Competency Based Qualification

Processing and Classifying Laundry

Laundry Services

Unit Aim

This unit will allow Learners to demonstrate competency in processing, sorting and treating a range of items for laundry. Learners will be able to identify laundry items and a range of different fabrics. This unit will also provide Learners with the fundamental skills to remove common stains.

Unit Content

1 Perform checks on laundry

  • Handling: wear personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain personal hygiene, use correct manual handling procedures, follow industry best practice and workplace procedures
  • Items: sheeting and pillowcases, towelling and bath robes, table linen, uniform, utility cloths, guest clothing
  • Signs of damage: loose seams or stitches, missing or loose buttons, tears and frays
  • Process: follow industry best practice and workplace procedures, report to supervisor
  • Foreign objects: personal belongings in the pockets of garments, badges on lapels, garment embellishments e.g.  fancy buttons or buckles
  • Process: follow industry best practice and workplace procedures, report to supervisor, remove and return to guest, label if no indication of ownership
  • Remote and redirect: follow industry best practice and workplace procedures, report to supervisor

2 Sort and process all items for laundering

  • Items: sheeting and pillowcases, towelling and bath robes, table linen, cleaning materials, uniform, guest clothing
  • Fibre type (natural): cotton, linen wool, silk,
  • Fibre type (manufactured): viscose, acetate, new generation lyocells – Modal®, Tencel® Lyocells®, synthetic fibres: nylon, polyester, acrylic, elastomeric
  • Fabric care labels: symbols and instructions
  • Construction of items: badges, logos, press studs, Velcro etc
  • Colour: white, colours, dark colours
  • Soiling type: oily or protein
  • Soiling levels: heavy, medium or light
  • Finishing requirements e.g., press, calender, tumble dry
  • Type of stain (all types):
    • protein e.g., milk, blood, egg,
    • tannin e.g., coffee, juice, alcohol,
    • oil-based e.g., butter, oil, collar and cuff grease rings,
    • dye e.g., colour bleeding, grass, combination,
    • stains require special treatment methods e.g., deodorants, nail polish
  • Process: pre-spotting with stain remover, follow instructions
  • Foul or Infected: bodily fluids e.g., blood, faeces, vomit or urine, bedbugs or other infestation
  • Process: follow industry best practices and workplace procedures e.g.  wearing correct PPE, disposal of items, placing directly into a heavy-duty polythene bag which is usually red in colour and tied with its own soluble tie
  • Delicate fabrics: lace, silk, chiffon, satin, wool
  • Sensitive items: lingerie, scarves, woollen sweaters, evening gowns
  • Process: check labels, wash according to instructions
  • Cleaning methods: wet, dry, hot wash, low temperature wash, soaking, re-wash

3 Make up loads for laundering

  • Count: number of each item, by size, by department, staff name or number (uniforms), by weight, customer name or room number
  • Items: sheeting and pillowcases, towelling and bath robes, table linen, uniform, utility cloths, guest clothing
  • Marking systems: temporary marking, permanent transfers, printed heat seal labels, barcode labels, transponders (uniform), following industry best practice and workplace procedures
  • Correct loads: weight, colour, item, washing requirements, removing inappropriate items

4 Complete and keep accurate records

  • Forms: records, forms, guest dockets, delivery or collection receipts, follow industry best practice and workplace procedures
  • Up to date and accurate: fully completed, checked, signed and dated, follow industry best practice and workplace procedures

5 Work as an effective member of the team

  • Communication:
  • ~spoken e.g., tone of voice, terminology
  • ~written e.g., documents, forms, reports, presentations
  • ~body language e.g., posture
  • Situations: formal, informal, queries or requests, complaints
  • Codes of conduct: workplace policies, rules and procedures
  • Reporting: supervisor, line manager, challenges, issues, queries

6 Follow health, safety and hygiene procedures

  • Personal hygiene:
    • clean clothing, footwear and headgear
    • hair neat and tidy
    • wear a head covering e.g., hairnet, hat
    • washing hands
    • no jewellery
    • cover cuts and grazes
    • report illness and infections to the proper person
  • Common workplace hazards: slips, trips, falls, breakages, hot surfaces, chemicals
  • Health and safety procedures: following fire regulations, fire drills, evacuation, manual handling, safe use of chemicals, report accidents, first aid
  • Workplace emergencies: accidents, fire, breaches of security, illness
  • Emergency procedures: raising alarm, calling emergency services, firefighting equipment, evacuation procedures
  • Security procedures: control of keys, electronic systems, surveillance, control of entrances and exits, staff and visitor identity badge, reporting of suspicious persons and packages to line manager

Recommended Text

<div> <ul style="list-style-type: none; padding: 0;"> <li> Branson, J. C., & Lennox, M. (1988). <em>Hotel, Hostel & Hospital Housekeeping</em>. 5th ed. London: Hodder & Stoughton. <br> <a href="https://amzn.to/3GoNiJ3" target="_blank" class="button">Buy on Amazon</a> </li> </ul> </div>

Alternative Reading