Laundry
chemicals such as softeners and detergents, energy, and water. As a result, investing in equipment geared towards long-term savings is key. A key area of consideration is
dewatering. The more efficient the dewatering process in the washing stage, the less energy required at the drying stage, as linen with a higher moisture retention naturally requires more drying. As a dryer typically consumes up to three times more energy than a washer, failing to use the washer to maximise dewatering will only drive up the cost of an already energy- intense process. Instead, pairing efficient equipment like a high-spin washer with a modern dryer can be key to a care home’s effort to generate long-term savings in the laundry room.
First and foremost, opting for a high-
spin washer extractor presents operators with the chance to reap the rewards of high-efficiency, cost-effective washing and drying. For example, our Line 6000 washers include an Automatic Savings feature designed to weigh linen and adjust water intake to the actual load, while Power Balance technology ensures the lowest possible water retention to save time and money throughout the drying process. These machines consume as little as six litres of water per kilogram of laundry – a reduction of over 50 per cent compared to a machine from 20 years ago.
The barrier solution Put simply, barrier washers offer the chance to reduce strain on staff while speeding up the loading and unloading process. As the name suggests, the two are separated by a barrier, eliminating the risk of cross contamination while allowing staff to adhere to hygiene guidance. This feature also splits the OPL into ‘dirty’ and ‘clean’ zones, with the washer itself forming the physical barrier. Here, staff can be assigned to each – one to sort and load unused linens, and another to unload, dry, iron, and re-sort. This provides a failsafe approach to hygiene, all while promoting a leaner, more efficient workflow.
The heat pump revolution The latest technology helps to reduce the long-term operational costs associated with a commercial washer, all while streamlining the laundry process. It is important to note that commercial washers rarely operate in isolation, and the choice of dryer can either undermine or catalyse potential savings.
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This is where heat pump dryers really come into their own. Incorporating the heat pump technology used in air conditioning appliances, they deliver comparable cycle times to vented dryers while giving care home managers the chance to save around two thirds of their energy costs during the drying process.
On top of this, heat pump dryers do
not need to be installed next to ducting, opening freedom of design for the layout of any care home’s OPL, particularly in older applications where space may be of the essence. From July 2025, new EU ecodesign regulations stipulate that only tumble dryers featuring heat pump technology will be allowed on the EU market, meaning that the UK could soon be under pressure to adopt similar rules.
Ironing out inefficiencies
The final step of the process is the ironing stage. Throughout this article, it has been made clear that above all, convenience is key, and it is no different here. Above all else, hygiene remains a number one priority in every laundry. The nature of linen fibre, rate of residual moisture, washing program used, and thickness of fabric together determine the right speed of ironer.
Customer care It can be argued that there is a real need to change longstanding habits in care home laundries to ensure a cost-effective, easy operation, yet it should not be up to laundry managers to take on this challenge alone. While there are a host of service contract options available to laundry operators, opting for a manufacturer-led one can be a real helping hand.
Doing so opens the door to a reliable service network and a selection of exclusive services – such as tips on cleaning, maintenance, and how to best maintain the equipment – in the event of any unforeseen circumstances. On top of this, manufacturers can draw on
invaluable experience when it comes to troubleshooting and diagnosis, meaning that in the event of a breakdown, it will not be long before an operation is up and running again.
Embracing the future The past five years have been extremely tough for care homes across the UK, but the future can be much brighter. More are proactively opting for the latest technologies to safeguard against future market volatility, boost productivity, and reduce the amount of stress endured on a daily basis. Above all, however, doing so provides a near-failsafe approach to hygiene – the number one factor for any business working in the sector.
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Mick Christian
Mick Christian is Electrolux Professional’s training & demonstration manager for the UK & Ireland and has over 36 years’ experience in the industry. His main responsibilities include conducting product demonstrations and training – both in Electrolux Professional’s Centre of Excellence in Luton and on site with customers – to help laundry managers across the country get the most from their equipment.
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com March 2025
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