Our commercial laundry equipment has its reputation of durability for a reason, but what if you can take that durability even further? With a little bit of preventative maintenance that can easily be done, you can dramatically increase the lifespan of your commercial washers and dryers. Maybe your machine can last as long as the 39-year-old Speed Queen in Melbourne!
Before you do any maintenance remember to ALWAYS turn the power off AND isolate power to your machine. You should also only attempt what you are qualified for or capable of. Don't hesitate to brief a qualified laundry service technician with your requirements.
So here are some of our simple maintenance tips so your laundry has less downtime and lower service costs.
1. Read the manual.
This might seem obvious, but plenty of new owners don't read the manuals that come with their new commercial laundry machines. While the manual might have plenty of information you've seen before like product specs or a collection of mysterious hieroglyphics, it also has some important details about how to best take care of your machine.
This includes information about part-life expectancy, warranty information, and sometimes some general tips to keep your new machine running in top condition!
2. Empty your lint filters and ducts!
This is something most of you will already do, but for that 1% who don't do it regularly, you really should! Regularly cleaning your dryer's exhaust duct is crucial to prevent the buildup of lint and other debris, which can cause overheating and pose a fire risk.
Obstructions in the ducts can also increase the running times of your dryers, as they are less effective at removing the moist air from the machine. More time spent drying can be costly, so make sure you aren't blowing money out the duct...
It is recommended to check your filters and ducts at least once a month, although the amount of cleaning will depend on how much use your machine is getting.
3. Check your hoses.
Inspect both the inlet and outlet hoses diligently to identify any signs of leaks, tears, or debris accumulation. This proactive approach will significantly minimize the risk of both wear and tear and water loss.
Similarly to ducts, blocked hoses can reduce the efficiency of your machines. Leaks can also have severe consequences, a severe one runs the risk of shorting your washer's internal electrical components.
It is also crucial to regularly clean and maintain the filters attached to each hose, guaranteeing the smooth and efficient flow of water in and out of the machine.
4. Check your machine's internal components.
While this is a little trickier to do on your own (some parts we suggest getting an expert for!), it is essential to keeping your commercial machines running smoothly and pre-emptively identifying issues. Fortunately, this only needs to be checked once or twice per year.
After turning the power to the machine off, check internal components and belts for cracks and tears to avoid long repair times.
Another component you should check are the doors. Ensure they can close and seal properly to prevent contaminants from entering the drum during a cycle, or water leaking out!
5. Clean the interior and exterior.
Maintaining cleanliness both inside and outside of your commercial laundry equipment is essential. Not only does it enhance their appearance, but it also minimizes the risk of pollutants or debris entering the machine and causing damage to the machine or garments.
Over time soap powder and scum can actually corrode your machine (both on the inside and outside!), which can quickly cause cascading issues if not dealt with in a timely manner. Regularly cleaning the buildup also prevents any unpleasant odours from developing and ensures that clothing doesn't accidentally get soiled.
And of having a clean, shiny and attractive exterior is essential for bringing in those vended customers!
6. Talk to your staff!
Whether you are a large hospital or a small laundromat, your staff and cleaners spend the most time around your commercial laundry operation. This means they are the ones who are most likely to see if something is going wrong! Maybe your dryer has been shaking while operating, or your washer has an odd thumping sound. And even if you do spend plenty of time in your laundry system, more eyes are better than two!
If you don't, spending some time just watching the system operate is always a good option. Worst case scenario, you will get the satisfaction of seeing a system running efficiently!
Want to find out more tips from our laundry experts?
