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If you do laundry in your business, you might be wondering if it’s worth spending extra on a commercial washing machine rather than a domestic one. With certain features designed to make doing loads at scale easier, commercial machines can help you get a quality clean for hundreds of cycles.
From heavy-duty parts to quality testing and higher capacity, we’ll set out the key differences between commercial and domestic washing machines so you can choose the best option for you.
What is a commercial washing machine?
A commercial washing machine is designed for constant usage and to handle large loads. While domestic machines are great for households, commercial ones are built with quality components and features that support high-scale business laundry processes. This includes higher-grade motors, pumps and heating elements which means they can run intensive cycles daily.
The features of commercial washing machines are also designed with business use in mind. Shorter cycle times, higher spin speeds and auto-dosing help teams get a quality clean faster and with minimal detergent, water or energy wastage. So although a commercial washing machine costs more than a domestic one, businesses regain this investment with lower bills and a more efficient laundry process.
Who would benefit from a commercial washing machine?
Any business that does laundry at scale can benefit from having a commercial washing machine. These pieces of equipment have been built with professional laundry needs in mind. As a result, teams can get a quality clean on large loads more quickly and easily than with a domestic machine.
They also offer specific benefits to certain types of businesses, including:
- Care and nursing homes can take advantage of the better standard of infection control
- Independent schools are able to set bespoke cycles to suit their particular loads
- Hotels and spas can wash heavy loads like sheets and towels to a high standard easily
- Holiday parks can turnover large amounts of laundry quickly and easily
- Healthcare businesses can use industrial detergents to meet strict hygiene requirements
Certain features of commercial washing machines will help all businesses improve their laundry processes. We’ve set out 10 advantages they can enjoy below.
#1 Size and capacity
Even if your business only has a small laundry room, there are commercial machines that offer quality cleaning performance without taking up too much space. For example, Miele Little Giants provide a large load capacity while only taking up floor space of 1m2. However small in size, commercial models have features such as short cycle times, which make them more suitable for businesses.
#2 Longevity
A typical domestic washing machine is built to run for an average of 270 cycle hours per year. On this basis, it has an expected lifespan of around five years (2,500 hours) without any drops in performance. In contrast, a high-quality commercial washing machine will typically last for 30,000 cycle hours. This means, on average, a commercial machine lasts 12 times longer than a domestic model.
As a result, by investing in a commercial washing machine, businesses will get more hours of reliable performance for their money.
#3 Higher grade parts
Commercial washing machine components are a different specification than those of a domestic model. They’re designed to handle larger load capacities frequently without failing. The motors, drums, valves and pumps are of a much higher grade, making them capable of faster spin speeds and more powerful wash settings.
Graded heating elements in commercial washing machines are powerful and give much more consistent results. It also means these models can run hotter cycles and wash laundry to the stringent infection control standards required in businesses such as care homes or hospitals.
#4 Features
Commercial washing machines have specific features that help them meet the laundry needs of particular sectors. These include:
- Hot-fill settings that pump hot water directly into the machine, speeding up wash cycles and cutting energy usage
- Larger door openings of around 180 degrees make the loading and unloading of washing easier
- User-friendly controls with a clear display that make setting the temperature and programmes straightforward
- Bespoke wash programmes that can be tailored to meet the particular needs of a business and its load type
- High spin performance which helps to remove as much moisture as possible and cut down drying times
- Auto-dosing pumps which add the right amount of industrial chemicals to suit the load type and weight, reducing waste and making detergent handling safer
#5 Adaptable power rating
Unlike a domestic model, a commercial washing machine can be adapted for different power supplies, including single-phase or three-phase power. Depending on the specific machine, they can also be converted from 13-amp through to 32-amp. This gives businesses flexibility when they’re installing machines and means they can more easily build a laundry room to suit their needs.
#6 Intensive quality testing
As they’re designed for business use, commercial washing machines undergo more intensive quality testing. This ensures the models are of a durable build quality and perform as reliably as possible. For example, the Miele Professional machines are tested to 30,000 operating hours. This equates to more than 10 years of usage if a machine was running eight hours a day, 365 days a year.
Alongside safety and PAT testing checks, commercial machines are evaluated in labs for their wash quality and consistency. This ensures all types of items are cleaned to a high standard without any damage (such as pilling or colour staining) being caused.
#7 Cost
The cost of a commercial washing machine depends on a number of factors, including make, model and capacity. A domestic machine may cost less to buy, but they aren’t designed for frequent, commercial use. This means they’re more likely to break down and need repairing or replacing sooner. This makes them more expensive long-term, particularly if they’re not covered by a warranty.
#8 Shorter cycle times
With professional laundry processes, it’s all about efficiency. The shorter cycle times of commercial washing machines are designed to meet this need. Typically, commercial machine cycles run for around 35 to 40 minutes, half the time of an equivalent cycle in a domestic model. This means businesses can get a quality clean on large loads without using as much energy or water.
Plus, many commercial machines have faster spin settings. This removes more moisture from loads and helps cut down on drying times.
#9 Thermal disinfection
In care homes, healthcare organisations, independent schools, hotels and sheltered housing, laundry processes have to meet high sanitation standards. Infection control guidelines set out that items need to be held at temperatures as high as 65C and 71C for several minutes. Only commercial washing machines can meet these requirements.
#10 Trusted brands
Reliable brands like Miele and Primus have quality commercial models covered by warranties
giving organisations extra piece of mind. Although domestic machines come with manufacturer warranties, these can be invalidated if they’re used for business purposes. On the other hand, commercial machines from trusted manufacturers usually have two-year standard parts and labour warranties.
There is also the option to have a maintenance contract which covers breakdowns and annual maintenance including gas safety checks.
Should I buy a commercial washing machine instead of a domestic one?
If you’re a business that has to regularly wash high loads, then having a commercial washing machine can bring huge benefits. Able to run for several hours at a time, the cycle times are quicker and washes are more efficient, even on large loads. This means businesses can get through their laundry capacity without sacrificing wash quality.
Their top-notch build quality also means commercial washing machines will keep running more reliably than domestic models, minimising costly breakdowns and repairs.
Can I rent commercial washing machines?
Commercial machines are available to rent with a monthly subscription. This allows businesses to get quality laundry equipment with servicing, support and no upfront costs. As such, renting is ideal for organisations with changing needs or the ability to manage outgoings more flexibly. WASHCO provides equipment to suit any budget and offers clients flexible finance arrangements.
Where can I buy a commercial washing machine?
As commercial laundry equipment specialists, WASHCO can understand your business’s needs (such as your capacity) and find the right machines to suit them. With a huge range of high-quality washers available from brands such as Miele, Primus and Speed Queen, we can find reliable models that will keep your laundry processes running efficiently.
WASHCO can help with all your laundry room needs
WASHCO stocks a range of commercial washing machines at different price points and specifications to suit every business requirement. For instance, all our machines recommended for the care sector are rated at WRAS Category 5, meaning they’ll meet infection control requirements
To get advice about the best commercial washing machines to meet your needs, contact WASHCO’s specialists on 08000 546 546 or email info@washco.co.uk.