Maintaining industrial laundry equipment ensures efficiency, longevity, and consistent performance.

Proper upkeep reduces downtime and helps avoid costly repairs and replacements.

Here are 10 essential tips for keeping your industrial laundry equipment in excellent condition.

1. Regular Inspections

Conduct regular inspections to identify any signs of wear and tear, leaks, or other issues. Routine checks help catch potential problems early before they escalate into major repairs. Create a checklist and schedule inspections weekly/monthly to stay ahead of any problems.

Inspections may include compressed air, leakages, belts, sensors, overall cleanliness...

2. Train Your Staff 

Ensure that all employees are appropriately trained to operate and maintain the equipment. Proper usage and handling can prevent many common issues and extend the life of your machines. Conduct regular training sessions and refresher courses to keep skills up-to-date.

Wrong handling of machines or ignoring of alarms can do great damage. Training new staff on how to clean and properly operate the machine makes a difference like night and day. 

3. Clean Machines Daily

Daily cleaning is essential to remove lint, detergent residues, and other debris that can accumulate and affect machine performance. Clean filters, lint traps, and the exterior of the machines regularly to prevent build-up. Set aside time at the end of each workday for this crucial task.

Some machines like ironers and dryers even need cleaning each shift. In general a clean equipment is more than 50% of all maintenance. 

4. Maintenance Shall Improve the Quality of the Final Products 

The technicians shall see the quality of the linen and uniforms as part of their work. This improves productivity as operators do not need to check and do re-work (correcting the folding / stacks).

5. Check Electrical Connections 

Inspect electrical connections periodically to ensure they are secure and free from corrosion. Faulty electrical connections can lead to malfunctions or even pose safety hazards. Use a multimeter to check for electrical continuity and tight connections.

One way to check the electric is to use a thermo camera in order to see whether some parts are overheating.  

6. Monitor WECO KPIs

Hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up in your laundry machines, affecting their efficiency and longevity. Use water softeners or other treatments as necessary to maintain optimal water quality. Regularly check and replace filters to keep water quality high.

Monitor water consumption, electricity and thermal energy on a daily basis and put it into relation with the processed volume. Then you will see very fast whether there are some issue with the process.

7. Replace Worn Parts Promptly

Do not delay in replacing worn or damaged parts. Waiting too long can lead to more significant issues and higher repair costs. Keep an inventory of essential spare parts to facilitate quick replacements. Develop a relationship with reliable suppliers to ensure parts are always available.

There are so many moving parts in a washing machine or an ironer. If you wait until each part breaks down - you will have up to 20% downtime. Therefore, regular replacement of belts, bearings, and other wearing parts makes much sense. 

8. Calibrate Equipment Regularly

Regular calibration ensures that your machines operate at optimal settings. Incorrect calibration can lead to poor performance, increased energy consumption, and reduced equipment lifespan. Schedule calibration checks monthly to maintain accuracy.

The calibration includes the dosing equipment, the washing machines and all other devices that are necessary for hygiene and standardized quality.  

9. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

Always adhere to the manufacturer's maintenance and operation guidelines. Each piece of equipment comes with specific instructions that, if followed, can significantly extend its lifespan and performance. It is an excellent practice to keep manuals handy and ensure staff are familiar with them.

Often it is necessary to make the effort to summarize the manual of the manufacturer because for many operators and technicians reading such a long manual is too overwhelming. 

10. Schedule Professional Maintenance

In addition to in-house maintenance, schedule regular professional maintenance. Technicians can provide thorough inspections, identify hidden issues, and perform more complex maintenance tasks that your staff may need to be equipped to handle. Look into setting up a maintenance contract with a reputable service provider for regular check-ups.

Depending on which maintenance you outsource to third parties make an annual schedule for all external services. 

What are the Key Benefits of Maintenance in the Industrial Laundry? 

After outlining these essential tips, it’s important to understand why such meticulous care is crucial for your industrial laundry operations. Regular maintenance offers several key benefits that directly impact your business's efficiency, safety, and service quality.

Operational Efficiency
Maintaining industrial laundry equipment is not just about preventing breakdowns and extending the life of machines; it's about ensuring that your operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Industrial laundry machines are a significant investment, and protecting that investment requires diligence and a proactive approach.

Regular maintenance also plays a crucial role in energy efficiency. Well-maintained machines operate more efficiently, consuming less water and electricity, which can lead to significant cost savings over time.

Safety and Hygiene
A well-maintained laundry facility contributes to a safer working environment. Regularly inspected and maintained machines are less likely to malfunction or pose hazards to employees. This focus on safety is significant in an industrial setting where heavy machinery is constantly used.

Moreover, consistent maintenance helps maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, which is vital for industries like healthcare and hospitality, where sanitation is paramount.

Service Quality
Proper maintenance practices also enhance the quality of your laundry services. Clean, well-functioning machines are better at removing stains and dirt, ensuring that linens and uniforms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

This attention to quality is critical for maintaining customer satisfaction and building a reputation for reliability and excellence in service.

Conclusion

Investing time and resources into regular maintenance of industrial laundry equipment is an intelligent business strategy. It ensures operational efficiency, enhances safety, promotes energy savings, and upholds the quality of laundry services. 

By following these ten essential tips, you can protect your investment, improve your bottom line, and deliver consistently excellent service to your clients.