Maintaining top-notch hygiene standards is a crucial part of running a commercial laundry service. It’s not just about producing clean linens and clothes; it’s also about creating a clean and professional environment while protecting the health of both customers and employees. If you’re new to this industry and want to learn more about how to maintain commercial laundry hygiene standards, we’re here to help you so you can get a good head start on cleanliness for your business.
Put Together A Thorough Cleaning Checklist
A detailed cleaning checklist is the backbone of any hygienic commercial laundry service. Organize your checklist to cover daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Start with cleaning high-touch surfaces like door handles, counters, and washing machine controls every day. Also, be sure to check lint traps in dryers and clean them as needed to prevent buildup, as this can be a fire hazard and a hygiene risk.
Floors, walls, and all external surfaces of machines need weekly attention to ensure a deep clean. If needed, break larger tasks into manageable, routine steps so no area goes overlooked. By following a checklist diligently, you’ll ensure your facility remains presentable and germ-free.
Enforce Proper Hygiene Among Employees
Employees play a crucial role in maintaining hygiene standards. First and foremost, staff should always follow a strict handwashing routine before and after handling laundry. Provide gloves and aprons for added protection when dealing with soiled textiles.
Encourage employees to stick to designated zones—such as a “clean” area for folded laundry and a separate area for storing soiled items. Create clear policies for how laundry is transported from collection bins to machines to eliminate any chance of contamination. Doing this not only protects your team but ensures customers receive spotless, sanitized items.
Improve Facility Ventilation
Good ventilation is often an overlooked factor of hygiene for laundry services, but it’s an important one to focus on if you want to stay in line with commercial standards. Without adequate airflow, excessive humidity can make your facility a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Install high-quality exhaust fans to remove moisture effectively after each drying cycle. Be sure to service your air conditioning systems regularly to prevent dirt and particles from recirculating. Proper air circulation creates a healthier environment and extends the life of your equipment by preventing rust and wear caused by excessive moisture in the air.
Use Quality Cleaning Products and Items
The cleaning products you choose directly impact the hygiene standards of your laundry service. Invest in high-quality detergents that are effective in killing bacteria, dirt, and stains. Bleach or alternative sanitizers should also be used for linens requiring extra disinfecting. Choose hypoallergenic detergents when offering services to families or clients with sensitive skin.
Beyond the soaps, look at the cleaning tools you use—mops, microfiber cloths, and scrubbing brushes. Many facilities have even started using mesh laundry bags due to their ease of use. Regardless of what items you use, though, be sure to replace them on a semi-regular basis to prevent spreading germs. Using fresh, reliable cleaning items ensures your output is consistently clean and safe for customer use.
