Running an on-premise (in-house) commercial laundry, whether for a hotel, resort, gym, or correctional facility, presents a familiar challenge: how to process more laundry in less time without compromising quality. Maximising throughput isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about building an efficient, balanced workflow from start to finish. In this article, we’ll explore key strategies to help you optimise your laundry operations using Speed Queen’s powerful and reliable machines.
Assessing Machine Capacity: Matching the Right Equipment to Your Needs
Efficient laundry operations start with choosing machines that meet your facility’s capacity needs. Speed Queen offers a range of options—from smaller units perfect for boutique hotels and gyms to larger-capacity machines designed to handle the high demands of correctional facilities, resorts, and aged care centres. Picking the right machine is essential: too small, and you'll be playing laundry Tetris; too large, and you’ll be wondering why your water bill suddenly needs a budget meeting. A solid understanding of your facility’s daily laundry volume ensures you strike the right balance.
Optimising Workflow: Making the Most of Your Space
Throughput isn’t just about the machines—it’s about how laundry flows through your facility, ideally without the staff reenacting a relay race. Are your washer-extractors, dryers, and finishing equipment arranged in a way that cuts down unnecessary movement? Speed Queen’s systems are designed for easy integration, helping laundry move efficiently from one stage to the next. Whether it’s spa linens, gym towels, or hotel bedding, organising your laundry process to minimise downtime can make all the difference.
Leveraging Automation to Streamline Operations
Full automation might not be necessary for every facility, but Speed Queen’s machines come packed with features that can speed up your workflow. Programmable controls allow you to tailor cycles to specific laundry types, optimising wash times without sacrificing care. These automated settings save operators from manual adjustments, giving them a little more time to contemplate life’s big questions—like where that one missing sock goes.
Reducing Downtime with Preventive Maintenance
One of the simplest ways to keep your laundry running smoothly is regular maintenance. Downtime from machine breakdowns can quickly derail your operation. Speed Queen machines are built for durability, but even the best equipment benefits from regular upkeep. Following a strict preventive maintenance schedule helps identify minor issues before they become bigger problems, keeping your operation running smoothly—especially in high-demand environments like aged care facilities or fitness centres.
Smart Staffing: Balancing Efficiency with Manpower
Your team plays a critical role in how efficiently laundry moves through your facility. Understaffing slows down operations, while overstaffing adds unnecessary labour costs. Finding the right balance is key, and scheduling around peak laundry times can boost efficiency. With Speed Queen’s user-friendly controls, staff can quickly learn the ropes—no PhD in washing required—helping to keep operations smooth and laundry piles at bay.
Reducing Costs and Improving Staff Safety
An additional benefit of streamlining your laundry operations is the potential reduction in operating costs. By improving efficiency and optimising workflow, facilities can lower their energy and water usage, leading to significant savings over time. Furthermore, creating a smoother workflow also enhances staff safety by reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries. With less manual handling and more automation, employees face fewer physical demands, which contributes to a healthier work environment—especially important in high-volume facilities like correctional centres and resorts.
Conclusion: Partnering with Experts for Long-Term Success
Maximising throughput in your in-house laundry operation is about more than just machines—it’s about creating a streamlined, efficient system that fits your facility’s unique needs. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your equipment or redesign your workflow, working with a trusted laundry expert is key to getting it right. We choose the very best to be our distributors so you can get expert guidance at every step. From selecting the right equipment to optimising your laundry space, their teams can help you create an operation that runs like clockwork. Get in touch today to learn how Speed Queen’s laundry solutions can increase your throughput.
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