Laundry
clear visibility, teams can plan their day more efficiently and spend less time managing laundry. This also helps with resource planning. Knowing how long cycles take and when machines will be free allows for better scheduling, which in turn supports smoother day-to-day operations. But convenience only works if hygiene standards are upheld.
Hygiene still comes first While digital tools offer convenience, the fundamentals of infection control remain the same. Care homes still need commercial-grade machines that meet hygiene standards, including sluice wash programmes for heavily soiled items. These cycles start with a rinse phase to remove waste before the main wash, helping to reduce the risk of infection. Digitisation supports these processes
rather than replacing them. It gives staff confidence that every cycle meets the required temperature and duration. Automated reporting provides proof of compliance without manual record- keeping, which is increasingly important as inspections become more rigorous.
Digitisation and quality of life Digital laundry systems help maintain the comfort and dignity of residents by ensuring bedding and clothing are consistently clean and available. Delays in laundry can affect routines and wellbeing, so reducing downtime matters. Families also value transparency. Data-
driven processes allow care homes to demonstrate that hygiene standards are monitored and maintained. In a sector where trust is essential, this kind of visibility is reassuring.
A 360-degree digital approach to hygiene Laundry is only one part of infection control. A connected approach brings together washers, dryers, and dishwashers
Digital platforms allow homes to monitor laundry machines remotely
under a single digital platform. This creates a unified process where hygiene gaps are less likely to occur. Through such systems, appliances
share performance data and maintenance alerts, allowing managers to act before problems disrupt care routines. Predictive maintenance and automated reporting also support compliance, giving homes a clear record of wash temperatures and cycle completion without extra paperwork. This holistic approach matters because
infection control is not isolated to one department. Every contact point, from linens to crockery, needs consistent standards. Digitisation makes that achievable without adding complexity for staff.
Empowering staff through data-driven tools Care teams need systems that make their day easier. Real-time monitoring means staff can plan around accurate cycle times instead of guessing or making unnecessary trips. This efficiency frees time for resident care, allowing staff to focus on meaningful interactions rather than routine checks. In a sector where human connection is as important as clinical care, those reclaimed moments make a tangible difference to wellbeing.
Data on detergent and water use also
helps managers control costs without compromising hygiene. With financial pressures mounting across the sector, these insights are invaluable, allowing homes to manage costs intelligently while maintaining the level of care residents expect. Reliable machines and early fault alerts also reduce the risk of sudden breakdowns, which can disrupt routines and add stress for staff. When systems work as they should, teams can concentrate on the people in their care rather than firefighting technical issues.
Future-proofing care homes with digital transparency Digitisation is becoming critical as care homes face staffing shortages and growing compliance requirements. Connected laundry technology creates systems where hygiene processes are visible and easy to evidence, which is increasingly important as regulations tighten. Current government guidance confirms
that financial support thresholds will remain largely unchanged, with only small increases to allowances. In practice, this means many homes will continue to operate under strict budget constraints while meeting higher expectations for accountability. Providers will need to show clear proof that hygiene standards are maintained, and inspections are likely to focus more on documented processes. Digital platforms make this possible
without adding paperwork. They record cycle data automatically and provide insights into water and energy use, helping managers control costs while meeting compliance obligations. These tools are becoming essential for homes balancing regulatory demands with financial sustainability. Looking ahead, integration will go further, linking laundry dashboards to wider building
February 2026
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 19
arinahabich -
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romaset -
stock.adobe.com
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