Investing in commercial laundry equipment is a substantial decision for any business, and the pivotal factor for securing a lasting return on that investment lies in meticulous maintenance.
Whether your machines are brand new or seasoned, each has specific needs based on its year, make, and model. Take note of the differences between front-loaders and top-loaders and consult your owner’s manual or local provider to understand the unique requirements of your equipment, from detergent recommendations to specific maintenance guidelines.
Let’s delve into these five tips to extend the lifespan of your commercial laundry machines and shield you from costly repairs, ultimately ensuring consistent peak performance.
Prevent Mold and Mildew by Checking Door Seals and Cleaning Them
Regular maintenance of your front-loading washing machine is crucial to prevent the build-up of moisture, dust, and mold, which can be particularly problematic in the rubber door seal. This area is prone to retaining moisture after each wash cycle, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive. To combat this, we recommend to clean the door seal daily. This involves wiping down the rubber gasket with a dry cloth to remove residual moisture after every use.
For more thorough cleaning, you can use a mildew cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar to gently scrub the seal, paying particular attention to the folds and crevices where moisture and debris accumulate. This helps maintain a clean and hygienic washing machine and extends the life of the appliance by preventing damage caused by mold and mildew.
Note that mildew and mold build-up can create a health hazard and be visually unappealing to customers. Regular door seal cleaning ensures your clothes come out fresh and clean, without musty odors often associated with mold build-up.
Change Washer Valves and Filters Regularly
Maintaining your washing machine involves more than just cleaning the drum; it’s also crucial to regularly clean the inlet and outlet filters. Over time, these filters can become clogged with debris, lint, and mineral deposits from hard water, reducing water pressure and flow. This can significantly impact the washing machine’s efficiency, resulting in longer cycles and less effective cleaning.
Regular cleaning also ensures water can flow freely into and out of the machine. This not only leads to faster cycle times but also enhances the overall performance of the washing machine. Efficient water flow ensures detergent is adequately utilized and rinsed, clothes are thoroughly cleaned, and the machine operates efficiently.
While a seemingly small maintenance task, this minimizes downtime due to maintenance issues and ensures consistent service for customers and staff. Regular filter cleaning also prolongs the washing machine’s life, preventing more severe problems and saving on costly repairs or replacements.
Clean the Lint Screen Daily
Ensuring the safety and efficiency of dryers, especially in commercial or on-premise laundry facilities, requires a vigilant approach to maintenance, focusing on the daily cleaning of lint screens. Lint accumulates during the drying process and poses a significant fire hazard if not regularly removed. This is because lint is highly flammable and can restrict airflow, leading to overheating and potentially causing a fire.
Daily lint screen cleaning is more than a recommended safe operation practice. Proper airflow helps to prevent overheating and ensures clothes are dried evenly and quickly. Each cycle in a dryer can contribute to lint build-up, so it’s crucial to check and clear the lint screen before the machine is used again to ensure air can circulate effectively.
Lint build-up also increases drying time, increasing energy usage and utility bills. Moreover, it enhances the customer experience by ensuring that clothes are dried quickly and effectively.
While cleaning the screens, check for any damage or wear that might affect the screen’s effectiveness. A damaged lint screen fails to trap lint efficiently and can compromise the dryer’s safety.
Clean Soap Dispensers and Dryer Vents
Want to know an often-overlooked aspect of routine maintenance? Cleaning soap dispensers prevents the build-up of detergent residue, which can lead to clogging and inefficient detergent flow. When soap dispensers are clogged, it can hinder detergent distribution into the wash cycle. This can result in uneven laundry cleaning, with some items receiving too much detergent and others needing more. Regular cleaning ensures that the detergent is dispensed correctly and efficiently, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the washing process.
Keep Washer Doors Open
One of the simplest yet most effective practices is to keep washer doors open after each use to prevent trapping moisture inside the drum after a wash cycle. Leaving the doors open allows air to circulate inside the machine, preventing mold growth and microbes, which thrive in damp environments. Mold and microbial growth not only cause unpleasant odors but can also pose health risks and degrade the quality of the wash.
Wipe down the inside of the washers regularly. This includes the drum, gaskets, and any other internal surfaces where moisture, detergent, fabric softener, or dirt might accumulate. If not cleaned, this residue can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold and can also cause operational issues with the machine over time.
Educate Your Staff
In a commercial facility or any establishment with on-premise laundry services, it’s essential to educate staff or customers about the importance of this practice. Clear instructions or reminders to check and clean can effectively enforce this habit. Regular training sessions and instructional signage for staff or informative signage for customers help teach the importance of this task.
Visibly demonstrating these practices makes customers more likely to adopt them as well.
Need More Help? Connect with Us to Help Increase the Lifespan of Your Commercial Laundry Equipment
While you can handle many maintenance tasks independently, recognizing when to call professionals is important. Our well-trained technicians and knowledgeable staff are ready to assist.
We have a full-service maintenance program with custom plans tailored to your needs, ensuring your commercial washing machines receive expert care.
Since 2007, Laundry South has been a trusted provider of top-tier commercial laundry equipment, installations, and repairs in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana. With over 50 years of combined experience, our dedicated sales advisors and technicians are committed to delivering exceptional service beyond the initial sale.
By implementing these practical tips and relying on our professional support, you can ensure your investment performs at its best.
For more information about our commercial washing machine maintenance services and customer support,
contact us at 601-420-9414 or send us a note on our website.