiniums
Milky Stem:
A few stems contain a milky substance- a solution of rubber called latex.
This leaks out of the stem when it is cut and as it dries it hardens and forms a layer which
prevents the intake of water.
This leakage can be stopped by holding the stem end in the flame of a gas jet, candle or
match, until it is blackened and stops sizzling.
The cells are then killed at the cut surface and cannot leak the latex. Each time the stem is
recut this process should be repeated.
Example:- Euphorbias and Poppies.
Use of Water Temperature in Conditioning
Warm Water
Most living processes take place better and faster at a warmer temperature. If warm water is used for
soaking the stems, it enters more easily and moves into flowers and leaves more quickly.
Boiling Water
Excessive heat, such as from boiling water, kills cells subjected to it, but this can have several uses in
conditioning:
1. The cut ends of stem are sterilised when held in the boiling water for a minute. The result is
that the microorganisms which are normally present and can produce slime to block the water
channels are reduced.
2. Dead cells at the stem ends cannot channel out sugars and other nutrients into the
surrounding water. These solutions can also promote the growth of slime which prevents
uptake of water.
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3. Dead cells at the stem ends cannot grow into a callus which would seal the end and prevent
water entering.
4. The heat expands any air in the stem which might be causing a blockage. Most of the air is
forced out of the stem end in bubbles and replaced with water.
Searing:-
Poppies, Euphorbias, Zinnias,and Poinsettias, need to have their stems sealed before arranging. Burn
the cut ends in a flame for several seconds.
Placement of arrangement:-
The position in which the flower arrangement is placed in a room can affect the length of life
of plant material
Whenever possible it should be placed away from the direct heat of a fire, lamp, television set
or strong sunshine, all of which cause rapid transpiration.
The coolest place in a room is the best one for a long life
A guideline is that the plant material should be one and a half times the height or the width, whichever
is the greatest, of the container. Equal amount of things lack interest and on the other hand too much
of one thing is also not pleasing. Here the eye is the only judge.
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3) BALANCE –
Here, physical as well as visual balance needs to be considered.
Physical balance: this is vital for any arrangement. If it is too asymmetrical, then there is a danger that
the whole arrangement will tip over. The mechanics must always be securely fixed and the container
should always be heavy enough to support the plant material. The more one-sided the display, the
heavier the container should be. Sand and gravel can be added to achieve this.
Visual balance: this calls for the arrangement to look stable even if it is one-sided. To increase the
visual weight of the lighter side, keep in mind that –
a) Dark flowers look heavier than pale ones.
b) Round flowers look heavier than trumpets and conical ones.
Top to bottom balance also needs to be considered. Large flowers placed centrally and close to the
bottom of the arrangement give a feeling of good balance.
Symmetry and asymmetry:
This refers to the outline or the shape of the design. If design is symmetrical, then its shape is exactly
the same on either side of the centre. If asymmetrical design, then shapes are dissimilar and balance
depends on the eye being attracted to both sides of the design equally by the use of different colours,
shapes and textures.
4) RHYTHM OR MOVEMENT:
This involves using techniques and materials that guide the eye from one part of the display to
another.
Rhythm in flower arrangements may be achieved by –
a) Using curved stems
b) Hiding all or part of any tall, straight stems.
c) Placing flowers ‘in and out’ through the arrangement.
d) Having flowers at various stages of development in the arrangement.
e) Using foliage of various sizes and contrasting shapes.
f) Having an irregular line of various- sized blooms.
Rhythm is best achieved by repetition and easy gradual change.
5) CONTRAST:
Contrast and variety add interest to life and opposite things emphasize each other. A flower
arrangement can be dull without contrast. Contrast can be created in shape – by turning the flowers to
different ways when all round flowers are used. Contrast can be achieved by introducing line plant
material. Strong contrast in textures can be used for interest. Very strong contrasts should be avoided
as too much contrast may upset the unity of the arrangement.
6) EMPHASIS/ DOMINANCE:
This involves having one or more areas in the arrangement to which the eye is drawn and on which it
rests for a short time. This point is known as a ‘focal point’ or ‘centre of interest’. The usual methods
to achieve emphasis are as follows-
· Include a small group of bold flowers (dominant material).
· Use an unusual container.
· Use striking foliage.
· Have sufficient plain background.
7) HARMONY/ UNITY:
In a pleasing flower arrangement, the plant material, container, base, accessory and setting should all
be in harmony. Similarity in appearances between materials help s give repetition and a feeling of
harmony, e.g., the curve of a piece of driftwood, etc. The resemblance in all cases need not be
identical but a link in appearances is an echo giving a feel of relationship. The important fact here is
that all plants look as if they belong to the arrangement and give a look of unity.
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Mass
i) Less space is used within the design
ii) The interest is created by the bouquet effect of massed colours, shapes and textures
iii) The external outline is emphasised and is often a recognisable geometric shape such as a
circle oval or triangle
Within the main classification of line and mass, the main styles are:
1. Traditional /Classical/Western Style
This refers to ordered mass arrangements which are often in the shape of a triangle, circle or oval. The
chief characteristics are a mass of material with an emphasis on the outline of the arrangement. It is a
popular style as it is highly decorative.
2. Geometric Style
Recognisable geometric shapes could be formed so that the outline conforms to a triangle, a circle, a
Hogarth (S-shape)curve, a crescent etc. These styles can be either mass arrangements or line.
3. Free Form
This refers to designs without a definite geometric outline. The balance is asymmetrical and is
achieved by assembling plant material with equal eye pull on either side of the design. For example : a
long branch on one side may balance a brilliant flower on the other.
4. Abstract Design
This refers to arrangements that look more unrealistic than others. A great deal of space is used within
the design. Material used will have a clear shape, exciting texture or strong colour and it may be used
unchanged or it can be twisted, tied, bent or cut to achieve the desired pattern.
IKEBANA (Japanese/ Oriental flower arrangement): the word literally means ‘living
flowers’ in Japanese. These arrangements are more than an aesthetic grouping of plant materials. They
are symbolic representations of an ideal harmony that exists between earthly and eternal life. In each
arrangement, there is an imaginary triangle. Its tallest line represents ‘heaven’. Facing and looking
towards heaven is ‘man’. The lowest line, looking up to both, is ‘earth’.
· In all such arrangements, Heaven, man and earth are represented by means of three main
branches. Shin, the main spray, is the tallest and symbolizes heaven; it ends to the central axis of the
vase. This stem should be 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 times the height of the container. Soe,the second highest
stem, represents man. It provides width to the arrangement and is about three-fourth the height of the
tallest spray. This stem forms an angle of about 45 degree with the rim of the container. Hikae, the
lowest spray, denotes earth. This branch is about half as tall as the one signifying man and extends
very little beyond the diameter of the container, forming an angle of about 115 degrees with the rim of
the container. It is placed opposite the branch signifying man and is used to balance the arrangement.
· The Japanese use tall vases as well as low bowls.
· They always use an odd number of flowers, as they believe that odd numbers are lucky as well as
more aesthetic. Thus, in all arrangements, three, five, or seven flower sprays are used.
· There is no overcrowding and all the plant materials are seen as separate units, but as a part of the
whole.
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Foliage
1. True ferns
2. Asparagus ferns
3. Palm leaves
4. Umbrella Palms
5. Goldenrods
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2. Reception desk – Bold arrangements are made keeping in view the large counters they have to be
put on and they should command a dominant position where they can be viewed by a large number of
people. Normally it should be front facing.
3. Guest rooms – Strong smelling flowers should be avoided and the arrangement should not be large
for a small room or vice-versa. This means that the arrangement should be in size and proportion to
the room and site. Most arrangements are either placed on coffee table or dining table ( in suites)
when they should be round and on writing tables, usually with the back to the wall in which case they
can be front facing.
It is important to note that flower arrangements are kept at different eye levels which would affect
the actual height of the arrangement.
As a rule in a tall flower vase – height of the tallest floral material should be one and a half to two
times the length of the vase.
In a higher level placed flower arrangements are kept above the eye level and have the largest stem
reduced below accepted measure so as to conform to the visual scale of proportion.
In a lower flower arrangements should not have the largest stem over and above the accepted scale.
BONSAI
Bonsai is a horticultural art which is used to beautify hotel interiors, specially lobbies and restaurants.
Bonsai literally means ‘a plant in a tray’. It is a creative art where the raw material is a living thing – a
tree or a plant. In the bonsai school, the shape and properties of a full grown tree, as found in nature,
are sought to be copied exactly in miniature style within the confines of a container.
Styles of Bonsai-
1. Informal upright style
2. Windswept style
3. Roots over rock style
4. Cascade style
5. Multiple trunk style
6. Forest style
7. Broom style
GLOSSARY –
1. Flower bloom/blossom: full open stage of a flower or plant.
2. Flower bud: half or not opened stage of a flower.
3. Foliage: green or brown leafy material used in a flower arrangement.
4. Searing: it means drying up the leaves and flowers
5. Shearing: cutting the stem or leaves of flowers.
6. Principle of unity: all plants look as if they belong to the arrangement and give a look of
relationship.
7. Principle of harmony: in a flower arrangement, the plant material, container, base and accessory
should all be in same appearance.
8. Difference between Ikebana and traditional style of flower arrangement: in Ikebana, lines are an
important feature of design with lots of space left in between whereas in Traditional style, emphasis is
given on the outline of the mass rather than on individual plant material with little space within the
design.
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LAUNDRY
In any residential establishment, a lot of dirty linen accumulates in the various units and
departments. It is essential to ensure a continuous supply of linen, which is well laundered, so
that operations can be carried out smoothly and efficiently. Linen is an expensive item, so
how it will be laundered requires serious consideration. People involved in handling linen
should have some knowledge of the process.
Although it is essential that good quality linen be purchased, the life of the linen depends on
the care of linen in use and the treatment it gets at the laundry. A good laundry facility
ensures the following:
Advantages:
1. Heavy investment in space and equipment is avoided.
2. Reduction in labour costs
3. Expensive technical experts need not be employed
Disadvantages:
1. Higher linen par stocks are required
2. Reduced control over standard of cleaning
3. Greater chances of loss and damage of linen
4. The contractor may be less flexible in case of emergencies
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take into consideration not just the fairly substantial cost of equipment, but also of labour and
supplies
Disadvantages
• Cost of equipment and its maintenance is fairly high.
• Related expenses like water taxes, energy costs, printing of forms, employee taxes and
insurance are high.
• A larger number of technically qualified staff is required
• Investment must be justified by an adequate amount of linen.
Flow process of Industrial Laundering-OPL
COLLECTION & TRANSPORTATION
ARRIVAL
MARKING
SORTING & COUNTING
WEIGHING
LOADING
UNLOADING
FOLDING
AIRING
TEMPORARY STORAGE
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Collection
Collection of linen may be done in the Linen Room, if the laundry is off-site but is usually in
the laundry itself, if the laundry is on-premises. Certain linen items are collected separately.
For example, kitchen uniforms or dusters are collected separately, as are butchery aprons and
dusters, because they have a specific type of soil. Similarly, in a hospital, linen from the
surgical ward would be collected separately. The linen is usually packaged in canvas bags
lined with polyvinyl. Eyelets on the rim of the bag facilitate passing a nylon cord through,
which can be tightened in order to shut the opening of the bag. In some cases elasticized net
bags called ‘skips’ are used to collect and carry linen. Trolleys are most popular for
transportation and the collapsible wire cart can be used to transport clean as well as soiled
linen. If planned at the construction stage, an in-built chute is used for transporting linen from
the floor pantries. It is preferable to put linen into canvas bags before dropping it down the
chute so that wear and tear is reduced.
Arrival
On arrival, linen must be dealt with as quickly as possible. There must be a separate section
for guest laundry that is usually handled by the most experienced staff. Processing linen for
laundering as quickly as possible is necessary:
- to ensure that linen items are available as and when required.
- to avoid transfer of stains and to prevent stains from becoming permanent.
- so that it does not provide a breeding ground for bacteria and pests.
- to prevent the formation of mildew on damp articles particularly bath linen.
- to reduce the possibility of linen getting misplaced or lost.
Sorting
Gloves may be used when handling or sorting linen. Sorting is carried out according to the
type of fabric and item, colour as well as the degree and type of soil. Sorting is done to
separate those articles that need dry cleaning from those that will go through the normal wash
process. Those that need mending or stain removal will be separated so that they can be dealt
with accordingly. Also, different articles take a different wash process in terms of
temperature of water, type of laundering agent, length of wash cycle, whether hydro-
extraction should be done and if so, the length of the hydro-extraction cycle. It takes less
effort to pre-sort linen than to post-sort washed linen which is 50% heavier in weight due to
water retention. Post-sorting is often essential in healthcare processes.
Marking
Marking may be temporary (guest laundry) or permanent (monogramming of hotel linen). It
is the temporary marking that is carried out at this stage. Most good establishments have a
marking machine that attaches a heat sealed tape in an inconspicuous place. The tag has
scope for six characters and is intended to indicate the initials of the guest as well as the room
number. It provides a clear identification for correct billing, and although it does not come off
in the normal wash process, it can be peeled off if so desired.
Weighing
Weighing is carried out to conform to the capacity of the washing machine.
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In case of overloading there is reduced centrifugal action because the linen articles are too
tightly packed in the drum. As a result, there is inadequate friction and the deeply imbedded
soil is not removed so the wash process is ineffective. Certain synthetics develop creases as a
result of overloading that are difficult to get rid of in the subsequent ironing process.
Repeated overloading can cause the machine to breakdown.
In case of underloading, there is inadequate friction because the linen articles are too far apart
It causes a good deal of wastage in terms of time, labour, laundry agents, water and power.
Many modern machines have sensors that can gauge not only the load but also the length of
cycle, temperature of water, water level, the type and amount of laundry agent and when it
will be dispensed in the wash cycle. This is highly beneficial in the conservation of water and
energy as well as reducing wear and tear on the linen articles.
Loading
This is often done manually or with a certain degree of automation. Shovel type cranes may
be used for lifting and depositing linen, thereby providing complete automation by
eliminating the need for handling by operators. Alternatively, weighed linen in bags is
transported along a track and directed to the opening of the washer extractor with the help of
a nylon cord. A lock in the lower half of the bag is released, dropping the soiled linen into the
washer extractor. Machines that tilt provide ease in both loading as well as unloading.
Machines may be top loading, front loading or side loading.
Washing
This is the stage during which the actual cleaning of the items takes place. It is designed to
perform three basic functions i.e. remove soil from the textiles and suspend it in solution so
that it can be discharged from the machine through the drain.
Rinsing
Once the wash cycle is completed, rinsing becomes essential. A running rinse with an open
drain is more effective but a larger volume of water is utilized. Rinsing is carried out at least
twice so as to ensure removal of residual laundry agents and suspended dirt. It may also help
to lower the temperature of the wash load by using a cold water rinse.
Hydro-extraction
Draining followed by hydro-extraction will remove excess moisture through centrifugal force
by spinning the load at a high speed. The absorbency of the fabric affects the length of the
cycle (6 to 8 minutes) and the residue of moisture. The most efficient extraction for cottons
takes place at temperatures higher than 38º C but lower than 55º C so that they are not too hot
to handle. Polyesters and blends should be extracted at a temperature below 38º C to prevent
wrinkling.
The compact mass of hydro-extracted clothes is referred to as ‘cheese’.
Unloading
Transferring washed linen from the Hydro-extractor to the Tumble dryer is a difficult task
because of the added weight of moisture. Articles may be manually removed and put into
trolleys. Tilting and dumping machines reduce the physical effort of manual unloading. A
laundry cart can be positioned under the door and a pushbutton operated to rotate the cylinder
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2nd year Accommodation Operation
and empty its contents. Alternatively, the machine can unload onto a conveyor belt that will
transport the linen to the next set of operations.
Tumble Drying
This process is capable of rendering the linen completely dry by blowing hot air between 40º
C to 60º C onto the articles as they are slowly rotated in the drum. For articles that are
susceptible to damage by heat, there is the option of simply airing by circulating air at room
temperature. To avoid wrinkles and the risk of spontaneous combustion, many dryers have a
cool-down cycle at predetermined intervals. The process of tumble-drying creates a good deal
of wear and tear on the fabric as particles of lint come off the fabric in the drying process.
The time taken is approx. 30 minutes depending on whether the article is to be completely or
partially dried.
Finishing
For those articles that require a pressed finish, ironing and pressing are usual. Articles like
blankets, towels, candlewick bedspreads, hosiery, etc. that do not require a pressed finish are
only tumble-dried.
Folding
This can be done by machine but in most cases is carried out manually. The use of a folding
stand helps minimize this otherwise very labour-intensive operation. Manual folding makes it
possible to achieve the desired fold as well as ensure quality control. Employees in this area
are the one ones who ‘reject’ stained linen and are a good source for ascertaining what types
and quantities of stains commonly occur. Correct folding is important to the appearance of
the article and makes it convenient to store and use.
Airing
This is essential prior to storage, especially if the articles are to be stored in closed shelves. It
ensures that any moisture that is likely to cause mildew will be got rid of.
Storage
This should be properly done in a well–designed storage space. Linen should be allowed a
rest period to recuperate before it is used again. The life span of linen is greatly increased if
proper rotation of stock is carried out, thereby ensuring a ‘rest period’ between uses. As a
general rule, at any given time, approximately 50% of the total linen inventory should be on
the shelves, 25% in use and 25% in processing. The storage area must be isolated from the
soiled linen and kept clean
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The basic laundering operation is a physical-chemical process which utilizes four major
factors which determine the quality of textiles being laundered. The four factors have become
known as the detergent pie.
TIME TEMPERATURE
MECHANICAL ACTION CHEMICAL ACTION
The objective of these four components is to create the optimum cleaning conditions. Any
decrease in one of these variables must be compensated for by an increase in at least one of
the three remaining variables to prevent a reduction in wash quality. For example, a decrease
in time can be compensated for with an increase in chemical concentration.
Time - This is a requirement for each step within the wash formula and is usually based
entirely on factors that exist within the individual laundry. For example: A "suds bath" or
"break" may average eight to ten minutes with a surfactant or solvent type detergent but may
require twelve to fifteen minutes when utilizing an enzyme detergent. Other factors that
directly affect time include water temperature, water conditions, and water level. Load size
and soil classification can also affect time for a formula step.
Temperature - The ability to control the temperature of the water being introduced to the
washer in any given step during the formula is a crucial element. The proper choice of
temperature is driven by the composition of the fabric that is being processed. Temperature
selection can also be driven by the step in the formula. For example: Rinses may start off at a
higher temperature and end up at a lower temperature. Enzyme based detergents usually can
be less effective at higher temperatures than other types of detergents. When bleaching,
temperature directly affects chlorine and oxygen differently. Other factors include linen
classification, soil content and soil type.
Mechanical Action - This is the pounding action that the washer creates to remove
embedded soil. There are several variables that directly affect the efficiency of this process.
The most common throughout the industry is overloading. It also does not allow complete
dispersion of the chemicals within the washer. Water levels may also affect mechanical
action.
Chemical Action - This is the process of adding chemicals into the washer at specific times
during the wash formula to assist in removing soil, discoloring stains, sanitizing and
disinfecting, softening, and starching goods during each step of the formula. Chemicals are
added directly to the wash wheel through different types of dispensing systems. Chemical
selection is based on water conditions, goods being processed, and the laundry’s individual
needs and goals.
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WASH FORMULA
The wash formula or cycle is a proper balance using the four basic cleaning factors and will
vary according to the degree and type of soil. Proper sorting and loading will help ensure that
the cleaning factors-time, temperature. Mechanical action and chemical action are used to
design a balanced washing formula.
Break: (5-10 minutes) The term break is derived from the fact that it is at this point in the
wash formula that the bulk of the soil is broken loose from the fabric and suspended in the
washing solution with the help of a highly alkaline product that has been added at a medium
temperature and low water levels. This is an optional step.
Suds: ( 5-8 minutes) The actual wash cycle is known as ‘suds’ when the articles are agitated
in hot water and low water levels. The detergent is added at this suds stage.
Carryover Suds/Intermediate Rinse: (2-5 minutes) This step usually employs no chemicals,
but can remove or flush residual soils that were not removed during the break/suds. Its main
function is to lower the soil and alkalinity concentration, usually prior to the bleaching step. It
rinses linen at the same temperature as the suds step.
Bleach: (5-8 minutes) This step is used for whitening or to discolor stains. Bleach is added
at high temperature and a low water level. Sodium Hypochlorite is the most commonly used.
This step is also affected by time, temperature and mechanical action. For most operations,
sanitizing and disinfection is accomplished here.
Rinse: (3-5 minutes) Once all the washing and bleaching is accomplished, we can now begin
to rinse out and flush the chemicals and soils out of the goods. Typically this is a high water
step and the temperature gradually decreases through each rinse. Rinses usually average
around two minutes with up to three rinses per formula.
Intermediate Extract: (2-3 minutes) This is an optional high speed spin that removes
detergent and soil from the linen. It should not be used after the suds step to avoid driving the
soil back into the fabric and also should not be used on no-iron fabrics except at lower
temperatures.
Sour or Softener: (3-5 minutes) Often called a "finish step," the softener and/or sour is added
to this step to condition the goods for removal. The chemicals added here will directly affect
the quality of the goods after being processed. Starch/sizing replaces the sour/softener step
when cotton or polyester items need to be stiffened. This cycle runs at medium temperature
and low water levels.
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Extract: (2-12 minutes) Thisis removes excess moisture from laundered items through a high
speed spin prior to drying. The length of the spin depends on various factors such as fabric
type, extract speed etc. This step is also important to reduce the weight of the linen for ease of
movement to the dryers.
When planning the he layout of a laundry, the work flow must be considered and wherever
possible the plan should not hinder the smooth flow of operations. For example the collection
and sorting should be located close to the washer extractor and dryers should be adjacent to
the washer extractor to save time and employee effort.
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Use of textile products is intrinsic to hotel services both in the guest rooms and in the food &
beverage areas. It is therefore becoming essential to streamline laundry operations in order to
realize the maximum benefits. Use of technology to automate every face of the hotel extends
to the laundry as well where computerized equipment is now the norm rather than the
exception. Additionally, there is a continued attempt to upgrade laundries such as through
ozone washing.
WASHER-EXTRACTORS
It consists of a large perforated drum of stainless steel that hold the laundry encased in an
external stationary shell which holds the wash water of varying capacities ranging from 7-350
kg. Soiled linens are fed into the drum and suitable temperature, detergent and water are
introduced at appropriate times. The inner drum washes and rinses by rotating backwards &
forwards agitating the water & articles inside. The alternating of the rotating direction ensures
prevents the roping of the items in the drum. To extract water, the drum spins at a high speed
using the principle of centrifugal force. The spin will whirl out 70-80% water which is
suitable for ironing. Machines may be programmed to give specific number of different wash,
rinse or extract cycles. Water temperature is generally kept between 30-95˚C
The compact mass of hydro-extracted clothes is referred to as ‘cheese’ and the water level is
referred to as ‘dip’
Washing machines may be top or Front loaded, semi-automated or fully automated. Some
machines have automatic sensors to monitor, overloading, wash or excess detergent and give
alerts. These sensors are known as Fuzzy Logic.
Laundromats are self-service laundries where washer-extractors and tumble dryers are
available for the individual user, operated with the help of a coin, card or token. They may be
found in public areas like hostels, apartment blocks etc.
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TUMBLE DRYER
Dryers are machines that dry laundry by tumbling it slowly in a perforated drum exposed to
hot air ranging from 40ºC to 60ºC in low capacity dryers and going right upto 85ºC in an
industrial dryer. There are programmes for delicate articles with low or no heat. For speedy
drying and less wrinkling the volume of the dryer should be 25% more than the washer-
extractor. Most dryers have a microprocessor computer control system. Although suitable
drying times are usually recommended for specific fabrics, some dryers have sensors hooked
onto their microprocessors so that they can gauge the moisture in the load and cut the dryer
off automatically the moment the laundry is dry. This is a major preventive factor against
spontaneous combustion, as hot air blowing on ‘bone dry’ fabrics can easily set it on fire.
Furthermore, the dryer may have a post-drying cool down cycle that also reduces the fire
hazard as well as prevents the formation of wrinkles in no iron fabrics. The process creates a
great deal of wear and tear on the fabric as particles of lint come off in the drying process. A
lint screen traps the lint particles and must be cleaned regularly. Lint build-up restricts air-
flow and reduces the rate of moisture removal, thereby increasing energy consumption and
costs. The length of the cycle is dependent on the absorbency of the fabric, the residue of
moisture and whether them fabric is to be completely dried (approximately 40 mins.)
FOLDING MACHINES
Machines may be semi-automated which do not exactly fold the linens but holds the ends of
the linen from the other end. Fully automated machines may fold the linens automatically
immediately after being calendered.
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2nd year Accommodation Operation
SPOTTING UNIT
This is a machine which aids in cleaning and removing stains from fabrics. It consists of a
spotting board, spotting gun, vacuum and a steam nozzle. Fabric is laid onto the board,
spotted with gun, steam is applied and the stain is removed by vacuum.
TUNNEL DRYER
Clothes are hung on conveyor belts that pass through a tunnel. Hot air blowing in the tunnel
renders the articles completely dry by the time they exit. It is a fully automated process that
also transfers the linen to the next area of activity.
PUFFER OR SUZIE
This is used for coats and articles that do not crease heavily. The articles are put onto a
dummy that is inflated with steam to remove creases and then with hot air to remove the
moisture created by the steam. It is ideal for ironing gowns, coats.
Laundry Agents/Chemicals
Detergents
Strictly speaking, the term detergent can be applied to any cleaning agent. Its usage is known
generally restricted to those cleaning agents containing significant quantities of a group of
chemicals known as surfactants. A number of other chemicals are frequently included to
produce a detergent suitable for a specific use.
Essential properties
A good detergent will possess many or all of the following properties:
1. Reduce the surface tension of water so that the cleaning solution can penetrate the soil
and surface.
2. Emulsify soil and lift it from a surface.
3. Suspend soil in the cleaning solution
4. Be soluble in cold water
5. Be effective in hard water
6. Be harmless to user and surface to be cleaned
7. Rinse easily to leave no streaks or scum
8. Be economical in use
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Chemical composition
Detergents are formulated from the types of chemicals described in the following:
Surface active agents (surfactants) are chemicals, the molecules of which when dissolved in
water possess a water seeking (hydrophilic) end and a water repelling (hydrophobic) end.
They may or may not carry a negative or positive electrical charge. The molecules are
dispersed through the water so that they reduce the surface tension of the of the water by
overcoming the forces of attraction between the water molecules, thus allowing the water and
surfactant molecules to penetrate the soil and surface. The hydrophobic ends of the surfactant
molecules are attracted to the soil, surrounding particulate soil particles and lifting them from
the surface while breaking and rolling up grease into small particles and lifting them from the
surface. The hydrophilic ends of the surfactant molecules point out from the soil particles into
the surrounding water. As individual particles approach each other the hydrophilic parts of
the surfactant molecules on different particles repel each other keeping the soil in suspension
and preventing it from settling back onto the surface.
Builders are alkaline chemicals that influence the effectiveness of a cleaning agents in one or
both of the following two ways:
1. They sequester (combine with) calcium ions in hard water to form water-soluble
salts, thus preventing the adverse effects of calcium.
2. Enhance the emulsifying and dispersing properties of the detergent.
Complex phosphates e.g. Sodium Tripolyphosphate, are included in manydetergentspowders
and act in both of the ways described.
Sodium metasilicate and sodium carbonate are included in many liquid detergents and
function in the second of the ways described
Builders in general can have damaging effects on many surfaces e.g. chrome, aluminium,
wool, silk, paints, wood and linoleum.
Water softeners are frequently comprised of complex phosphates e.g. Sodium
hexametaphosphate because of their sequestering properties.
Foaming AgentsIncrease or stabilize the foam formed by a detergent. Foaming can be used
to indicate surfactant activity, the level of foam being dependent on the amount of surfactant
active in a cleaning solution. Alkalonamides derived from coconuts oil are frequently used
for this purpose.
Other foaming agents can be used to produce stable, relatively thick foams in which the other
chemicals are dispersed. The foam will stick to non-horizontal surface and the cleaning
chemicals.
Chelating agents are relatively complex chemicals which are included in many liquid
detergents to sequester calcium ion. In simple terms a combination of sodium carbonate or
metasilicate and a chelating agent will have a similar effect to tripolyphosphate alone.
Tripolyphosphate is not normally included in a liquid detergent because ittends to break
down in alkaline solution. Chelating agents are now frequently used as descaling agents,
being a more acceptable alternative to strong acids.
Suspending agents e.g. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMS), increase the amount of soil
that can be held in suspension in the cleaning solution.
BleachesWill break down by oxidation, stains which have not been removed from a surface
by surfactants or builders. Sodium perborate, weak bleach is included in detergents intended
for washing textile.
Bulking Agents
Eg:- Sodium sulphate, contribute to the volume of detergent powders
Conditioning Agents
Ensure that the granules in detergent powders are crisp firm and dry
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Whiteners
Absorb ultra violet light and transmit it as visible white light. The whiteness of a surface will
normally depend on the amount of natural light reflected from it and received by the eye.
Whiteners therefore increase the amount of light received by the eye.
Enzymes
Are complex proteins that will break down organic substances e.g. blood stains, adhering to a
surface. They are most effective at 30-50˚C and are inactivated at temperatures above 60˚C
Anticorrosive Agents
Inhibit the formation of water films on a surface. Chemical reactions resulting in corrosion
are generally dependent on the presence of water
Perfumes and dyes
Are included to increase consumer acceptability, but increases the risk of allergic reaction.
Suspending Agent
The role of the suspending agent in cleaning is to hold the dirt in suspension and
prevent it from re-depositing onto the surface of the article.
It plays a crucial role in the laundry agent due to the amount of time that the clothes
rotate in the machine while the dirt is in suspension.
The suspending agent is carboxyl methyl cellulose.
Sequestering Agent
These act along with the suspending agent to hold dirt in suspension. They assist by
holding a greater amount of dirt in suspension thereby reducing the likelihood of re-
deposition.
They also have the additional ability to dissolve lime salts that are responsible for
temporary hardness in water.
Sodium polyphosphates act as sequestering agents.
Alkali
Alkalis used in the wash process include
1. Washing Soda (sodium Carbonate Na2CO310H2O)
2. Sodium Phosphate
3. Sodium Hydroxide
4. Sodium Metasilicate
5. Borax (Na2B4O710H2O)
6. Ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH)
The role of the alkali in the wash process
Combines with calcium ions in hard water to form water soluble salts, thus preventing
the adverse effects of calcium
Enhance the emulsifying and dispersing properties of the detergents
Bleaches
These are used on white articles only.
They remove colouring matter by theiroxidizing or reducing action.
If not in liquid form, they should be dissolved in hotwater in order to ensure that no
powder residue remains in the washing machinewhich may affect later loads.
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The bleaches commonly used in the laundry process aresodium perborate and sodium
hypochlorite (Javelle water).
S.NO. OXIDISING BLEACH REDUCING BLEACH
1 Chlorine bleach Oxygen Bleach
2 Oxidising bleach which liberates the Reducing bleach which reduces
oxygen from Bleach the level of oxygen
3 It is stronger It is milder
4 It goes well with cold water It goes well with hot water
5 It removes all type of stains, except It is basically used on animal
animal stains
6 Sodium hypochlorite( Javelle Water) Sodium Hydrosulphite( Na2S2O4)
(NaOCl) Sodium Bisulphite
Sodium Perborate (NaBO2H2O23H2) Sulphorous acid (HSO3)
Sodium Chlorite (NaClO2)
Potassium permanganate (KMnO4)
Bleaching Powder (CaOCl)cotton
7
Antichlors
These are agents used to neutralize the chlorine bleach and are essential particularly
in the case of polyesters. The use of chlorinated bleaches has a tendency to leave
yellow deposits.
Sour/acid agents
This is used only in industrial laundering in the final rinse, to neutralize any alkaline
soap residues that may be present.
It brings the pH of the linen articles to a level between 5 and 6.5, which is agreeable
to the human skin and also gets rid of yellow or brown deposits caused by residue
alkali.
Acetic acid is used as the sour.
In cases where there is a high iron content in the water, Oxalic acid is used which
serves a dual purpose, by also getting rid of the reddish, iron deposits.
If starch is being used, sour should be added 2 minutes before the starch to achieve a
pH of 5.0 to 5.5. If a sizing agent is being used, the ideal pH is 7.0 to 8.0 so sour is
generally not used.
a. Oxalic Acid
Sold in white crystals
Used for removal of fruit stains, bleaching of brown stains after using potassium
permanganate and tannin base of ink stains together with Hydrogen peroxide.
b. Salt of lemon
Salt of Sorrel
Compound of Potassium Oxalate and Oxalic Acid reffered as Potassium binoxalate
Used for neutralizing strong alkali
c. Acetic Acid
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Fabric conditioner/Softener
A fabric conditioner or softener has surface active agents like a detergent but they
donot perform the function of cleaning.
Fabric conditioners are based on cationicsurface-active agents, carrying a positive
charge and creates anti-static properties.
A fabric conditioner is never used on loads where starch or sizing will be used.
The role of the fabric conditioner in laundering
Optical brightener
This is an optical brightener/ whitener, which is in fact a very fine dye, which gets
bleached in course of time.
It has a fluorescent effect by reflecting the UV rays of the sun.
The laundry blue in a powder form tends to accumulate in the weave of the fabric and
causes it to turn grey and is no longer used in modern laundries
Starch
This is a stiffening agent used to impart a better appearance to the fabric.
The use ofstarch has declined due to the minimum-iron finishes on fabrics and
garments and thereduced use of cotton in favour of man-made fibres.
However there are some articlesthat have a better feel and drape when starched and it
is particularly essential fornapkin folds.
Since polyesters do not have the ability to absorb starch they are stiffened with sizing
agents.
Types of starch
1. Hot-Water Starches
2. Cold-Water Starches
3.Gelatin
4. Glue
5. Synthetic Sizing
DRY CLEANING
This is a process by which textiles are cleaned using a solvent other than water. This
solvent is usually an organic liquid that acts first to remove the layer of grease which
bonds most grease particles to the surface and then to carry this dirt away.
The solvents used are
1. Perchloroethylene
2. Tri-chloro-tri-fluoro-ethane
The solvent is removed first by centrifugal action and finally by evaporation. The
solvent being expensive is filtered and recycled.
Darker coloured articles are dry-cleaned after the lighter coloured ones. All articles
require to be aired after the dry-cleaning process.
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OZONE LAUNDRY
Ozone washing is an energy efficient system that can cut laundry costs by 50%. Ozone is a
powerful oxidizer formed when an electric current is passes through oxygen. It is carried out
by mass injecting ozone into the laundry system via the cold water lines. The resulting
ozonated water facilitates the breakdown of insoluble soils leading to a whole host of
benefits. Ozone washing, cuts detergent use by 60%. It reduces the need for hot water and
can cut enegy costs by 80%. The returns on investment could be as little as two years. Little
hot water, reduced chemicals and shorter wash cycles greatly extends the life of linen.
GUEST LAUNDRY
Among the many amenities provided by a hotel, one of them is laundry service for the
guest.It is an amenity which is essential in resort hotels where guests are long-staying and
prefer to travel light. Even if a full-fledged laundry service is not available, at least some
facility for ironing is required as clothes get crumpled in packing. It is a source of revenue in
hotels and may serve as a means of preventing them from washing clothes and hanging them
out to dry in hotel guest rooms.
Laundry service may be Normal (Ordinary) or Urgent (Express) and provide Drycleaning,
Washing and Ironing. The time gap between the collection and delivery is dependent on
whether the laundry is on-premises or off-premises.
A guest may avail of laundry service by either telephoning the Housekeeping Desk and a
Room Attendant is sent to collect the laundry Alternatively, if the Laundry is on premises, the
Order-taker in the Laundry cabin will receive the call and the Valet Runner will collect the
laundry. If the hotel provides a Laundry Hanger, the guest may hang this out on the doorknob
indicating that there is laundry for collection. Laundry lists are provided in the room or the
format is printed on the laundry bag.
Should the guest wish to avail of laundry services, the necessary details will have to be
entered like the date, room no., name of guest, no. of type of articles and service required. If a
list is filled in, it is signed by a guest and kept along with the articles to be laundered in the
laundry bag. The staff collecting the laundry must check the articles given against the entries
made. They must also look out for tears and damages or guest belongings left behind on/in
the articles. It is especially important to check if the guest has left laundry for collection when
the laundry is off-premises.
It is absolutely essential to mark guest articles before despatch to an off- premises laundry in
order to prevent any mix-up. Marking is done on a marking machine which usually indicates
only the room number but may also indicate the initials of the guest. The heat-sealed tape
used for marking does not come out in the normal wash procedure but can be peeled off if so
desired. The laundry list is used for making the bill which is charged according to the service
requested.
Extra care must be taken when handling guest laundry. If stains and damages are present,
they must be dealt with prior to the laundering process. As it is directly related to guest
satisfaction, staff working on guest laundry should be most experienced. The machine
capacity is also smaller to deal with smaller loads and control the quality of wash.
Instructions for washing and washing symbols on the garment must be strictly adhered to and
small items are tied loosely in a net bag prior to loading to prevent them from getting lost.
When delivering guest articles, some will be folded while others are placed on hangers.
Folded articles are put together in a laundry bag with the room number written on it, while
hanging articles are clubbed with a tie label indicating the room number.
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LAUNDERING OF COTTONS
The process of laundering cotton fabrics is dependent on the texture of the fabrics, fastness of
colour and the finish appropriate to its use.
Sorting is a major stage according to
- fine ,delicate cotton (mulmul, muslin)
- white and light fast colours
- dark, fast colours
- non-fast colours
A further classification into coarse articles, bed linen and personal articles and table linen.
This sorting will be responsible for deciding
- the temperature of water in the main wash
- the need for disinfection/sterilization
- the detergent used
- the speed of rotation of the drum
- the length of the wash cycle
- the use of bleach and optical brighteners
- the need to starch
- hydro-extraction
LAUNDERING OF SILK
Silk should be washed frequently as perspiration damages the fabric. Never soak articles as it
weakens the fabric nor should they be subjected to high heat (wash temperature approx 30ºC)
The detergent should have a good surfactant and should not depend on mechanical action for
cleaning. No harsh chemicals should be used. The final rinse of silk articles should be carried
out with a little vinegar in it. (1 tspn /10 litres water) in order to preserve lustre. Silk is too
delicate to be hydro-extracted. Silk should never be sundried as this damages the fabric and
causes yellowing of the fabric. Ironing is on medium heat as silk scorches easily. The article
must be evenly dampened and water should never be sprinkled on the fabric as it leaves
watermarks.
Ensure that the articles are completely dry so that creases do not reappear on the portion
which is damp. Ironing is carried out on the reverse in order to preserve lustre and air all silk
garments after ironing. Silk is usually dry-cleaned.
LAUNDERING OF WOOL
In the laundering of wool, the articles must be shaken out to remove the dust particles that are
held in the loosely constructed weave. Hand-knitted garments are very susceptible to felting
and stretching. Mark the outline of the article prior to washing and arrange it in its original
size and shape after laundering and dry flat.
In the laundering of wool, the following should be avoided:
- application of friction
- fluctuating and high temperatures
- use of strong laundry agents
- wringing tightly and hydro-extraction
- hanging the fabric when wet
- prolonged soaking as it makes the fabric weak
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The capacity of the machine, may have to be disregarded due to the bulkiness of the article.
The movement of the drum should be gentle and a scrubbing brush should never be used. The
wash cycle should be short and water temperature (not more than 35º C). The rinse cycle
should be thorough and borax is added to the final rinse water to prevent matting. No hydro-
extraction is permitted but there is instead a pumping action for the removal of moisture.
Usually ironing is not required.Wherever necessary, iron when the article is completely dry,
using a low temperature and ironing on the reverse of the article. It is very essential to air to
fabric after ironing.
LAUNDERING OF SYNTHETICS
These are manufactured so that they shed dirt quickly in the wash. However if they become
heavily soiled, (especially collars and cuffs and saree borders) they become difficult to clean,
so it is better to wash them after every use.
Soaking the garments before laundering is beneficial as it loosens the dirt. Care must be taken
when loading the machine as overloading results in creases which may be difficult to remove
later. The application of friction should avoid the use of a scrubbing brush and should be
restricted to heavily soiled parts only. The wash cycle is short and carried out at a low
temperature (30º C) Rinsing should be carried out in water at room temperature. The hydro-
extraction cycle is also short as synthetic articles have a low absorbency. Iron on low heat but
quickly as if there is a prolonged contact it is likely to scorch the fabric.
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INDOOR PLANTS
With the increasing concern for the environment and the campaign against the use of cut
flowers, indoor plants have now become a vital part of interior decoration. The use of
artificial plants for the purpose of decoration has also become popular and these have the
added advantage of minimal maintenance. The advantage of natural plants over the artificial
plants is that they are not only decorative, but they also absorb potentially harmful gases and
clean the surrounding air. Most paints and furnishings in the process of degradation emit
trace levels of organic chemicals that can build up into toxic levels. Natural indoor plants act
as air cleaning machines, removing the trace levels.
In hotel properties, indoor plants are appreciated for their ability to add charm and liveliness
to hotel guestrooms and public areas such as lobbies and corridors. They should be chosen
with care, so that their colours, shapes, and size fit in with the décor of the space. The
temperature, humidity in the room, and the amount of light available there must also be taken
into account. The health of a plant depends on the soil medium. Ideally, the soil should be of
an open texture to allow air to reach the roots. A mixture of red earth, coarse sand, compost
and leaf mould forms a very good medium.
Plants can be potted in clay/ plastic pots. Clay pots are porous and allow evaporation of
moisture, hence they require more watering than the plastic pots which they are likely to be
over watered. Holes at the base of the pot assist in the drainage of water.
AIR TEMPERATURE:
Plants thrive well in warm temperatures. They cannot withstand a constant change in
temperature. Therefore it is wise to allow some transition time in the shade when transferring
it to extremes of temperature.
LIGHT:
Although plants can be kept indoors, they need light for their growth. Light is a vital factor in
the photosynthesis process by which plants make their food. Artificial lighting does enable a
plant to grow properly. Indoor plants will generally not grow in a dark or poorly lit room.
Plants with dark green leaves can be placed in a dark area with sufficient artificial light.
Often it is noticed that plants grow only in one direction. This is because they are seeking
light only in that direction. To achieve a uniform growth, rotate the plants in their place
periodically.
Indoor plants need to be brought out for fresh air at least once a fortnight. Care should be
taken however to ensure that the plants are not placed in the direct sunlight. Doing so, even
for 5 minutes will scorch the leaves of the plant.
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WATER:
The water requirement of the plant depends on many factors like season, position indoors,
age of plant, type, room temperature, type and size of pot and soil medium used. It is
incorrect to presume that frequent watering of the plant keeps it healthy. It is quite the reverse
as over-watering can kill a plant.
Water has to be provided judiciously and though there is no accurate guideline for this, one
can test the soil in the pot for dampness. If the soil is damp, the plant does not need watering.
If it is dry then sufficient water must be given so that the water drains out from the drainage
holes at the base of the pot.
It is necessary to clean the leaves regularly with a wet sponge in order for plants to thrive
well and look healthy. This prevents the pores in the leaves from getting clogged with dust.
HUMIDITY:
Often one notices the tip of the leaves turning brown and wilting which happens in an air
conditioned room because air conditioning dries out the humidity in the air. The plants lose
water faster from the pores in their leaves than they can replace it through their roots.
RE-POTTING:
Plants cannot grow forever in the same pot. As the roots gradually fill up the pot, it needs to
be planted in another pot for it to continue to grow. For further growth, remove some soil
from the top and replace it with fresh soil, at least once a year. Repotting should be done
during summer or during the rainy season. For the purpose of re-potting, the next larger size
which is bigger by 3 cm in diameter is suitable and has drainage holes in the bottom which
allow excess water to flow out.
FERTILIZING:
Plants need to be fertilized fortnightly with a proper balance on N.P.K. These are the three
elements that are most essential to the growth of all plants. Nitrogen is essential for the
growth of the stem and leaves, phosphorous for the roots and potassium for the general
sturdiness of the plant. There are ready chemical fertilizers with a mix of all three.
PRUNING:
Pruning is required to make the plant grow bushier and to give it the desired shape. It is also
done to get rid of the diseased parts of the plant. Pruning should be done when the plant is in
its active growing stage and should never be carried out in winter.
DISEASE AND PEST CONTROL:
Most plant problems occur due to two reasons – disease and pests. Be on a constant look-out
for symptoms of plant disease. Spray the plants fortnightly to prevent attack. A neem spray is
an organic way to keep diseases and pests at bay without any side effects.
Guidelines to avoid plant problems –
Adequate fertile soil with essential nutrients.
Constant inspection and check on plants and any infected parts should be immediately
removed and destroyed before it spreads.
Overcrowding of plants can cause diseases since they require adequate sunlight, water and
good air circulation.
Water the soil as required and allow drying out between watering, as over watering can
cause rotting problem.
Remove all unnecessary old leaves, weeds, etc.
Regularly turn soil and leave exposed to sunlight allowing it to sterilize.
Do not give any insecticide treatment on a hot sunny day as the plants could get scorched.
Spray in the late evening when there is minimal air movement.
Avoid spraying insecticide on delicate flowers and petals as they may be adversely affected.
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