How to Size & Equip Your On-Premises Laundry Facility

When planning or upgrading an on-premises laundry (OPL) room, getting the sizing and equipment mix right is critical. Undersized systems create bottlenecks and frustrated staff, while oversizing wastes capital and floor space. The good news is that with a clear understanding of your facility’s laundry volume and usage patterns, along with the right mix of reliable commercial laundry equipment, you can create a setup that runs efficiently day after day.

Coin-O-Matic has been helping Midwest businesses design and equip OPL facilities for decades. Whether you run a hotel, gym, spa, healthcare facility, or another operation that relies on clean linens, our team can help you avoid costly missteps and build a laundry room that’s designed for your needs.

Step 1: Calculate Your Laundry Volume

Before selecting washers and dryers, you need a realistic estimate of how much laundry your facility processes in a typical week. This determines your required machine capacity.

The basic formula looks like this:

Daily Volume x Days Open = Total Weekly Volume

Where Daily Volume depends on the nature of your operation. For example:

• Hotel: Number of Rooms × Occupancy Rate × Linens per Room × 7 days

• Spa or Salon: Number of Stylists × Appointment Rate × Linens per Client × # Days of Operation

• Fitness Center: Number of Towels Used Daily × Days per Week

These calculations give you the total pounds of laundry per week, which you’ll use to plan capacity.

Step 2: Choose the Right Washer and Dryer Sizes

Once you know your total weekly volume, you can select equipment that meets your needs without creating unnecessary downtime or underutilized machines.

Mix Equipment Sizes: Coin-O-Matic often recommends a mix of small, medium, and large capacity Speed Queen washers and dryers. Smaller machines handle daily loads or specialty items, while larger ones tackle bulk linens efficiently.

• Small Capacity (20–30 lb): Ideal for small daily loads, delicate items, or flexibility.

• Medium Capacity (35–50 lb): The backbone for most operations.

• Large Capacity (60+ lb): Perfect for sheets, towels, or large volume items.

Washer-to-Dryer Ratio: Plan for approximately 1.25 dryer pockets for every washer pocket. Dryers typically need slightly more time than washers, so this ratio prevents bottlenecks.

Cycle Time Matters: Modern commercial equipment like Speed Queen machines offers fast cycle times and high spin speeds that reduce drying time, increasing throughput without requiring more machines.

Step 3: Account for Peak Usage and Redundancy

Even if your weekly averages are steady, you’ll have peak periods, for example, hotel checkouts, back-to-back appointments, or weekend rushes. Planning for peak usage prevents bottlenecks and helps your team stay ahead.

• Include a Buffer: Size your equipment for your busiest days, not your slowest.

• Build in Redundancy: A spare machine or two ensures that if one goes down, your operation doesn’t grind to a halt.

• Schedule Strategically: If your facility runs multiple shifts, stagger laundry start times to balance machine usage throughout the day.

Step 4: Plan the Room for Efficiency

The best equipment in the world won’t save a poorly designed space. Layout matters for workflow, safety, and long-term efficiency.

• Logical Flow: Arrange washers and dryers so laundry moves smoothly from soiled to clean to folding.

• Clearances: Allow proper space for loading/unloading and service access.

• Utilities: Ensure adequate water, drainage, gas/electric, and ventilation connections for your equipment mix.

• Accessibility: ADA compliance and staff comfort should be factored in.

Step 5: Partner with Experts Who Know OPL

Sizing and equipping an on-premises laundry facility isn’t a guessing game; it’s a strategic investment. Partnering with experienced laundry specialists can help you:

• Avoid costly sizing mistakes.

• Choose durable, energy-efficient equipment that matches your volume.

• Optimize layout and utility infrastructure.

• Plan for future growth and changing needs.

Coin-O-Matic’s team has designed and supported OPL facilities across industries, helping businesses run cleaner, faster, and more efficiently. We offer:

• Speed Queen commercial laundry equipment for unmatched reliability.

• Expert layout and sizing guidance tailored to your operation.

• Local service and support throughout the Midwest.

Get Expert Guidance for Your Facility

Every operation is unique. Our team will help you run the numbers, select the right Speed Queen washers and dryers, and design a laundry room that works for you now and in the future.

Contact us to talk to a Coin-O-Matic OPL specialist today.