The Importance of Equipment Maintenance and Upgrades in On-Premise Laundry Facilities

After more than 100 years in the commercial laundry industry, we’ve worked with a lot of OPL operations in the Midwest. In that time, we’ve seen firsthand the importance of maintaining your laundry equipment.  

In the hospitality, health care, and other industries where laundry facilities are an integral part of your operations, maintaining your on-premise laundry (OPL) systems is crucial. Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and efficiency of your equipment and supports high-quality service, cost savings, and compliance with hygiene standards. 

Today we’re sharing some insights and practical tips for housekeeping and laundry managers to keep on-premise laundry operations running smoothly.

Why On-Premise Laundry Maintenance Matters

Cost Savings

Preventative maintenance can save you money by helping you identify issues — such as water leaks and fire risks — before they become major problems. Small repairs and maintenance requests have significantly less financial impact than emergency service calls, full equipment replacement costs, extended downtime, or even structural damage to your building.  

Enhanced Equipment Longevity

Regular maintenance helps prevent wear and tear on the washers, dryers, and other commercial laundry equipment in your on-premise laundry room, ensuring everything remains functional for a longer period. This reduces the need for frequent replacements and large capital expenditures.

Operational & Environmental Efficiency

Well-maintained machines operate more efficiently, reducing energy and water consumption. This lowers your ongoing utility bills and operational costs while minimizing your laundry operations' environmental footprint. Today’s advanced industrial laundry equipment can save hundreds of gallons of water while significantly reducing the time per load. 

Compliance & Safety

Depending on your industry, you could be dealing with anything from bodily fluids and dangerous chemicals to bed bugs and other pests. Regular maintenance ensures that your equipment complies with all safety and health regulations from OSHA, the EPA, and other state and local agencies. Compliance is crucial in avoiding legal issues and ensuring employees and customers remain safe.

Maintenance Tips for Laundry Managers

Here are some quick tips to help boost your normal maintenance routine. 

1. Regular Inspections

Schedule routine inspections and have an ongoing checklist to monitor for signs of wear, leaks, and other potential problems. This includes inspecting belts, hoses, and connections for any signs of damage or wear. We recommend inspections every six months. 

2. Schedule Professional Servicing

For periodic in-depth maintenance and servicing, engage with professional service providers like Coin-O-Matic. They can identify and address issues that might not be apparent during routine inspections and offer opportunities for efficiency upgrades. We recommend professional servicing about every six months. 

3. Clean Filters and Drains

Clogged filters and drains can lead to inefficiency, machine breakdowns, and increased risk of fires and water damage. Ensure that lint filters are cleaned after every cycle and that drains are clear of debris.

4. Lubricate Moving Parts

Regular lubrication of moving parts on your equipment, such as bearings and joints, reduces friction and wear. Use the recommended lubricants and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when applying.

5. Monitor Water Quality

Hard water can cause mineral buildup in your laundry machines, impacting performance and aesthetics. Consider using water softeners if necessary and check weekly for signs of mineral deposits.

6. Train Staff

Training your housekeeping or facilities staff on the correct operation and basic troubleshooting of laundry equipment is essential. Understanding the basics of the equipment will help them spot major issues early on and minimize the risk of accidental damage to the machines. 

Start with a thorough review of the manufacturer’s instructions and key safety procedures. Consider attending training workshops as part of ongoing training and development.  

7. Use Quality Detergents

Using the appropriate detergents and cleaning agents can prevent buildup and residue inside the machines. Always wipe up detergent spills and leaks as soon as possible to minimize corrosion on machines. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and any industry-specific guidelines for detergent use.

8. Keep Cleaning & Maintenance Records

Maintain a detailed log of your laundry equipment maintenance, including professional inspections, repairs, and parts replacements. These records will come in handy during professional servicing or if any compliance issues arise. They also help you better plan and budget for future staffing and equipment maintenance or replacement needs.

9. Check Electrical Components

Ensure that electrical connections are secure and there are no signs of corrosion or damage. Regularly check the condition of cords and plugs for fraying or exposed wires. This will help minimize the risk of fires or electrical issues. 

10. Calibrate Machines

Regularly calibrating your machines ensures they are operating at optimal efficiency. This includes checking the accuracy of timers, temperature controls, and load sensors per the manufacturer's guidelines. 

Boost Your OPL Operations with Coin-O-Matic

From repairs and maintenance to purchasing brand-new industrial laundry equipment, Coin-O-Matic is here to support on-premise laundry facilities throughout the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. 

We work with some of the top laundry equipment brands to supply commercial laundry equipment and replacement parts for OPL, including Speed Queen, B&C Technologies, ADC, and more. 

We’ll work with you long beyond the sale, helping to keep your equipment operating at peak performance and providing ongoing business support, training, and more.