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Month: November 2023

George Barclay

Commercial washing machines and tumble dryers have evolved significantly over the years, with lots of technological improvements aimed at increasing speed, boosting energy efficiency, improving operator usability, and saving water.

Inside commercial washing machine

But of all the innovations that have transformed how professional laundries operate, which technologies have had the biggest impact, changing how we wash and dry garments in commercial settings forever?

To find out, we’re taking a look at some of the most influential advancements in commercial laundry technology – from electronic display programs to automatic dosing systems.

Electronic display programs and settings

Gone are the days when professional washing machines were covered in hard-to-decipher dials and rows of poorly labelled buttons. Now, electronic touch-screen display modules allow operators to start and stop cycles in a couple of taps, all while adjusting key settings like spin speed, temperature and delay-start timers.

The arrival of touch-screen technology in commercial laundry equipment has had a multi-fold benefit, allowing for faster operation, reduced staff training requirements, and a smaller risk of operator error. Plus, they also make it much easier to adjust cycle times and other settings on the fly, which can, in turn, help to save water and energy.

Ergonomics

Compare a commercial washer of yesteryear to its modern-day counterpart, and we think you’ll be surprised just how far things have come. Modern machines are built with operators in mind, displaying a range of ergonomic advancements that make them easier to manage and live with day to day. This includes features like:

  • Easy-to-open handles, doors, compartments and locks
  • Larger doors to speed up the loading and unloading process
  • The overall size of the machine and where its key settings are located

Not convinced that modern commercial laundry equipment is superior to older technology? Check out the JLA SMART Commercial Washing Machines range and we think you’ll be convinced otherwise.

Water-saving features

Thanks to new controls and sensors, we can cut water usage down to extremely low levels. This is a key factor in improving operating costs and reducing the environmental impact of professional washing machines.

Dosing and chemical usage

Dosing a commercial washing machine correctly with the appropriate detergents and chemicals used to be a time-consuming process. Now, however, thanks to the latest in auto-dosing technology, operators can dose an appliance quickly and efficiently without worrying about quantities and wattage.

Connected assets

Remote monitoring like JLA Connect lets us keep an eye on your compatible washers and          professional tumble dryers – spotting issues early and sorting things quickly. With the accurate data we’re collecting, we know when to send an engineer and can arm them with parts and diagnostics before they arrive on site.

Connected assets like these can bring a wealth of benefits to the table, including:

  • Minimise downtime with our expert monitoring and proactive care
  • Improve laundry performance and machine efficiency through real-time usage data and energy bill estimates
  • Reduce your environmental impact by monitoring estimated CO2 emissions and seeing the best time to use your appliances

So, there you have it, a whistle-stop tour of some of the most impactful advancements in commercial laundry technology. Ready to update your professional laundry facility? Browse our complete range of  commercial laundry equipment or call our experts on 0808 239 1362.

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George Barclay

Ironing is an integral part of the commercial laundry process for many professional organisations, particularly hotels, care homes and other facilities with a high volume of flatwork linens and other fabrics.

But since it can be a time and resource-intensive task, it’s important to make sure you’re maximising the efficiency and quality of your commercial ironing efforts.

Commercial ironing

To help you optimise ironing processes in a commercial laundry, this guide will offer some essential tips, guidance and considerations. We’ve even taken the time to troubleshoot some common garment-pressing problems, so you can iron out the kinks and make sure all areas of your commercial laundry are working as efficiently as possible.

Key considerations for your commercial ironing station

Whether you’ve recently acquired new linens or have increased the volume of your laundry output; tweaking your approach to industrial-scale ironing may be necessary from time to time. Here, we look at some of the factors that can impact the efficiency, output and performance of your ironing process.

Pressure

The amount of pressure applied to different fabrics can have a significant impact on the quality and finish of your ironing. Too much pressure and the fibres in the fabric may stretch, resulting in short-term, irreversible damage or premature wear in the long term. Too little pressure and your staff may struggle to remove creases to a satisfactory standard, meaning wasted time when flatworks have to be pressed for a second time.

To guarantee professional results while optimising efficiency, it’s worth adjusting the ironing pressure by the material being pressed. JLA commercial irons allow for simple pressure adjustment, guaranteeing a thumbs-up finish without the hassle.

Temperature

This may sound like an obvious point, but adjusting the ironing temperature for different fabrics is essential to avoid permanent damage and unnecessary wear and tear. It’s all too easy to stick to one temperature when you’re working against the clock, but taking the time to raise or lower the temperature is crucial to achieve quality results.

As a guideline, here are the recommended temperatures for ironing different fabrics in a commercial laundry…

Material

Recommended ironing temperature

Acrylic

135°C

Cotton

200°C

Linen

230°C

Lycra

135°C

Nylon

135°C

Polyester              

148°C

Wool

148°C

Operating speed

Provided temperature and pressure are appropriate for the fabric in question, a faster operating speed can certainly aid efficiency and time management. Investing in a high-capacity professional iron can ramp up output to a notable degree.

Evaporation and water extraction

Many commercial ironing machines are designed to dry and iron garments simultaneously, but you need to be mindful of energy consumption when using these enthalpic appliances. An efficient professional iron should offer the perfect combination of efficiency and performance while aligning with your requirements.

Garment washing quality

Efficient ironing relies on garments being laundered to a high standard. Without a robust commercial washing machines and an effective laundry process, you might find that the appearance of residue, stains and marks is hampering your ironing operation.

Appropriate commercial ironing equipment

Does your commercial ironing setup deliver for the needs of your business? If not, you could be missing out on opportunities to save time, money and resources. Read our expert commercial ironing buying guide for more help and advice.

Troubleshooting common commercial ironing problems

If it sometimes feels like you’re dealing with the same ironing problems day in, day out, there could be a solution. Here, we’re taking a look at common ironing hiccoughs that can impact the efficiency and output of your commercial laundry.

Problem
Yellow-stained garments attributed to alkaline residue in the iron.

Solution
Increase the temperature of your iron to minimise residue. Also, check the laundry process and detergent to rule this out as a contributing factor. Organic solvents or a reducing agent can be used to remove yellow stains.

Problem
Creased garments even after passing through the commercial ironer.

Solution
This could be due to detergent residue, so we suggest checking the programmes, pH levels and detergent dosing. If the problem persists, check the belts of the machines or assess the likelihood of operator error.

Problem
Garments are damp.

Solution
Iron temperature is unsuitable or ironing time is too fast, so adjust accordingly. Alternatively, the garments are too damp or have too much residue from the wash cycle, so you may need to review processes at an earlier stage of the laundry chain.

 

Commercial ironing is by no means difficult, but it does require the right tools and processes to optimise efficiency and output. Looking for more from JLA? Get more commercial laundry advice on our blog or contact us today.

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Professional tumble dryers require weekly cleaning and maintenance to prevent problems and ensure they continue working at their best. But what does this routine commercial dryer servicing and upkeep look like in practice?

Here, we’re offering a need-to-know guide on cleaning and maintaining a commercial tumble dryer, so you can enjoy optimal performance and efficiency from your machine.

Servicing commercial tumble dryer

First things first – regular duct cleaning

Commercial dryer vent cleaning, including the ducts, is not only critical for ensuring efficient long-term operation but also for maintaining the overall safety of the appliance. That’s why it’s recommended that you conduct commercial dryer duct cleaning at least every 6-12 months, depending on how intensively the appliance is used.

Indeed, cleaning the ducts of your commercial tumble dryer isn’t optional. You’ll need to do it periodically to meet risk assessment standards, not to mention satisfy the safety requirements stipulated by your insurer (some companies may even ask to see proof of duct cleaning from policyholders).

Cleaning the ductwork and vents of your commercial tumble dryer setup typically involves four key processes, including:

  • Visual inspection of the dryer ductwork
  • Removal of lint and other debris from the ductwork
  • Cleaning of ductwork and filters
  • Report of work carried out on dryer ducts

Remember: ductwork cleaning isn’t just a tick-box exercise to satisfy insurers and H&S officials. It can also drastically improve the expected lifespan of your commercial dryer. Without regular cleaning, clogged vents and ducts can lead to a burnout of the heating element, not to mention longer drying times which impact efficiency and output.

Need help with commercial dryer duct cleaning? Our experts are a phone call away.

Gas safety checks

Does your commercial or industrial tumble dryer run on gas? Then you’ll need to have a gas safety check carried out every 12 months to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It’s worth noting, too, that you can’t perform these checks yourself or employ a non-licensed engineer to do it on your behalf; you book a safety check with an accredited provider that’s licensed to grant certificates in accordance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1998.

Did you know that all JLA engineers are permitted to carry out annual gas safety checks? That’s because we’re registered as a Gas Safe business. Learn more about our gas safety services here.

Regular servicing from a professional

As evidenced in our guide to the key components of a commercial tumble dryer, these appliances are complex machines with a range of moving parts that can develop issues and faults. As such, it’s important to leave the servicing and repairs of your dryer to professionals who are familiar with the inner workings of these types of commercial laundry appliances.

Clean the filters and the overall machine

One job you can perform on your tumble dryer yourself, however, is the day-to-day cleaning of the machine. The filters, cabinet and internal drum of your tumble dryer should be clean at least weekly to maximise performance and efficiency. This can also help to prevent problems like blockages in the longer term.

Reduce operator errors by improving training

One of the best ways to maintain your tumble dryer in peak condition is to prevent problems and faults from happening in the first place. And this often starts with ensuring that staff are trained in the correct operation, cleaning and day-to-day maintenance of professional laundry appliances.

By investing in staff training now, you could save yourself a lot of time, money and hassle in the future. It’s critical that your teams understand the importance of using the correct temperature, time and settings to keep your dryer working as efficiently as possible

Timely repairs and maintenance

As with commercial washing machines, any faults or errors with your commercial tumble dryer should be promptly reported and repaired, preferably by an accredited engineer. With JLA Total Care, you can enjoy an all-inclusive equipment and support package which guarantees an engineer response within eight working hours – perfect for getting your dryer up and running again in as little time as possible.

So there you have it, an essential guide to cleaning an industrial tumble dryer, along with some of the key maintenance considerations you should be aware of. Get in touch with us for more information on commercial tumble dryers and commercial laundry equipment.

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Hospital laundry facilities require careful management to maintain peak hygiene standards without forgoing speed, efficiency and operational ease of use. Of course, a lot of this falls to having the right commercial laundry equipment – including a series of hard-working tumble dryers.

Industrial laundry in a hospital

Tumble-drying garments and flatworks in a hospital setting is a unique proposition. Not only do fabrics need to be dried quickly to keep on top of high-volume load demands, but there are safety, hygiene and anti-infection protocols to consider too.

As such, this guide will offer some tips and advice on using industrial tumble dryers in a hospital, including general requirements and things to consider.

The importance of efficient drying processes

The hospital laundering cycle needs to run like clockwork, from the collection of dirty linens to the redistribution of clean, dry items back to their rightful wards. Tumble drying is just one part of this wider process chain, so it’s important that this area isn’t the weak link.

As soon as clean items come out of the commercial barrier washing machine, they should be fed into the tumble dryer without delay. Not only will this limit the chance of contamination, but it will also prevent any chance of mould spores – essential in a hospital environment where bacteria control is so critical.

‘Dirty’ and ‘clean’ zones to prevent contamination

Cross-contamination is one of the biggest risks associated with hospital laundry facilities. If infected and contaminated linens are allowed to come in contact with clean items, this can have huge and far-reaching repercussions, so it’s essential that staff are aware of these risks and given the appropriate training to avoid such instances.

Often, people assume that having ‘dirty’ and ‘clean’ laundry zones only applies pre and post-wash, but this isn’t the case. It’s essential that tumble dryers are placed well within the ‘clean’ zone too so that dry linens can’t make contact with dirty linens that are still being processed.

The need for reliable, high-capacity dryers

Even in a small-to-medium-sized hospital, the level of laundering required can be startling. Remember, items include flatworks like sheets and bedding; patient clothing and personal items; towels, cloths and other cleaning sundries; and staff uniforms, scrubs and other items that require safely washing on a regular basis.

As such, it’s critical that hospital laundries are equipped with industrial-grade laundry appliances that are built for continuous, round-the-clock use. This includes JLA commercial tumble dryers, which are constructed from hard-wearing, quality materials to ensure they continue to deliver outstanding performance cycle after cycle.

The avoidance of downtime

The truth of the matter is, hospital laundries can scarcely afford a moment’s downtime, so it’s important that any faults with your commercial dryers are dealt with as quickly as possible.

With JLA Total Care, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that our team of engineers will be with you within eight hours when you experience a problem with your industrial tumble dryer. We’ll work to get your appliance up and running again with minimal downtime, so your high-volume laundry needn’t suffer any delays or setbacks.

Contact us to learn more about commercial laundry appliances for NHS and other healthcare organisations. Alternatively, take a look at our full range of commercial tumble dryers or call our team on 0808 239 6805 for more help and advice.

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George Barclay

George Barclay

Laundry Expert

Head of Installations George joined JLA as an apprentice service engineer in 2011. With years of experience in plumbing, engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, he oversees the delivery of safe, compliant installations.

George is Gas qualified for both laundry and COMCAT 1, 2, 3, 5, and holds IOSH Managing Safety and 17th edition accreditation.

Read George's full profile

Joshua Finch

FM, Government and NHS expert
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For the past 5 years, Joshua has been leading JLA’s FM, Government and NHS division, overseeing our largest government contracts.

Passionate about delivering innovative solutions, he has prioritised compliance, reducing downtime, and providing innovative solutions.

With a wealth of experience in tailoring solutions to specific needs, Joshua is committed to delivering operational excellence through a collaborative and consultative approach.

Read Joshua's full profile

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