Laundry Money Podcast Show Notes

5 Advantages of Outsourcing Laundry Services

Written by A.L.L. Laundry Service | Aug 1, 2025 1:00:00 PM

Struggling to keep your in-house laundry operations efficient, cost-effective, and compliant? You're not alone.

Across industries like multifamily housing, healthcare, hospitality, and commercial real estate, laundry management has become a growing operational burden. Rising labor costs, equipment maintenance, energy efficiency, and staffing shortages are pushing more organizations to reevaluate whether it makes sense to manage laundry internally.

Outsourcing laundry services might just be the solution that turns an ongoing operational headache into a streamlined, cost-saving advantage.

In-House Laundry Is Costly, Complex, and Time-Consuming

Managing laundry in-house is often far more demanding than businesses anticipate. Property managers and operations teams must deal with:

  • Equipment purchase and maintenance
  • Utility costs (water, gas, electricity)
  • Labor management and training
  • Downtime from repairs or supply chain delays
  • Compliance with health and safety regulations

These challenges add up. According to the American Laundry News 2023 Industry Survey, nearly 60% of laundry managers report that staffing and equipment upkeep are their two largest ongoing pain points.

In the multifamily sector, in-house laundry rooms require consistent upkeep and attention, and without reliable systems or digital payment infrastructure, they can lead to resident complaints, revenue loss, or even safety concerns.

In commercial and healthcare settings, laundry inefficiencies directly impact operations and patient outcomes. A single linen shortage can delay room turnover or affect infection control standards.

The Hidden Costs and Risks of Keeping It In-House

Even when an in-house solution looks good on paper, the reality often tells a different story:

  • Labor Costs: In 2024, the average hourly wage for laundry and dry-cleaning workers in the U.S. reached $16.42, up from $14.22 in 2020 - a 15.5% increase in just four years.
  • Energy Usage: A commercial washer can use up to 30-50 gallons of water per load, and inefficient systems can lead to skyrocketing utility bills.
  • Downtime Risk: When a machine breaks, you're responsible for repair timelines, spare parts, and emergency support, all of which affect your bottom line.
  • Resident Experience: For apartments and dormitories, outdated coin-based machines or unreliable access systems create frustration and reduce retention.

And most importantly: laundry is not your core business. Yet it consumes valuable time and resources that could be redirected to growth or customer experience.

Why Outsourcing Laundry Services Makes Business Sense

Outsourcing your laundry operations to a trusted service partner provides a host of benefits across financial, operational, and strategic dimensions.

1. Cost Savings and Predictable Pricing

Outsourced laundry providers absorb the capital expenses of equipment, maintenance, and staffing. Instead of unpredictable repair bills and labor fluctuations, you get a fixed monthly cost or revenue-share model.

One study found that outsourcing can reduce overall laundry costs by up to 30%, especially when utility, labor, and maintenance expenses are accounted for.

2. Access to the Latest Technology

Top-tier laundry providers invest in high-efficiency machines, digital payment solutions (no more coin jams!), and cloud-based management tools to help you track usage and revenue in real time.

Outsourcing partners like A.L.L. Laundry Service also provide mobile payment options, ADA-compliant machines, and multi-unit integration; features that modern users expect but are costly for property managers to implement themselves.

3. Operational Reliability

No more scrambling when a machine breaks or when your staff calls out. A professional laundry service ensures:

  • Preventative maintenance
  • Fast machine repair or replacement
  • Round-the-clock customer support
  • Routine cleanliness and safety checks

This reduces downtime, keeps residents happy, and improves operational efficiency.

4. Compliance and Cleanliness Standards

In regulated environments like healthcare or senior living, laundry is subject to strict infection prevention protocols. A professional provider understands and complies with industry regulations like OSHA, CDC, and CMS standards, helping you avoid risk and stay audit-ready.

5. Scalability and Customization

As your needs grow, so can your laundry provider. Whether you're opening new apartment buildings, expanding your senior living portfolio, or increasing room capacity in a hotel, an outsourced solution can scale with you without additional investment or staffing stress.

Real-World Impact: A Case Example

One mid-sized property management firm in Ohio partnered with A.L.L. Laundry Service across 8 of its apartment buildings. In the first year, they reported:

  • 42% reduction in laundry-related service calls
  • 22% increase in resident satisfaction scores
  • Zero capital expenses for new equipment upgrades

By outsourcing, they removed a friction point for both their team and their tenants and turned laundry into a seamless amenity instead of a constant issue.

Outsourcing laundry services isn’t just a way to save money, it’s a strategic decision that simplifies operations, boosts user satisfaction, and future-proofs your facilities.

If your team is spending too much time managing laundry (and not enough on your core business), it might be time to explore what a service partner can do for you.

Ready to see what you could save? Try our free Laundry Savings Calculator