Commercial Laundry: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you’re running a hotel, hospital, gym, or laundromat, commercial laundry services are essential for handling high volumes of linens, uniforms, and fabrics efficiently. Unlike residential laundry, commercial laundry requires heavy-duty equipment, specialized detergents, and optimized processes to ensure cleanliness, hygiene, and longevity of fabrics.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What commercial laundry is
• Industries that rely on it
• Types of commercial laundry equipment
• Benefits of outsourcing vs. in-house laundry
• Tips for maintaining efficiency

Let’s dive in!

What Is Commercial Laundry?

Commercial laundry refers to large-scale washing, drying, and ironing services used by businesses. Unlike home laundry, which handles small loads, commercial laundries process hundreds to thousands of pounds of laundry daily. They use industrial-grade washers and dryers, specialized detergents, and efficient workflows to ensure hygiene and fabric care.

Businesses have two options for handling their laundry:

1. In-House Laundry: A business owns and operates its laundry facility.
2. Outsourced Laundry Services: A professional commercial laundry company handles the washing and delivery.

Industries That Rely on Commercial Laundry

1. Hospitality (Hotels & Resorts)

Hotels and resorts handle massive amounts of linens, including bedsheets, towels, bathrobes, and tablecloths. Clean, fresh-smelling linens are crucial for a positive guest experience.

2. Healthcare (Hospitals & Clinics)

Hygiene is critical in healthcare. Hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes require sterile, disinfected linens, including patient gowns, scrubs, and bed linens. Commercial laundries use high-temperature washing and medical-grade detergents to kill bacteria and viruses.

3. Gyms & Spas

Gyms, fitness centers, and spas require towels, robes, and uniforms to be washed daily to maintain hygiene and customer satisfaction.

4. Restaurants & Catering

Restaurants, banquet halls, and catering businesses rely on clean tablecloths, napkins, and staff uniforms to maintain a professional image. Stain removal and odor control are essential.

5. Industrial & Workwear Cleaning

Factories, construction companies, and mechanic shops require stain-resistant cleaning for heavy-duty uniforms. These often include grease, oil, and chemical stains that need specialized treatment.

6. Laundromats & Dry Cleaners

Many laundromats offer self-service and full-service commercial laundry, catering to businesses that need bulk washing and drying.

Types of Commercial Laundry Equipment

1. Commercial Washing Machines
   • Larger capacity (20-400 lbs per load)
   • High-speed extraction for faster drying
   • Energy-efficient models reduce water and electricity use
2. Industrial Dryers
   • Faster drying cycles
   • Temperature control for different fabrics
   • Large drum capacity for bulk loads
3. Flatwork Ironers & Pressing Machines
   • Used for sheets, linens, and uniforms
   • Provides crisp, professional finishing
4. Folding & Packaging Machines
   • Automates the folding process for efficiency
   • Ensures neatly packaged laundry for delivery

Outsourcing vs. In-House Laundry: Which Is Better?

If you’re considering whether to outsource commercial laundry or handle it in-house, here’s a comparison:

Best Choice?

• Small businesses benefit from outsourcing to save costs.
• Larger operations (hotels, hospitals) may prefer in-house laundry for better control and faster turnaround.

Tips for Running an Efficient Commercial Laundry

✅ Use Energy-Efficient Machines – Reduces utility costs.
✅ Train Staff Properly – Ensures correct washing techniques and stain removal.
✅ Maintain Equipment Regularly – Prevents breakdowns and costly repairs.
✅ Use the Right Detergents – Different fabrics need different cleaning agents.
✅ Automate Where Possible – Speeds up folding and ironing processes.
✅ Monitor Water & Chemical Usage – Reduces waste and environmental impact.

Final Thoughts

Commercial laundry is a vital service for businesses that require large-scale cleaning of linens, uniforms, and textiles. Whether you operate your own facility or outsource to a professional service, efficiency, quality, and hygiene should be top priorities.

Need professional laundry services? Look for certified commercial laundries that meet industry standards for hygiene, efficiency, and sustainability.

Have questions about commercial laundry? Drop them in the comments below!