6 Signs it’s time to upgrade your commercial laundry equipment

Made with high-quality components, commercial laundry machines are designed to get through huge numbers of loads efficiently and last longer than domestic equipment. This longevity can be extended further with regular maintenance and is guaranteed for a number of years by manufacturer warranties.

However, even the best, most well-maintained commercial washers and dryers start to drop in performance over time. This can result in machine breakdowns, higher energy bills or a lower-quality laundry finish. Signs that your equipment needs replacing should be addressed as soon as possible to save your business time and money. This guide will help you spot and address them quickly. 

How long does commercial laundry machinery last?

Commercial washing machines and dryers are built to last a certain amount of cycles, the exact lifespan will vary depending on the model and manufacturer quality, how often it’s used and whether it’s regularly maintained or not. 

This is different to domestic machines, which only tend to last between five and seven years. This is because they’re not made with heavy-duty components to ensure they can handle high load volume repeatedly for extended periods, as commercial machines are. 

6 signs you should replace your machine

It won’t always be a catastrophic failure that marks the end of your machine’s life. Often, there will be more subtle clues that your washer, dryer or ironer needs replacing. Let us explain. 

#1 It’s constantly breaking down

Whether the machine fails to turn on, stops mid-cycle or has faults such as leaks or overheating, needing repairs more often is one of the clearest signs that a replacement is required. Although you might be tempted to keep paying for the machine to be fixed (particularly if you have a service plan), the downtime and costs caused by frequent breakdowns can accumulate in the long term. 

These costs will increase further if your machine’s warranty has ended. Plus, your laundry will start to build up as your machine is being repaired. So, even if you get quick technical support, breakdowns will cause delays in your cleaning schedule. This will increase pressure on your team and may lead to problems with your customer service. 

#2 Newer equipment will meet your needs better

More recent models are equipped with better technologies. Features such as auto-dosing chemicals, easy-to-use controls and moisture detection can all help make your laundry processes more straightforward. 

Design elements such as Miele’s honeycomb drums or higher spin cycles can also help achieve better cleaning results. They’ll also have more durable, higher quality components, so they could perform even longer than your previous model. Connected machines also allow the service provider to offer remote troubleshooting and diagnosis for a quicker response, resulting in minimum downtime. Access to usage data enables you to optimise equipment utilisation and bespoke programmes can significantly enhance ease of use.

#3 Your utility bills have increased

If you’ve recently got a water, electricity or gas bill that’s higher than normal, then inefficient laundry equipment could be to blame. As your machines get older, components start to wear. This often leads to using more energy or water to complete the same laundry processes. This is especially true with tumble dryers which are the most energy consuming part of a laundry process.

#4 You need to improve organisational sustainability

How efficiently your laundry equipment is running will also impact your business’s environmental credentials. Already one of the most energy-intensive processes in your company, older, inefficient washers and dryers can make it more difficult to reach your net zero goals. 

Plus, some new models have smart technologies which help you monitor and report on energy usage. So if you’ve got green or carbon emissions targets to hit, then upgrading your laundry equipment can make a big impact. 

#5 Your laundry is expanding

Businesses experience massive change over a decade or more. This includes the number of daily laundry loads. So, the capacity you needed when you purchased your machines is unlikely to suit your needs today. However, your laundry room’s footprint may not have changed. By calculating your needs and buying the right machines, you can maximise the capacity potential within the space available. 

In the case of a care home with no increase in the number of beds, changing resident needs can lead to the laundry capacity becoming insufficient to meet the level of care required. More complex needs, such as dementia, will call for increased laundry capacity.

#6 A warranty has ended

The length of manufacturer warranties will change from one product to another. However, if the guarantee’s term is coming to an end, then any repairs you need after this point will start costing you more. 

It’s also an indication of how long a manufacturer expects a model to perform efficiently, meaning faults could start becoming more frequent. So, if you can’t extend your warranty, then you might want to consider purchasing a maintenance or service contract to keep them working like new.

How to Find the Right Laundry Supplier

If you start spotting signs that your laundry equipment needs upgrading, then you need to find a supplier that can: 

• Keep your business’s specific needs in mind, whether that’s the hygiene standards of a care home or a focus on hitting net zero goals.
• Offer a range of commercial laundry equipment made by trustworthy manufacturers and fully covered by warranties. 
• Help you plan out your laundry room, calculate your capacity needs and supply machines which maximise your space and efficiency.
• Support you with maintenance and repair plans, meaning they can keep your machines running efficiently for as long as possible.
• Demonstrate experience in helping similar businesses create efficient laundry processes which deliver first-class results.

With a wide range of high-quality commercial laundry equipment, rental and purchase packages and clients across various industries, WASHCO can offer expert advice on your laundry processes and support any machine upgrades. Contact WASHCO’s specialists on 08000 546 546 or email info@washco.co.uk to find out more.