Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that can be used effectively in commercial laundry systems. When applied correctly, ozone improves stain removal, reduces chemical demand, and enhances fabric hygiene. While d-limonene and solvent boosters are often employed for cosmetic and oily soils, ozone provides a different mechanism—oxidative breakdown of organic molecules—that can achieve comparable or even superior results. This article outlines the chemistry behind ozone in laundry, step-by-step wash processes, and how to combine ozone with detergents such as Arctic Ice and Compass for optimal outcomes.

1) The Chemistry of Ozone in Laundry

Ozone (O₃) is a triatomic form of oxygen with a high oxidation potential (2.07 V), stronger than chlorine. When dissolved in water, ozone attacks double bonds, aromatic rings, and other reactive sites in organic molecules. This leads to cleavage of long-chain soils, decolorization of stains, and microbial destruction. Unlike chlorine, ozone decomposes back to oxygen, leaving no harmful residue.

Key effects in stain removal include:
– Oxidizing oils, waxes, and film formers in cosmetics.
– Breaking down organic pigments and residues.
– Providing broad-spectrum antimicrobial sanitation.
– Reducing or eliminating the need for hot water and strong chlorine bleaching.

2) Synergy with Arctic Ice and Compass

While ozone delivers oxidative power, detergents provide the essential surfactant, enzyme, and builder systems that suspend soils and prevent redeposition. For best performance, pair ozone with the following:

– Arctic Ice: A built, industrial detergent that provides excellent alkaline cleaning and surfactant action. Ideal for the break and wash steps, where emulsification and suspension of soils are critical.
– Compass: An enzyme-based detergent containing protease, lipase, and amylase along with a built-in peroxide bleach. This combination is especially effective for protein (blood, food), oil-based (makeup, sunscreen), and starch soils. The peroxide bleach complements ozone’s oxidative action for brightness and stain removal.

3) Process Design for Ozone-Integrated Systems

A successful ozone laundry program integrates cold-water ozone baths with standard chemical dosing. The following is a benchmark process for white cotton, blends, and heavily soiled linens:

Step 1 – Cool Flush:
Short flush with cold water and ozone injection to loosen soils and start oxidation.

Step 2 – Enzyme Soak (if needed):
Use Compass at 100–115°F for 5–10 minutes. Enzymes (lipase, protease, amylase) break down oils, proteins, and starches.

Step 3 – Break/Wash:
Add Arctic Ice (0.4–0.6% owg) with ozone infusion. pH 10–11 ensures soil release while ozone oxidizes stains.

Step 4 – Main Wash/Oxidation:
Continue Arctic Ice or Compass dosing as required. Maintain ozone injection to enhance peroxide and oxidizer synergy.

Step 5 – Brightening and Sanitizing:
Leverage Compass’s peroxide bleach alongside ozone for maximum brightness. Both oxidizers complement one another, improving stain removal without harsh chlorine.

Step 6 – Rinses:
Conduct 2–3 rinses with light ozone infusion for ongoing sanitation.

Step 7 – Sour/Neutralize:
Target final pH of 6.0–6.5. Ozone leaves no harmful residuals, but proper souring enhances textile feel and longevity.

4) Advantages of Ozone Laundry Systems

Using ozone in a commercial laundry setting provides multiple benefits:
– Superior stain removal through oxidation.
– Reduced chemical demand (less reliance on chlorine or solvent boosters).
– Lower water and energy costs, since ozone is highly effective in cold water.
– Enhanced textile life due to reduced exposure to high temperatures and chlorine.
– Safer, environmentally friendly system, as ozone reverts to oxygen.

5) Troubleshooting and Best Practices

To achieve consistent results with ozone:
– Ensure proper ozone concentration (0.5–1.0 ppm dissolved is typical).
– Maintain correct pH levels (ozone is more stable in acidic to neutral pH, but detergency requires alkalinity—balance is key).
– Use Arctic Ice for strong detergent action in alkaline steps.
– Use Compass for enzyme-driven soil removal and peroxide bleaching.
– Avoid mixing chlorine bleach with ozone systems, as they are incompatible.
– Regularly maintain ozone generators and injection systems to ensure reliability.

Conclusion

By integrating ozone into the wash process alongside high-performance detergents such as Arctic Ice and Compass, laundries can achieve results equal to or better than those achieved with d-limonene and solvent boosters. The combination of oxidative power, enzymatic action, surfactant strength, and controlled alkalinity ensures excellent removal of tough soils such as makeup, sunscreen, body oils, and protein stains. The added advantages of lower energy costs, enhanced textile life, and environmental safety make ozone an attractive choice for modern industrial laundries.