Green and modern

1 August 2005



Harlequin Cleaners has refurbished its Cobham branch and at the same time switched to GreenEarth solvent. Roger Cawood reports


West-Sussex based Harlequin Cleaners has recently made the switch to alternative solvents and replaced a 35lb perc machine in its Cobham Shop with two Böwe slimline dual-solvent machines both using GreenEarth solvent.

The move was part of a general upgrade and refit for the unit, giving it a more modern image.

Director Michael Phelan was aware from the outset that the switch to GreenEarth could mean changes in working practices.

Opting for siloxane rather than continuing with perc or choosing the hydrocarbon option would probably mean that stain removal, in particular, was going to be more of a problem. However, Phelan had long been concerned about the environmental issues related to cleaning in perc and believed that this was by far the most important consideration. Harlequin’s experience to date has shown that, as expected, stain removal has been more problematic.

Pre-spotting methods have had to be revised as the kit pre-spotters available for GreenEarth have not proved as effective as those the business had been using with perc.

As a result I was commissioned to carry out a two day advanced stain removal course at the Cobham unit.

New kit products specifically designed for use with siloxane have been introduced, but the course mainly concentrated on the use of pure chemicals and bleaches to further develop the post-spotting skills of the two very experienced cleaning staff. These methods and techniques are also very useful for removing specific stains before cleaning in GreenEarth.

Around 40% of the work at Cobham comprises designer and high value items and GreenEarth is ideally suited to this type of garment.

The staff all like the new solvent and although they now have to work harder at stain removal, they are very impressed with the soft and pleasant handle that GreenEarth imparts to garments and the odour-free working environment.

They are also finding that garments are generally much easier to finish compared with those cleaned in perc.

The solvent switch was part of a full refit to give the Cobham branch, one of four unit shops in the group, a more up-to-date, upmarket image.

Both internally and externally the shop now gives an impression of a modern, highly efficient operation. I found the front of shop area particularly impressive.

Two stainless-steel counter units with glass tops have been installed. Two Metalprogetti garment conveyors give counter staff easy access to the stock. The customer area is well lit and spacious.

The investment also included a complete revamp of the production area and the installation of new equipment. This includes:

  • Böwe M18 and M15 drycleaning machines
  • Veit 8362 garment former
  • Veit 8730 trouser topper
  • two Barbanti ironing tables and Veit table
  • Firbimatic automatic press
  • Sidi steam spotting table
  • Sankosha CN566E shirt finisher and CN66E collar and cuff press
A Miele domestic washer and a gas-fired tumble dryer at present provide a limited washing capacity. An Ipso 40lb washer-extractor is on order to give the additional capacity needed for the planned expansion of Harlequin’s shirt services.

At the rear of the shop a TAE EVO refrigerated chiller for the cooling water has been installed along with a Controlled Flame boiler.

I found the whole transformation very pleasing. The company’s environmentally friendly strategy, coupled with high quality standards, will I am sure, lead to a continuing expansion of their business.




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