Laundry
How to save time and money with laundry management
With care homes constantly looking for ways to save money, laundry strategy can often be an easy win where cost saving is concerned, as Harvey Richards, marketing coordinator at Alliance Online, explains
Much like any other business, care homes are under constant scrutiny where budget and spend are concerned. As such, managers are looking at how they can make their money go further, and considering money saving strategies that they can implement across their operations. One area where managers can look to make savings is with their laundry operation and care. There are numerous ways in which managers can improve laundry performance while benefitting from either improved output or cost saving. Alliance Online has been providing care homes with products for over 25 years so is well placed to give expert opinion on ways in which you can get the most out of your laundry facilities.
Firstly, due to the higher demands
and specialised needs of their laundry operations, homes should opt for commercial laundry machines and tumble dryers over domestic models. Commercial laundry machines are designed for frequent, large volume use, making them far more durable and efficient than domestic units. They can handle heavier loads, such as bedding, towels, and residents’ clothing, while maintaining high levels of hygiene, which is crucial in a care home environment. Additionally, commercial machines often come equipped with features tailored for healthcare settings, such as programmable wash cycles for specific fabric types or sanitation needs, ensuring compliance with infection control standards.
May 2025
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
Moreover, commercial machines are more energy and water efficient in the long run, as they are built to process larger loads faster and with less resource waste. This reduces operational costs and the time spent on laundry, which can be especially beneficial in care homes where staff need to focus on caregiving. The reliability and longevity of commercial appliances also mean fewer breakdowns and less downtime, ensuring continuous, uninterrupted service which is critical in environments where residents’ needs are a priority.
Care and maintenance Another easy and simple way to improve your laundry spend over the years is through proper care and maintenance of the appliances themselves. Doing so
Adopting a routine of regular cleaning and upkeep can prevent many common issues
can greatly enhance their efficiency and prolong their lifespan. When these machines are looked after consistently, they perform better, use less energy, and are less likely to break down unexpectedly. Adopting a routine of regular cleaning and upkeep can prevent many common issues and keep your appliances running smoothly.
One of the simplest yet most effective
practices is to clean the exterior and interior of your appliances after each use. Wiping down the exterior prevents dust, grime, and spills from accumulating, while cleaning the interior helps remove detergent residues, lint, and other debris that can hinder performance. In washing machines, running a cleaning cycle or using a washing machine cleaner periodically will prevent the buildup of mould and bacteria, especially in damp areas like the drum and door seal.
For tumble dryers, one of the most critical maintenance tasks is regularly cleaning the lint filter. Lint accumulates with every drying cycle, and if the filter is not cleaned after each use, airflow is
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Tyler Olson -
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