CLEANING & HYGIENE


A FRESH SPIN ON CARE-HOME HYGIENE


Gemma Christie, Business Account Manager at Miele Professional, explores why the decision for care homes to keep laundry on-site is more important than ever.


Laundry might not be the first thing that comes to mind when discussing care standards, yet it plays a decisive role in hygiene, comfort and operational control.


For care homes, the question of whether to outsource or manage laundry on-site is becoming increasingly important. Care homes are facing tighter hygiene regulations and rising operational costs, which makes the decision to keep laundry on-site more significant than ever.


HYGIENE UNDER DIRECT CONTROL


Care homes cater to residents who are oſten more vulnerable to infection. Bedding, towels and clothing can carry harmful microorganisms if not handled correctly, and the consequences of lapses in hygiene can be severe. When laundry is sent off-site, there is less visibility over how items are processed and greater risk of contamination during transport. Keeping laundry in-house gives care teams full oversight of every stage, from sorting and sluice washing to disinfection and drying.


Commercial laundry machines designed for care environments offer programmes that meet strict hygiene standards, including thermal and chemo-thermal disinfection cycles. The Benchmark range from Miele Professional, for example, is built to maintain precise temperatures throughout the wash, ensuring pathogens are eliminated. This level of consistency is essential for compliance and for safeguarding residents’ health.


PERSONAL CARE THROUGH TAILORED PROCESSES


Hygiene is critical, but laundry also touches on the personal side of care. Residents oſten have garments that carry sentimental value or require delicate handling, and outsourcing rarely allows for this level of attention. On-premises facilities enable staff to adjust wash settings for individual needs, use preferred detergents and respond quickly when items need urgent cleaning.


Modern commercial machines make this flexibility practical. Features such as programmable controls and gentle drum designs protect fabrics while delivering thorough cleaning. For residents, this means clothes and linens feel familiar and comfortable, which can make a real difference to wellbeing.


MANAGING COSTS AND RESOURCES


Energy prices and water consumption are pressing concerns for care operators. Domestic machines may seem economical at first, but they are not built for the heavy, continuous use typical in care homes. Breakdowns become frequent, repairs costly and downtime disruptive. Over time, this approach oſten proves more expensive than investing in commercial-grade equipment.


14


Commercial machines are engineered for durability and efficiency. They use less water and energy per cycle, and their reliability reduces maintenance costs. Combining high-capacity performance with energy-saving features, they help care homes manage budgets without compromising standards. Predictable running costs also make financial planning easier compared to fluctuating outsourcing fees.


PLANNING FOR SUCCESS


Setting up an on-premises laundry requires careful thought. Space allocation, workflow design and staff training all need attention. However, the transition can be made smoother with expert support. Many suppliers offer consultancy services to assess requirements and recommend the right equipment mix. Digital tools are also changing how laundries operate, with platforms that monitor machine performance, predict maintenance needs and provide real-time updates to staff.


These innovations reduce downtime and help teams stay organised, freeing up more time for resident care. They also support sustainability goals by tracking resource use and identifying opportunities to cut waste.


LOOKING AHEAD


Care homes are under increasing scrutiny for infection control and resident satisfaction. Laundry may seem like a background process, but it underpins both. Bringing laundry in-house allows for the upkeep of standards that protect health and dignity while giving operators greater control over costs and quality.


For care providers committed to excellence, investing in commercial laundry equipment is a practical step with long-term benefits. It ensures hygiene compliance, supports personalised care and delivers financial predictability.


https://www.miele.co.uk/p/product-recommendations-retirement-care-homes-4082.htm www.miele.co.uk


www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42