Do I need an on-premise laundry?

Managing laundry effectively is crucial for many businesses, from hotels and care homes to hospitals and sports facilities. If you’re still confused on whether to handle laundry in-house or use an external service, the decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs, available space, and resources.

An on-premise laundry is worth considering if you need direct control over quality, require quick turnaround times, or frequently process large amounts of laundry. However, space, resources, and the scale of your laundry needs are key factors in making the right decision.

Let’s explore whether it’s the right choice for your business!

The Benefits Of Managing Your Own Laundry

One of the biggest advantages of an on-premise laundry is having complete control over quality.

When you manage laundry in-house, you can select your preferred detergents, set specific washing temperatures, and ensure proper handling of delicate items. This level of control means you can address any quality issues immediately, rather than discovering problems after items have been returned from an external service.

Quick response time is another crucial benefit. Having your own laundry facility means no waiting around for external services when you need fresh linens or uniforms cleaned urgently. This can be particularly important in healthcare settings or hospitality, where clean items might be needed ASAP. 

So, is it really worth the money? 

While setting up an on-premise laundry requires initial investment, it often leads to long-term cost savings. You’ll eliminate transportation costs, reduce per-item cleaning expenses, and potentially extend the life of your linens through proper care. 

Also, many businesses find they can better manage their inventory when they handle laundry in-house, as they have a clear view of item usage and wear patterns.

When Is Contracting Out The Better Choice?

Of course, while having an on-premise laundry comes with many benefits, it also has its fair share of disadvantages. Sometimes, outsourcing or off-premise laundry may be a better option. 

For example, if your premises lack sufficient space, an on-premise laundry may be an issue. If you’re short on space and do not have additional room for storage, sorting and folding, you may want to look into contracting laundry out. 

Here is a guide for the average external dimensions of commercial washers:

Also, you’ll have to look into good ventilation, plus the necessary plumbing. Are you ready for the commitment and investment?

Another important thing you need to consider is your staff. Do you have enough manpower to load the machines, transfer the laundry, and keep everything running smoothly? For that, you’ll probably have to add training costs. 

And lastly, your utility bills. Those washers and dryers are going to be using lots of water and electricity,  so you can expect to see a bump in those expenses. 

If you only have to deal with little laundry, or investing is not a priority for now in your business, contracting out may be the better option. 

So How Do You Decide Whether To Get An On-Premise Laundry Or Not?

How do you know if an on-premise laundry is really necessary? Well, it really comes down to what you and your business really needs. Here are some questions you can ask yourself:

How Much Laundry Are We Talking? 

The amount of laundry you’re churning out daily is a huge factor to the equation. If you’re constantly drowning in dirty linens, an in-house setup could be a real lifesaver. 

Having an on-premise laundry will ensure that you have the capacity to keep up with the demand, and it’s often more cost-effective than outsourcing when you’re dealing with high volumes.

How Critical Is Laundry To Your Business?

For some businesses, like hotels and hospitals, clean linens aren’t just a nice-to-have – they’re an absolute must. 

If your operation would be greatly affected without a steady supply of freshly laundered items, the reliability and control of an on-premise laundry can be a game-changer.

Do You Have The Space And Resources? 

Remember, a laundry setup requires a considerable amount of space and resources. Make sure that before you decide, you get a good look at your facilities and budget. 

Do you have a suitable spot for the equipment? Are you ready to make the necessary investments in both space and cash?

When In Doubt, Ask The Experts

Still feeling a little unsure about which way to go? We get it, this is a big decision, and there’s no shame in getting some professional guidance.

Here’s a summary of what we talked about to help you make your decision:

On-Premise Vs Off-Premise Laundry

Just give us a call at 01268 638060 and we can talk about your unique needs, space, and budget, and give you some personalised recommendations.

Whether you end up going all-in on an in-house laundry, go for a hybrid approach, or decide to stick with outsourcing, our goal is to make sure you’ve got the equipment and support you need.

Frequently Asked Questions