How you treat your washers and dryers can influence their performance and lifespan. How should you handle laundromat maintenance? By caring for your machines properly, educating customers on appropriate use, and keeping ahead of the game on routine maintenance and repairs, you can help ensure your equipment performs for the long haul.
Laundromat Maintenance Basics
Clean Machines
Establishing a routine for daily cleaning and ongoing upkeep is an excellent starting point if you’re wondering how to stay on top of laundromat maintenance. Cleaning and sanitizing washing machine drums is essential. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning instructions to remove dirt, soap buildup, and odors inside the drum.
Many experts recommend using vinegar to clean a washing machine’s drum once a month. Vinegar can break down water deposits and soap scum and disinfect surfaces, deodorizing and sanitizing your washing machine so that it performs at its best.
Tackle Lint
Keeping your lint traps clean and empty is a critical safety measure: when lint filters become clogged, airflow is restricted, and the dryer has to run longer to dry a load. The longer a dryer runs, the more heat it generates, and in some circumstances, the combination of heat, fabric fibers, fur, hair, and other debris can cause a potentially devasting fire.
Fire prevention is the number one reason that tackling lint should top your daily maintenance tasks, but there are other benefits, too. Clean lint traps help ensure that each load of laundry comes out clean and dry. Not only that, but staying on top of lint may help you cut down on your long-term dryer maintenance costs, prevent mechanical issues, and even extend the lifespan of your machines.
Stay on top of lint by cleaning the lint screens in your dryers regularly to maintain airflow and prevent lint buildup. You should also do an annual deep cleaning of your lint filter and ductwork, or if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Clothes taking longer to dry
- The dryer (or the entire laundromat) feels warmer than usual
- Burning smell
- Dried clothes coated in lint
- The dryer vent hood won’t open
- The dryer hood has debris or lint built up around it.
Remember that some washers also have lint filters, so keep these regularly cleaned, too.
Educate Customers
Educating customers on proper machine use and etiquette can help prevent misuse, decrease maintenance costs, and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Post clear instructional signage with machine instructions and tips for efficient use, such as load size recommendations and detergent amounts.
Maintain Water Lines
Leaking, clogged, or broken pipes and water lines in a laundromat can spell disaster. Over time, sediment can clog valves and impair water flow, which can impact machine performance. Along with regular spot checks, schedule annual inspections with a professional to ensure that your water lines are performing well.
Inspect Machines Regularly
Few things turn a potential customer away faster than broken down equipment and “Out of Order” signs. Make time to inspect your machines and conduct any necessary minor repairs once a month. During these inspections, look for visible damage, leaks, unusual noises, or error codes that indicate potential problems. Also, check for cleanliness and ensure the washers’ drain systems are healthy and functioning.
As part of your preventative cleaning and maintenance inspections, remember to do all the following:
- Clean or replace water inlet filters as necessary
- Check the inlet and outlet hoses (as well as their connections and joints) for any leaks or sediment buildup and replace them when needed
- Check the belts from the motor to the drum for any signs of damage
- Remove lint or debris from the exhaust ducts
Schedule Professional Cleanings
In addition to regular maintenance and inspections, it’s important to schedule an annual professional cleaning of your washers and dryers to ensure your units are thoroughly cleaned.
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If you make preventative maintenance a part of your everyday routine, you can avoid the costly and stressful surprises that often accompany neglect. Good luck!
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