How to Size an On-Premise Laundry Facility for Large Scale Industrial Operations
When managing a large nursing home or hotel facility, ensuring that laundry operations run smoothly is crucial for maintaining both cleanliness and efficiency. Whether you’re in charge of a bustling hotel with dozens of rooms or a nursing home catering to the needs of elderly residents, an on-premise laundry facility (OPL) is a pivotal part of your daily operations. But how do you calculate the right capacity, the number of commercial laundry equipment units required, and the best design for your specific facility? In short, how do you size the on-premise laundry?
Understand the Laundry Volume Needs
The first step in determining the right size for your on-premise laundry facility is understanding the volume of laundry that needs to be processed each day. For large nursing homes and hotel facilities, laundry typically includes linens, towels, hospital gowns, patient sheets, mop heads, and other textiles. The volume of laundry will largely depend on the number of residents, patients, or rooms your facility serves on a daily basis.
Here are some questions to ask to determine your laundry volume:
- How many rooms do you have? For hotels, this is an easy calculation, as the number of rooms directly impacts the amount of laundry generated each day. For nursing homes, think of how many beds and residents need bedding, towels, and clothing washed daily.
- How often do linens and towels need to be changed? In the hospitality industry, it’s typical to change linens and towels daily, whereas nursing homes may not need to change every sheet or gown daily but still require substantial laundry processing.
- What is your desired turnaround time for laundry? In a nursing home or hotel, it’s critical to ensure that laundry is processed quickly, so understanding the volume is key to determining the speed and capacity required.
Determine Laundry Equipment Needs and Capacity
Once you’ve estimated the volume of laundry, the next step is to calculate how many pieces of commercial laundry equipment are needed and the total capacity required.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Commercial laundry equipment comes in various sizes and configurations, with machines designed to handle different capacities based on your needs. To avoid overloading or under-utilizing your machines, it’s crucial to select machines that meet the specific requirements of your facility.
Washing Machines
When selecting commercial washing machines, it’s essential to consider their capacity per load. For instance, large hotels may require washing machines with a capacity of up to 160 lbs per load, while nursing homes may benefit from slightly smaller machines that can handle 50-75 lbs per load. The number of machines you’ll need depends on the total volume of laundry and your desired processing time. Labor availability is also a key component. If there is a shortage of labor available fewer large loads may be more desirable. Of course, it goes without saying that you must only use commercial laundry equipment for on-premise laundries, as home-owner units simply can’t withstand the wear and tear required in a commercial setting. Read more on that here in our FAQ section.
Dryers
Dryers should have a larger capacity to your washing machines due to the contents retaining some amount of water coming out of the washer. High-capacity dryers, like those offered by H-M Company partners Huebsch or ADC, are designed to process large loads of laundry quickly, improving efficiency in facilities with large laundry demands. Ideally, your dryers should be able to keep pace with the number of washing machines, minimizing wait times.
Ironers and Folder Machines
For facilities with large linens, such as hospitals and nursing homes, flatwork ironers and folder machines are necessary to ensure linens are both clean and neatly pressed. The capacity of these machines should also match the volume of laundry being processed, allowing for smooth operation and quick turnaround.
Other Considerations
- Water and energy efficiency are also important factors when sizing your laundry equipment. H-M Laundry Equipment, for instance, offers energy-efficient machines that not only save on operational costs but also reduce water consumption, making them an eco-friendly choice.
- Space considerations should not be overlooked. A well-designed laundry room layout allows for smooth workflow, efficient employee movement, and easy access to the machines. H-M’s customized designs ensure optimal space usage while maintaining operational efficiency.
Factors Affecting Laundry Facility Design
Now that you’ve estimated the necessary equipment, it’s important to design the layout of the laundry facility itself. The way your laundry area is designed directly impacts workflow, safety, and overall efficiency. Here are some key considerations:
Workflow Design
Effective workflow design minimizes downtime and maximizes the use of your commercial laundry equipment. The flow should be logical, starting from dirty laundry collection, followed by washing, drying, ironing, and finally folding and distribution. A well-planned layout reduces the time staff spends moving laundry and improves efficiency.
Space Allocation
Ensure that the space allows for easy access to machines, enough space for dirty laundry staging areas, and a safe space for folding and sorting clean laundry. H-M Company’s experts can help with layout and floor planning, ensuring that the equipment fits seamlessly and meets all regulatory safety requirements for your facility.
Energy and Water Supply
Large nursing homes and hotels require adequate water and energy supplies to operate their laundry equipment efficiently. H-M’s systems are designed to be energy- and water-efficient, which helps cut down on operating costs. These systems also integrate well with the on-demand water-heating and energy-saving features, allowing for faster drying times and lower energy consumption.
Ventilation and Safety
Proper ventilation and safety measures are critical in laundry facilities. The equipment will generate heat and moisture, so ensuring proper ventilation through exhaust systems is essential. H-M’s designs also incorporate safety features that meet or exceed industry standards, helping you reduce risks and maintain a safe working environment for your staff.
How H-M Company Can Help
When it comes to designing an on-premise laundry facility, H-M Company stands out from competitors due to their deep understanding of the unique needs of large nursing homes and hotel facilities. With decades of experience in the industry, H-M Laundry Equipment offers tailored solutions that combine high-quality commercial machines with expert layout and design consultation.
- Customized equipment recommendations: H-M’s team helps you select the right equipment based on your facility’s specific needs, ensuring that your laundry operation can handle peak volumes while minimizing operational costs.
- Design expertise: H-M works directly with you to optimize your facility layout for improved workflow, space utilization, and safety. The team uses industry-best practices to design spaces that allow your staff to work efficiently, from dirty laundry pickup to finished linen storage.
- Long-term support and maintenance: H-M doesn’t just provide equipment; they also offer comprehensive after-sales support. Their customer service ensures that your equipment operates smoothly long after installation, with regular maintenance programs to maximize equipment lifespan.
- Energy efficiency and cost savings: By providing high-efficiency washers, dryers, and other equipment, H-M helps reduce your water and energy consumption, lowering overall costs and environmental impact.
Make The Right Choices
Sizing an on-premise laundry facility for a large nursing home or hotel is no easy task. But by understanding your laundry volume, selecting the right equipment and designing an efficient facility, you can keep operations running smoothly, even during peak laundry demands. With H-M Laundry Equipment’s expertise in both equipment and design, you can ensure that your laundry operations are not only effective but also cost-efficient and sustainable.
Let H-M Company guide you through the process, from selecting the right equipment to designing the most efficient laundry room layout. With their support, you can optimize your laundry facility and ensure it delivers the performance and reliability you need to keep your facility running smoothly.
