Abstract: Metallic based oily soils can be removed from garments by subjecting the garments to a pre-wash in an aqueous solution of a hydroxy diphosphonic acid such as HEDP under acidic conditions. Pre-washing the garments in the aqueous solution of HEDP at about 100 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes effectively removes the greasy soils, allowing them to be further laundered with an alkaline detergent composition.

Abstract: Metallic based oily soils can be removed from garments by subjecting the garments to a pre-wash in an aqueous solution of a hydroxy diphosphonic acid such as HEDP under acidic conditions. Pre-washing the garments in the aqueous solution of HEDP at about 100 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes effectively removes the greasy soils, allowing them to be further laundered with an alkaline detergent composition.

Abstract: Wastewater from a commercial laundry is treated by adding coagulant directly to the wastewater from each load of items washed. The amount of coagulant is administered using a controller. The controller in turn is programmed with an amount of coagulant which should be added based on the type of item being washed. The same controller can be used to inject the detergent into the washing apparatus. Thus the operator of the laundry simply enters the type of item being washed into the controller. This will automatically control both the amount of detergent added to the laundry as well as the amount of coagulant added to the wastewater discharged from the washing apparatus.