How to safeguard your laundry against spontaneous combustion fires
Picture this: a normal day at the commercial laundry facility, with clothes stored in bins or carts, and then—unexpectedly—a fire breaks out. This isn't just a rare fluke; it's a dangerous reality caused by spontaneous combustion. You might be wondering how something as mundane as laundry could ignite a blaze. The culprits? Substances like oils, grease, and cleaning products present in laundry.
Curious about how this happens and how you can prevent it? Keep reading to discover the science behind spontaneous combustion in laundry fires and the key solution to keep your operation safe.
How spontaneous combustion occurs in laundries?
In commercial laundries, spontaneous combustion happens when oily or greasy fabrics heat up from oxidation. Oxidation generates heat, and if this heat isn't dissipated, the temperature will keep rising until it reaches its ignition point. This risk is higher in your laundry room when high cotton fabrics such as linens are left in piles, especially if they’re damp and contaminated with oil, grease or other chemical substances.
When do spontaneous Ignition fires occur in laundries?
Before the laundering process begins:
Before washing, spontaneous fires can ignite in laundry piles due to the presence of grease, oil and other chemical substances. As these substances oxidize, they produce heat. When this heat is trapped within a large or tightly packed pile, it can build up and eventually reach a temperature sufficient to start a fire. If soiled laundry is left in the sun or near heat sources, the risk of fire increases even more.
Throwing hot laundry straight into a pile or bin without letting it cool is a recipe for disaster:
If laundry is not adequately cooled before being folded or stacked, residual heat can build up in the surrounding environment. This trapped heat can cause any remaining contaminants to oxidize further, eventually reaching a temperature that leads to spontaneous ignition.
How to reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion in laundries?
Managing the risk of spontaneous combustion in laundries is now easier than ever. The Quanturi LAUNDRY system provides an all-in-one solution for temperature monitoring. The Quanturi temperature monitoring system leverages smart probes connected to the internet, making it easy for you to monitor the real-time, 24/7 temperature of laundry bags, carts, etc.
These probes can be placed anywhere in carts, with soiled or clean laundry, or even in stacked setups. If temperatures approach unsafe levels, you'll receive instant notifications on your phone. Our solution helps protect your workplace, reduces the potential for damage, and ensures a safer environment, giving you peace of mind.
Quanturi LAUNDRY
The Quanturi LAUNDRY system includes a robust application service for effortless visualization of your wireless probe data. With Quanturi.app, you can instantly access a complete overview of all your probes and customize alert levels to trigger SMS notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what temperature does spontaneous combustion occur in laundry fabrics?
Cotton materials start to oxidize at approximately 203°F (95°C). The likelihood and temperature of spontaneous combustion can also be affected by external factors, such as the presence of oxidizing materials within the fabrics.
Can cloths or fabrics catch fire?
Yes, cloths or fabrics can catch fire. If they are soaked in substances like oil or grease, the heat generated through oxidation can cause them to self-ignite. This risk is even greater when the fabrics are stored in confined spaces where the heat cannot dissipate.
What types of fabrics are most prone to spontaneous combustion?
Fabrics with high cotton content that are contaminated with oils, grease, or other combustible residues are highly prone to spontaneous combustion.