Key takeaways at a glance:
Before investing in laundry equipment, it is important to understand what the right solution is for your business. Options include using an external laundry provider, choosing to manage some items in-house or managing everything in-house.
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Advantages of an on-premise laundry:
- Direct control over both the quality and costs
- You can minimise damage through the management of wash chemicals and detergents
- You can control the process and react quickly to any fluctuations in requirements
Advantages of contracting laundry out:
- It allows all resources, including management and staff, to focus on the core business
- Valuable space isn’t taken up by a laundry
- You avoid the capital equipment cost of purchasing laundry equipment
Advantages of mixing on-premise laundry and contracting out:
- Specific items, such as towels, can be easily washed and tumbled in-house, allowing you to react quickly and manage quality
- A small laundry gives you the ability to launder your own uniforms and mop heads, helping with infection control
- Items such as bed and table linen, which require a multi-roll ironer, are best contracted out, as these require high capital investment, resources, and a lot of space
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, as every operation is different. Depending on your needs, you may decide to use an outside service for select items while laundering other items in-house. To help you make the right choice, we would always recommend that you seek guidance. Most reputable companies will offer a free consultation.
What capacity machine should I buy?
When buying a new washing machine or dryer, it is always a good idea to double-check that the capacity of the machine you’ve had in the past is still suitable for your business today. If you’re expanding or your needs have changed, your old machine’s previous capacity may no longer be fit for purpose. Overloading your appliance could damage your machine’s drum and decrease its efficiency. As a result, items won’t be as clean and will require additional washes, using more water and electricity.
Here’s a simple guide to give you an idea of the capacity you might need for a variety of items:
Sizes: Metric cm’s
| Linen Type | 5.5kg | 6.5kg | 8kg | 10kg | 13kg | 16kg | 20kg | 24kg | 32kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet Double 254 x 229 | 3* | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 30 |
| Single Sheet 154 x 177 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 32 |
| Duvet Cover Double | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 10 |
| Pillowcase | 22 | 27 | 39 | 48 | 67 | 72 | 90 | 105 | 143 |
| Bath Towel | 8 | 10 | 15 | 18 | 25 | 27 | 34 | 39 | 54 |
| Hand Towel | 14 | 17 | 25 | 30 | 42 | 46 | 58 | 67 | 91 |
| Robe | 3 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 22 |
| Cotton Shirt | 22 | 26 | 38 | 46 | 65 | 70 | 88 | 102 | 139 |
| Cotton Overalls | 6 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 16 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 33 |
*No. of items recommended at once.