Water, heat…Persistence and…

Water, heat…and harnessing it

We all get the fact that the warmer the water, the better its cleaning ability. Our most basic understanding of the business likely began with the WATCH principles of cleaning where we learned that last letter stood for heat. So early on we knew it was pretty vital.

But in the laundry isle its’ contribution goes beyond cleaning. Consider that fact that many (if not most) formulas begin with a warm flush cycle.  The reason has to do with the fact that the warm water opens the cold cloth’s weave allowing soils to be released from the more tightly closed confines of the fabric’s weave even before any chemicals are used.

In the wash cycle we’ll typically go full hot because that elevated temperature accelerates the detergent’s ability to loosen and dissolve soils. But independent from the detergent’s activity, that increased heat further opens the weave for enhanced cleaning.

As we continue the formula to the first rinse its’ temperature will match that of the wash cycle which preceded it. That way the weave doesn’t close up and trap soils that were released – but are still in the water. Continuing to the final rinse we typically use a warm setting to allow the softener to penetrate the fabric – and for its souring component to reach any embedded alkalinity and neutralize it.

Next up: Water levels and soft/sour dosing.

Persistence and …Second attempts

The value of persistence is hard to overstate. Talent, knowledge, and heck even charm – plus a long list of other desirable attributes are great and can certainly contribute to the chance for success.

But in the absence of persistence, they aren’t worth much. Think of it as hunting rifle with no ammunition, or a race car with no engine. Both may look great, but won’t do the job they should.

Persistence and the willingness to make that repeated attempt is the difference. It’s true in sales as well as service. Doing that monthly service right may be time consuming and even arduous but doing it well and thoroughly will both ensure quality results and (more importantly) a more secure customer.

In selling it’s perhaps the single ingredient that most guarantees success. If we’re stymied by a prospect who rebuffs our first closing attempt and call it a day, we’re got a problem. But if we’re willing to persist to make a second attempt or regroup and recalibrate our approach for a later attempt, we may just succeed. And that second effort might make all the difference.

Next up: A slightly altered style of persistence.