How to choose the best professional laundry detergent

Whether you manage a hotel where white linen must remain immaculate day after day, a professional laundry that processes large volumes of textiles or a medical clinic where hygiene allows no compromises, you know how important it is to use the right detergent. With the countless options on the market, how do you choose the solution that perfectly meets your company’s needs?

A quality professional detergent doesn’t just mean clean laundry. It means efficiency, hygiene, tissue protection and long-term cost optimization. For this reason, in this article, we offer you 7 practical tips that will help you choose the professional detergent best suited to the needs of your business, a reliable ally for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

1. Understand the difference between professional and household detergents

Although they may seem similar at first glance, professional laundry and fabric detergents are designed for a completely different type of use than domestic ones. In the professional environment, it is not just the pleasant smell or attractive packaging that counts, but also the consistent performance and efficiency in frequent washing and large volumes.

Household detergents are designed for short wash cycles and lightly soiled laundry. Professional detergents, on the other hand, have concentrated formulas, capable of removing difficult stains, working effectively at different temperatures and maintaining the whiteness and consistency of fabrics even after dozens of washes. For example, restaurant tablecloths must be washed frequently at high temperatures without damaging the color or texture of the material.

2. Find the ideal formula: liquid, powder or capsules

The suitable detergent format depends on the type of wash and the equipment used. Each variant has its advantages, it is important to choose the most effective one for your business.

• Liquid detergents they are easy to dose and dissolve quickly, ideal for washing at low temperatures or for colored fabrics. They are frequently used in professional laundries equipped with automatic dosing systems, which add the optimal amount of detergent to each wash cycle. For example, you can choose Ariel S1 Actilift 20 L professional liquid detergent, specially designed for laundries or units working with automatic machines and large volumes of laundry.
• Powder detergents they have a high cleaning power, especially for white clothes and difficult stains. They are suitable for washing at high temperatures and are recommended in industrial laundries, where deep cleaning and the removal of difficult stains such as grease, wine or sauces is required.
• Gel or capsule detergents they offer precise dosing and are very practical, especially if you want optimal control of consumption. The capsule or gel formats are ideal for hotels, guest houses or wellness centers, where the efficiency and speed of the washing cycles are fundamental.

3. Choose the detergent based on the degree of dirt

Not all stains behave the same way. Each has a different composition and requires a suitable cleaner. The right choice helps you avoid repeated washing, save detergent and prolong the life of textiles. Below are some of the most common types of stains and which detergent works best for each.

• Grease and oil stains – common in hotels and HoReCa services; require detergents with active oxygen or special additives to remove pigment stains, such as the OMO Professional Active Clean 5 L professional liquid detergent, which is highly concentrated, enriched with enzymes and designed for white or colored fabrics.

• Wine, coffee or tea stains – common in hotels and HoReCa services; require detergents with active oxygen or special additives to remove pigmented stains, such as the Eltra 20 kg universal detergent, intended for washing and disinfecting white fabrics, as well as colored ones, with optimal effect starting from 60 °C.

• Blood stains or other organic stains – present in clinics, hospitals or salons; cleans effectively with enzymatic detergents, which act effectively on the degradation of proteins and fats, such as Ariel ProAlpha 15 kg.

• Makeup or cream stains – they are often found in guest houses and wellness centres; it is more easily removed with liquid detergents for delicate fabrics, which do not damage the fibres.

• Mud or sweat stains – common in the case of work uniforms or sports textiles; it is treated effectively with concentrated universal detergents.

4. Consider what you wash: the type of fabric makes the difference

Choosing the right detergent based on the material the laundry is made of is important to preserve its appearance, consistency and prolong its life.

• Cotton textiles (bedding, towels, uniforms) – cotton resists high temperatures and allows frequent washing. Use universal or professional powder detergents, which clean thoroughly and preserve an intense whiteness. If you have a business in the hospitality field, we also recommend our blog article: Essential rules for the correct washing of bed linen in hotels.
• Synthetic fabrics (polyester, blends) – these materials are more sensitive to high temperatures and can retain odors if the detergent is not chosen correctly. We recommend liquid detergents, which dissolve quickly and clean effectively even at low temperatures.
• Delicate fabrics (microfibre, silk, wool) – requires a delicate approach: neutral liquid detergents without strong alkaline agents. In this case, washing at low temperatures and precise dosage make the difference between a soft fabric and a ruined one.
• Medical or work fabrics – gowns, linens or towels used in hospitals and clinics must be washed with detergents with sanitizing properties, which contribute to the elimination of bacteria and viruses. For example, Ecolab Eltra professional detergent with disinfectant, 6 kg, is recommended in professional laundries of hospitals, nursing homes, nurseries, nurseries and in all laundries where the disinfection process is necessary.

5. Discover the advantages of ecological or hypoallergenic detergents

More and more companies prefer ecological detergents, without phosphates or chlorine, which respect environmental safety standards. Then there are companies that need hypoallergenic detergents, dermatologically tested, which are delicate on the skin and at the same time effectively remove dirt. They are especially preferred in clinics, medical centers, nurseries or nurseries, where the fabrics come into contact with the sensitive skin of children or patients.

• Ecological detergents – they are formulated to reduce environmental impact without compromising washing performance. They have biodegradable ingredients, no phosphates or synthetic fragrances, and are an inspired choice for companies that emphasize sustainability and environmental responsibility. They are often chosen by managers of hotels, guest houses, wellness centers or spas.
• Hypoallergenic detergents – are designed to minimize the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. They do not contain strong perfumes, dyes or aggressive preservatives. They are suitable if you know you have clients who have sensitive skin and may develop allergies to regular detergents or prefer fragrance-free and irritant-free products. Hypoallergenic detergents can therefore be an ideal solution for nurseries, clinics, medical centers or family hotels. Try Sodasan organic white and colored laundry detergent in 1.5 l.

6. Analyze the technical details: water hardness, detergent smell, correct dosage

Water hardness directly affects the effectiveness of the detergent. In areas with hard water, calcium and magnesium salts reduce cleaning power and can leave marks on fabrics. In these cases we recommend using detergents with anti-limescale agents or a softening additive, which helps the detergent to act to its maximum capacity, such as Sodasan Ecological Water Softener (750 g). Reduces water hardness and improves detergent performance.

The smell of detergent It matters more than it seems when it comes to customer experience. For example, hotels, guesthouses or wellness centers prefer detergents with a delicate and fresh, floral or fresh scent, which leave fabrics pleasantly scented, even for sensitive people. In clinics or medical facilities, however, fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products are recommended to avoid allergic reactions. Read also our blog article: Hygiene and cleanliness in hospitals and medical clinics.

Correct dosage it is essential for efficiency and economy. An insufficient quantity of detergent leaves stains and odors, an excessive dosage can cause deposits and wear on the fabrics. In professional laundries, the ideal solution is automatic dosing systems, which regulate the quantity of detergent based on the weight and degree of dirt of the load.

7. Test, compare and collaborate with Sanito, your trusted partner

Each company has its own peculiarities: different types of fabrics, hygiene standards, specific equipment and budgets. That’s why it’s worth trying different formulas and seeing which one gives the best results in your working conditions. We, Sanito, offer you fast delivery, products in stock reach you in 1 – 3 working days. A dedicated agent will also provide you with advice to simplify your purchasing process.

Sanito specialists understand the needs of companies from various sectors – HoReCa, medical, institutional or industrial – and offer customized solutions for every type of business. Whether it is clinics, offices, construction companies, shopping centers or other companies that make recurring purchases of consumables, Sanito can also become your reliable partner. We offer you professional quality products, personalized or repeat purchase discounts and loyalty points. Contact us and find out how we can help you!

Choosing the right professional detergent not only means impeccable cleanliness, but also cost optimization, efficiency, a solid brand image and satisfied customers. With the right support every detail becomes easier to manage. Sanito is the partner that offers you varied and professional products, specialized consultancy and fast deliveries, so that you can develop your business and enjoy satisfied customers who recommend you further.