Running a successful laundry operation means knowing more than just how to press ‘start.’
If laundry lingo sounds like a foreign language, don’t worry—you won’t need a translator, just
this guide. Whether you're running a laundromat, managing an in-house facility, or shopping
for new equipment, understanding key industry terms will help you make smarter decisions
and avoid costly mistakes.
Laundry Operations & Productivity
1. On-Premises Laundry (OPL)
A commercial or industrial laundry operation located within a business or facility, allowing for greater control over costs, quality, and turnaround times compared to outsourcing.
2. Turnaround Time
The total time required to complete a wash and dry cycle. Faster turnaround times are essential for high-volume operations like gyms, hotels, and healthcare facilities.
3. Turns
A measure of machine productivity, referring to how many loads a washer or dryer completes within a given timeframe. Maximising turns is key to efficiency and profitability.
4. WDF (Wash-Dry-Fold) / Fluff and Fold
A premium laundry service where customers drop off their laundry, which is then washed, dried, and folded by staff. This can be an add-on revenue opportunity for laundromats.
Washing Machine Types & Features
1. Hard-Mount Washer
A washer that’s bolted securely to the floor to handle high-speed extraction. These machines are used in facilities with reinforced concrete flooring that can handle the intense forces they generate. They do not use pumps to drain wastewater but instead use a gravity feed drain valve for quicker drainage and fewer blockages. Learn more about hard and soft mounts.
2. Soft-Mount Washer
A gentler alternative to the hard mount, these machines use shock absorbers to reduce vibration. Perfect for locations that need high-speed extraction but don't have reinforced flooring. These washers are able to extract more water during the spin cycle due to their extreme G-forces. Learn more about hard and soft mounts.
3. Stack Washer/Dryer (Stacker)
Two machines stacked on top of each other to save floor space. Available as either two stacked dryers, or a washer with a dryer on top (stack washer/dryer). These are highly efficient for businesses with limited floor space.
4. Commercial Machines
Designed for frequent, high-volume use and are tested to a minimum of 10,000 cycles in settings like laundromats and hotels. These machines are built for durability and efficiency, handling frequent loads without performance decline. Learn more about the difference between commercial and industrial.
5. Industrial Machines
Industrial machines are built with heavier-duty parts, designed to run continuously and tested to over 30,000 cycles with some up to 48,000 cycles. Designed for continuous use. These machines are built for durability and efficiency, handling frequent loads without performance decline. Learn more about the difference between commercial and industrial.
6. Pockets
Each wash or dry compartment in a machine is a pocket. For example, a stack dryer has two pockets (one per drum).
Draining & Extraction Technologies
1. Gravity Drain
Unlike residential washers, commercial washers usually don't use pumps to drain wastewater. Instead, they use a gravity drain valve, which allows for faster drainage and fewer blockages. These machines require a trapped drain connection at floor level to collect lint and prevent clogs.
2. G-Force
No, this isn’t NASA-related! G-force refers to the centrifugal force generated during a washer’s extraction cycle. Higher G-force removes more water, leading to faster drying times and lower energy costs.
3. "10-4" Movement
The ideal tumbling pattern in a front-load washer. Laundry should rise to the 10 o’clock position before falling to 4 o’clock, ensuring optimal cleaning and water distribution.
4. RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)
The speed at which the drum spins during a cycle. Faster RPMs improve water extraction but must be adjusted for fabric type to prevent damage. Speed Queen machines allow for programmable RPM settings to optimise each cycle.
5. Residual Moisture
The amount of water left in garments after the extraction cycle. Lower residual moisture means shorter drying times and reduced energy costs.
Chemical & Cycle Control
1. Automated Dosing
When precision matters, automated chemical dosing systems dispense exact amounts of detergent, softener, and disinfectant directly into the washer—no user input required. It improves wash quality, prevents overuse, and avoids residue build-up. These systems directly pump programmed chemicals into the washer.
2. HE Detergent
High-efficiency (HE) detergents are formulated for low-water-use washers, reducing suds and improving wash effectiveness in commercial machines.
3. Cycle Modifiers
Settings that allow operators to adjust water temperature, spin speed, and wash duration to customise cycles for different fabrics and soil levels.
4. Optimal Load
The balance between weight and volume that allows clothes to tumble freely. Overloading restricts movement and reduces wash quality, under-loading wastes water and energy.
Fire Safety & Preventive Maintenance
1. C.A.R.E. (Combustion Auto Response Equipped)
An independent sub-system that monitors temperature in the dryer and provides an automatic response to suppress combustion inside the tumbler cylinder and alert facility management.
2. Preventive Maintenance
Regular inspections and servicing that help prevent breakdowns. Key tasks include cleaning filters, checking hoses, and inspecting belts, they ensure machines remain efficient and reliable.
Drying & Moisture Control Technologies
OPTidry
A moisture-sensing technology used in commercial dryers, ensuring each load is dried efficiently and evenly by detecting moisture levels and adjusting drying times accordingly.
- Prevents over-drying
- Reduces energy consumption
- Extends fabric life
Sanitation & Hygiene
Sanitisation vs. Disinfection
Sanitisation reduces bacteria to safe levels.
Disinfection eliminates a broader range of pathogens.
Both are critical in healthcare, food service, and aged care environments.
Conclusion: Speak Laundry, Buy Smarter
Knowing these industry terms is more than just jargon—it’s about running a smarter, more
efficient laundry operation and making the right equipment choices. Whether you’re selecting
a new washer, optimising load sizes, or looking to improve efficiency, understanding your
options ensures better long-term results.
Think of it like this: The right machine can make your life easier, save you money, and keep
customers happy. The wrong one? Well, that’s like putting a wool sweater in a hot
dryer—you don’t want that kind of shrinkage. Now you can confidently handle laundry
operations and purchases like a pro—no more spinning out on terminology!
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