Clean clothes with minimum space
Nick Jones from Laundry Solutions Australia said operators should ensure laundry space and equipment allows for efficient use
Everyone loves a holiday, but living out of a suitcase can come with its challenges. Running out of clean clothes will certainly put a dampener on the relaxation and adventure-seeking, so on-premise laundry facilities are an essential amenity for guests.
Housekeeping staff will also benefit from an efficient and effective laundry space when turning over rooms for onsite accommodation.
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Space limitations, though, can leave accommodation operators struggling to provide all the necessary laundry equipment to meet guest and staff demand. Positioning multiple washers and dryers side by side will require significant floor space, which can be impractical in many accommodation spaces.
Stackable laundry equipment – which goes up rather than out – provides operators with a space-saving alternative, without compromising on machine performance and guest satisfaction. Several options are available to suit different needs, including cashless, coin-operated, and machines with varying load capacity.
Nick Jones from Laundry Solutions Australia said that stackable laundry machines are an excellent choice to cater to current hospitality trends, as well as an investment in the future.
“Commercial machines by design are slightly larger than your typical domestic washer or dryer, so having them side by side requires more space than laundries generally allow for,” Mr Jones explained.
“Having these machines as a stacked option allows the accommodation provider to maximise their available space without compromising on the capacity that commercial washers and dryers allow for. This is excellent for not only the present moment but also allows for growth in the future if the business requires additional units.”
Mr Jones said that the priority for commercial use is longevity and greater efficiency, and technological advancements have helped with this.
“With regards to technological advancements for commercial equipment, we are mostly talking about features or qualities of the machine that are going to either improve efficiency or provide longevity. A few examples of this are creating smaller more efficient parts to allow for greater drum capacity, enhanced spin speeds for water extraction, balancing technology to redistribute uneven loads for quieter wash cycles and consistent cycle times.”
Technology has seen cashless payments more commonplace, reflecting guest preferences.
“Cashless as a payment option has been an incredible innovation in the way we pay for our external laundry services,” Mr Jones explained. “It has made these amenities accessible for people who do not carry gold coins with them all the time. Nothing is worse than walking into a laundry with a basket in hand and realising that you don’t have the coins to pay for the wash or dry and then having to leave and come back later!
“Now customers can walk in the door and either swipe their card or scan a QR code to make payment, start their cycle and be on their way. This ease of use means more people are willing to do their laundry in either a laundromat, accommodation laundry or wherever they are, which in turn is going to bring in more money for the business owners and operators. It is a win for both parties.”
However, Mr Jones said it is pertinent to remember that while cashless has made a splash in the laundry market, coin payments are still a practical payment option for many.
“Not everyone may be in the position to make payments with a card or with their phone. They may lack the technical knowledge, their phone might be out of battery, or their card isn’t working for some reason,” he said. “Some people would still rather pay with coins; they might be the best option in certain situations.”
As with all areas of accommodation, Mr Jones urged accommodation operators to prioritise hygiene when managing and maintaining a laundry facility.
“The level of hygiene very much depends on the type of facility you have but at the very least every laundry should have a minimum level of standards for keeping their laundry and linen free from bacteria and viruses,” he said.
“Regular cleaning of the laundry itself and the equipment are a must. For larger facilities, you will likely need to adhere to the Australian standards for laundry disinfection.”
Additionally, Mr Jones said operators should ensure that the laundry space and equipment allow for efficient use.
The layout should facilitate optimised workflow, from receiving dirty linen and clothing to washing and drying, and then re-distribution.
“Take a look at your accommodation and ensure you have the right number and capacity machines to handle the load requirements of the laundry- particularly in peak season.
“I also strongly advise that accommodation operators ensure the laundry equipment is well-maintained through regularly scheduled maintenance and that staff are well trained in laundry process and equipment use,” he said.
“Ensuring that clear instructions are available in the laundry is also key. This could look like clear labelling as well as longer form instructions or troubleshooting manuals. If your accommodation regularly welcomes international guests, these instructions should also be provided in additional languages or as pictorial instructions.”
Sarah is a freelance journalist with experience across print, digital and audio. After working for Multimedia Publishing as a contributing writer, she has recently joined the team in a part-time capacity for School News AU and AccomNews.