Preventative Maintenance Tips for Commercial & Industrial Laundry Equipment
Preventative maintenance in a commercial or industrial laundry facility is a key component of efficient day-to-day operations and sustainable success. A preventative maintenance plan involves inspecting, cleaning, and repairing machines before issues arise, minimizing unexpected downtime and unbudgeted financial expenditures.
While equipment in commercial and industrial facilities is utilized differently from that in laundromats, the rationale for regular maintenance remains the same: Machines that are well-maintained are less likely to cause problems. Heavy, consistent use of commercial machines and their complex designs mean service is more complicated and may require specialized knowledge. Here, we offer tips for routine preventative maintenance for commercial and industrial laundry equipment—plus insight about when to call in the experts.
1. Start With Reliable Resources
Look closely at each machine’s manual to identify the most important tasks to be handled on a daily or weekly basis, such as clearing lint filters, wiping down exteriors, or other simple steps. Then, work with a specialized laundry equipment expert to determine the best approach to remaining maintenance tasks, including what should be left to trained technicians.
2. Create a Custom Plan for Each Machine
Commercial and industrial laundry machines are more complex than their smaller counterparts. Beyond that, maintenance often requires specialized knowledge of the equipment. Both of these factors mean that a one-size-fits-all approach may not work when it comes to industrial laundry equipment maintenance: A tunnel washer will require different upkeep from a folder or dryer, so you’ll need a unique plan for each machine.
3. Keep Washer Doors Open When Not in Use
Keeping the doors open when the machine is not in use is one of the simplest ways to keep your commercial laundry equipment in top shape. This easy step allows moisture to evaporate, preventing the growth of mold and mildew and the problems they could cause. For specialized industrial washing machines, check the manual or consult an expert to see the best way to allow moisture to evaporate.
4. Don’t Overlook Laundry Equipment Exterior
Maintenance is more than just mechanical, and should involve regular cleaning of the outside of your machines in addition to the interior. Dust, dirt, and debris that settle on the exterior of machines can also fall into its internal mechanisms when you add laundry, causing damage down the road.
5. Clean Lint Traps Between Each Use
Machines that process large volumes of laundry are sure to be inundated with their fair share of lint, which results from the degradation of linens over time. Overfull lint screens or blocked dryer ducts are among the most common causes of damage in laundry facilities. Improper maintenance of lint traps can lead to dryer fires because too much lint can impede the equipment’s ability to exhaust hot air.
6. Schedule Maintenance Strategically
A preventative maintenance plan gives you a clear list of tasks to be completed and the recommended frequency, so you can schedule items in advance and avoid inconvenient downtime at inopportune times. You should also schedule maintenance to meet demand: During busy seasons, machines that are more heavily utilized may need to be looked at with increasing frequency.
7. Keep Detailed Records
A record of completed routine maintenance, including dates performed and tasks completed, provides a clear picture of the health of each laundry machine in your facility. Supplement that list with a record of error messages, alerts, and other issues, sorted by equipment. When you have this essential information in one place, you can keep track of what requires the most upkeep, discern when machines need to be replaced, and choose where to focus your money and energy.
8. Know When To Call the Experts
Industrial and commercial laundry machines are more complex and intricate than those you’ll find in a laundromat or small on-premise facility. For this reason, some preventative maintenance tasks are best saved for the professionals, especially those dealing with internal wiring or hard-to-reach areas of the equipment. Consult a trusted commercial laundry machine technician, like those at Western State Design, to ensure the longevity of your equipment and protect your investment.
Heavy-duty commercial and industrial laundry machines face large loads and significant usage that can cause significant wear and tear. Stock your facility with durable equipment from trusted brands, then follow a preventative maintenance schedule to minimize unexpected downtime, unbudgeted expenses, and disruptions to your day-to-day operations. Contact us today to learn more about our skilled maintenance services and other ways we can help you equip and improve your commercial or industrial facility.
