Training Your Staff on Laundry Equipment Maintenance

A Guide for Property Managers and Laundromat Owners

Commercial laundry equipment is a significant investment for property managers, apartment community owners, and laundromat operators. While professional servicing is essential, day-to-day maintenance performed by your staff can greatly extend machine life, reduce downtime, and save costs on repairs.

The key is ensuring your staff is properly trained. A well-trained team can spot issues early, perform routine upkeep, and keep machines running at peak efficiency.

In this blog, we’ll break down the benefits of staff training, the best practices to implement, and the long-term value it brings to your laundry operations.

Why Staff Training Matters in Laundry Equipment Maintenance

1. Reduced Downtime
   Untrained staff may overlook small problems like clogged lint filters or slow-draining washers; issues that can quickly escalate. Training ensures employees can recognize warning signs before they lead to costly machine downtime.
   
   
2. Lower Repair Costs
   Routine checks such as cleaning lint traps, checking for leaks, and ensuring detergent dispensers are unclogged can prevent expensive repairs. Staff who know what to look for can often fix minor issues in-house.
   
   
3. Improved Safety
   Laundry machines involve electricity, water, and heat, making them potential hazards if not handled correctly. Training promotes safe use and prevents accidents.
   
   
4. Higher Customer Satisfaction
   For multi-housing laundry rooms and laundromats, well-maintained equipment means residents and customers experience fewer breakdowns and enjoy a more reliable laundry service.

What Staff Should Learn During Training

Training doesn’t mean turning your staff into technicians, it means giving them the tools to handle routine tasks and know when to call in the pros. Key training areas include:

• Daily Checks
  • Emptying lint filters and coin traps
  • Checking for unusual noises or vibrations
  • Ensuring soap dispensers and drains are clear

• Weekly and Monthly Maintenance
  • Inspecting hoses and connections for leaks
  • Wiping down door seals and detergent drawers to prevent mold buildup
  • Checking water levels and spin cycles for irregularities

• Proper Usage Practices
  • Loading machines correctly (not overloading or underloading)
  • Using approved detergents and chemicals
  • Understanding machine error codes

• When to Call for Service
  • Recurring error codes
  • Water leaks or drainage issues
  • Electrical malfunctions or burning odors

How to Implement Effective Training

1. Develop a Standardized Checklist
   Create a simple checklist for daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Post it in the laundry room as a quick reference for staff.
   
   
2. Use Hands-On Demonstrations
   Training sessions should include live walk-throughs on actual machines so staff can see and practice proper techniques.
   
   
3. Partner with Your Equipment Provider
   Most commercial laundry distributors offer training programs or service orientations. Taking advantage of these ensures your team gets expert instruction tailored to your specific machines.
   
   
4. Refresh Training Regularly
   Make training part of ongoing operations. Refreshers every six months help new employees get up to speed and reinforce habits for long-term staff.

The ROI of Training Staff on Laundry Maintenance

Well-trained staff can make a measurable difference:

• 20-30% fewer emergency service calls when routine tasks are handled in-house
• Extended equipment lifespan, reducing replacement costs
• Improved customer satisfaction from reliable, working machines

Ultimately, training is a low-cost investment that saves thousands in long-term operational expenses.

Training your staff on laundry equipment maintenance is one of the smartest moves a property manager or laundromat owner can make. It reduces downtime, improves safety, and lowers costs, all while keeping your customers and residents happy.

If you’re looking for a partner that not only installs and services equipment but also helps train your team, A.L.L. Laundry Service can help. We provide guidance, service checklists, and hands-on demonstrations to make sure your laundry room runs smoothly day after day.

Sources

1. Alliance Laundry Systems – “Reducing Service Calls with Proper Machine Care”
2. Speed Queen Commercial – “The Impact of Preventive Maintenance on Machine Lifespan”
3. Coin Laundry Association – “Customer Satisfaction in the Laundromat Industry”