Tunnel washer system with improved cleaning efficiency

A tunnel washer for washing an article, comprising:

• a plurality of processing chambers including a drying chamber for drying an article;
• a fluid exhaust pathway located between the drying chamber and an exterior of the tunnel washer, the fluid exhaust pathway being isolated from fluid dispensing devices;
• a first curtain located between the fluid exhaust pathway and the exterior of the tunnel washer;
• a second curtain located between the fluid exhaust pathway and the drying chamber, the second curtain mounted generally parallel to the first curtain at a location spaced from the first curtain, wherein the first curtain and the second curtain isolate the drying chamber from the exterior of the tunnel washer;
• a first conduit having an inlet located between the first curtain and the second curtain and an outlet fluidly connected to the drying chamber;
• a blower for conveying a gaseous fluid along the first conduit from the inlet to the outlet;
• and
• a heater located along the conduit to heat the gaseous fluid before it enters the drying chamber.