Water and energy represent the biggest overheads that hotels face. So, finding ways to curb consumption and reduce bills in your commercial laundry room could be an effective way to start making inroads towards more cost-effective operational overheads.
Join our laundry room specialists for a detailed guide on how hotels can reduce their water and energy consumption by upgrading the appliances they rely on every day. We’ll look at the technologies that can be real difference-makers in your laundry space, before offering tips for selecting the right equipment to give your operations an efficiency-boosting lift.
Key challenges at a glance
- Modern commercial laundry equipment uses 7-10 litres per kilogram of laundry compared to 10-13 litres in older systems
- Front-loading commercial machines consume 60% less water than top-loading alternatives
- Water reclamation systems can reduce hotel water usage by 30% annually
- Heat recovery technology in commercial dryers cuts energy consumption by up to 50%
- Smart load optimisation prevents waste and maximises efficiency per wash cycle
Table of Contents
Water conservation technologies in commercial laundry
Did you know that modern commercial washing machines are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies actively designed to reduce water consumption?
Recognising that water conservation is a priority for many of our customers, JLA has innovated a range of new features that conserve water cycle after cycle, even in the busiest hotel laundry suites.
Let’s take a closer look at some features that can help you reduce your water consumption.
Water recycling and reclamation systems
Water reclamation systems are designed to recycle grey water in commercial washers, reducing the need for fresh water at different stages of the cleaning cycle. These systems use state-of-the-art technology to treat and reuse water, ensuring that it can be recycled effectively without compromising hygiene, performance or results.
Smart load detection
Some JLA commercial washing machines feature smart load technology, which automatically weighs your load at the start of each cycle, adjusting the required water volume accordingly. Variants of this technology can also detect the material type, again adjusting the water volume to ensure it is optimised for the type of load.
Front-loading vs top-loading commercial washing machines
Notice that all commercial washers featured at JLA are front-loading appliances – that’s no coincidence. Not only are front-loading machines much simpler and safer to operate, but their design actively contributes to water conservation and reduced energy consumption.
The design and setup of front-loading commercial washers is such that the drum is able to spin more efficiently and distribute water more evenly than on the equivalent top-loading appliances. That’s why all commercial and industrial washers designed and manufactured by JLA feature front-loading doors where applicable.
Energy efficiency benefits of modern commercial equipment
Of course, efficient water management is only part of the equation for hoteliers and third-party laundry specialists. How laundries use and conserve energy is also a key priority for many businesses – particularly in the age where energy prices are almost exclusively on the rise.
So, how can JLA commercial washing machines and tumble dryers help you to save energy in your hotel laundry room? Let’s explore some of the technologies and features which are leading the charge against mounting energy prices.
Heat recovery systems
While heat generation is essential for efficient and hygienic laundering, there’s no getting around the fact that higher-temperature washing and drying cycles consume a significant amount of energy. As such, heat recovery systems have become the norm on modern commercial laundry appliances, greatly reducing the need for continual heat delivery during high-heat cycles.
Heat recovery technology takes several different forms depending on the application and the appliance in question. For instance, waste heat recapture is often leveraged as part of high-heat laundry wash cycles, while heat pump technologies are increasingly being used in commercial tumble dryers.
Cold water washing technology
Historically, hotels relied on high-heat wash cycles to ensure maximum hygiene and cross-contamination prevention. But in recent years, several cold-wash innovations have emerged, eliminating the need for high heat to eliminate harmful bacteria and contaminants.
The best example of this is JLA’s OTEX Ozone disinfection system, which eliminates harmful micro-organisms even on a cold wash. Relied on by hospitals, care homes, and healthcare facilities, the OTEX system is ideal for hoteliers seeking maximum hygiene and cleanliness from their laundry operations.
Variable speed motors and smart controls
The emergence of variable speed motors, coupled with smart controls, means that professional launderers now enjoy maximum control and flexibility when selecting laundry programmes and cycles. This makes it much easier to get the results you want while maintaining peak efficiency and performance – essential in hotel laundry rooms which process a wide variety of different materials and linens as part of their day-to-day operations.
Of course, there have been specific advancements to commercial laundry systems that have made all programmes significantly more efficient. For instance, most JLA commercial washers now feature G-force spin speeds, which help to extract significantly more water, contributing to reduced drying times.
Cost savings through optimised commercial laundry operations
Hoteliers big and small prioritise cost savings as part of their operations. So, optimising the commercial laundry process with more efficient appliances is just one way to ensure that your business isn’t missing out on any opportunities to save money and reduce operational overheads.
Here are some of the unique ways that upgrading your hotel’s laundry room could lead to significant cost savings.
Cost-saving opportunity | Explainer |
Water reduction | Water bills are increasing year on year in the UK, so finding ways to reduce your overall water consumption is always a smart move. By investing in new commercial laundry equipment with built-in water-saving technologies, you can shave pounds and pence from your laundry’s total annual water bill. |
Energy reduction | As alluded to throughout this guide, energy reduction is the key to curbing your energy bills and managing monthly overheads. Switching to a modern appliance may seem like a significant outlay, but the long-term energy savings will almost definitely offset your expenditure. |
Detergent savings | Commercial washing machines are designed to optimise detergent use, ensuring peak performance and results from the smallest doses. Add to that the emergence of smart auto-dosing pumps for commercial laundries, and you can make significant savings on your total monthly detergent bill. |
Reduced labour costs | More efficient equipment can contribute to a streamlined laundry room, with fewer staff required to manage daily cycles safely and effectively. This could ultimately help you to save on labour costs while benefitting from happier and more productive laundry personnel. |
Reduced wear on linens | One of the lesser-known advantages of upgrading your commercial laundry equipment is reduced wear on linens, towels, and flatwork. With improved programmes, lower temperatures, and optimal detergent dosing, modern laundry appliances can help extend the life of hotel linens, reducing the need for costly replacements. |
Extended equipment life | Reduced cycle times, less heat-intensive operation, and smoother motor performance all contribute to extending the life of your new commercial laundry equipment. This, in turn, helps to reduce maintenance and servicing costs, too, so you benefit from more predictable and reliable operation over the lifetime of your appliance. |
Choosing water and energy-efficient commercial laundry equipment
So, you’re up to speed on what new commercial laundry equipment can do for your hotel business. Now it’s time to offer some tips and insights that should steer you in the right direction when it comes to investing in new washers, dryers, and other appliances for your commercial laundry.
Equipment specification and capacity planning
One of your core priorities is to ensure that you invest in new commercial laundry equipment that is suitable for your unique capacity requirements. Here’s a quick-reference chart detailing average per-room laundry capacities, so you can plan accordingly.
Hotel type | Laundry per occupied room per day |
Budget hotel | 4-6 kg |
Mid-range hotel | 6-9 kg |
Luxury hotel | 9-14 kg |
Resort or spa | 12-18 kg |
With these figures, it’s possible to calculate your average daily laundry volume by multiplying the per-room laundry weight by the number of rooms in your establishment. For example…
- A budget hotel with 25 rooms has an occupied laundry volume of 100-150 kg per day
- A luxury hotel with 100 rooms has an occupied laundry volume of 900-1,400 kg per day
- A resort or spa with 10 rooms has an occupied laundry volume of 120-180 kg per day
Although only a ballpark estimate, calculating your average daily laundry capacity in this way can help you to determine your required equipment setup. Be sure to account for 10% headroom in case of increased capacity needs, too – otherwise, you could find yourself seeking an upgrade sooner than you’d like.
Technology features for maximum efficiency
If boosting efficiency is one of the main reasons why you’re upgrading your commercial laundry, then it makes sense to prioritise features which actively assist in optimising your day-to-day laundry cycles. We’ve touched on several of these throughout this guide, but key capabilities to look for include:
- Programmable controls and cycle optimisation
- Automatic detergent dosing systems
- Digital monitoring and reporting capabilities
- Integration with hotel management systems
Financing and procurement options
Here in 2026, it’s no longer necessary to purchase commercial laundry equipment outright. Not only can this place significant strain on your short-term budgets, but it could wind up delaying essential upgrades, compounding existing issues and meaning you miss out on efficiency-boosting changes to your hotel laundry room setup.
At JLA, we’ve devised a variety of equipment purchase and leasing options to suit a range of businesses – from boutique B&Bs to high-end hotels with dozens of rooms. Our flagship service is Total Care from JLA, which gets you the equipment you need plus a range of benefits, including:
- No upfront outlay required – simply pay a fixed sum each month
- All-inclusive servicing, maintenance, and repairs
- Free installation of brand-new laundry equipment
- Access to digital tools like myJLA, making it easier to manage your equipment and identify key areas for improvement
FAQs
How much water can hotels save with efficient commercial laundry equipment?
It’s challenging to put an actual figure on the amount of water hotels can save by switching to new commercial laundry equipment. However, industry figures suggest that modern appliances use 20-40% less water than older models, which is a lot when averaged over your full day-to-day operations.
What is the payback period for investing in energy-efficient commercial washers?
Typically, a new washing machine deployed in a hotel laundry room will have paid for itself in 3-5 years depending on your average usage and capacity. This accounts for water and energy savings, coupled with reduced maintenance, servicing, and repair costs.
Do water-efficient commercial laundry systems clean as effectively as traditional equipment?
Yes, absolutely. As mentioned earlier, water-efficient commercial washing machines often feature technologies like OTEX ozone cleaning. This particular feature offers a deep hygienic clean even on cold wash cycles, helping you to save money and reduce your environmental footprint.
How does JLA Total Care support water and energy conservation goals?
Total Care from JLA can support your water and energy conservation goals by ensuring that your equipment is always working at its optimal best. With on-demand help and support included in the price of your plan, you can keep on top of your equipment’s maintenance and servicing, so appliances work at their most efficient for longer.
What maintenance is required for water recycling systems in hotels?
Water recycling systems require significant maintenance and oversight to ensure they’re performing safely and efficiently in hotel laundry suites. This includes a daily, weekly, and monthly servicing schedule, and one that combines leak checking, pipework inspections, and the regular cleaning of traps and filters.
So, there you have it, a complete guide on how hotels can reduce water and energy consumption by upgrading their commercial laundry equipment. If you’re a hotelier or a laundry room manager, contact the commercial laundry experts at JLA today for more information on upgrading your equipment. Simply call 0808 239 7578 to get started.
George Barclay
Laundry expert
Since joining JLA as an apprentice engineer in 2011, George has built extensive hands-on experience across plumbing, electrical and mechanical engineering, and now oversees laundry design and project delivery as our Head of Installations.
George’s career progression has given him detailed knowledge of commercial laundry operations, from on-site practicalities to meeting compliance standards. He is Gas Safe and COMCAT 1, 2, 3 and 5-qualified , and holds IOSH Managing Safety and 18th Edition accreditation.
From new laundry rooms to existing site upgrades, George’s expertise ensures that every project is completed safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption, so that operations can perform reliably from day one.
