Running a salon or spa involves more than offering great treatments; it also means keeping fresh towels, robes, and linens ready for every client. Laundry can easily become one of the biggest daily tasks, with piles building up faster than expected.
That’s why having an efficient laundry room management system is essential. It helps save time, reduce energy costs, and ensure that every item your clients touch feels clean and professional.
Optimizing laundry isn’t only about washing faster. It’s about protecting fabrics from early wear, lowering utility bills, and maintaining consistent hygiene across all operations. This guide breaks down practical, easy-to-follow steps that work for both small boutique spas and large, busy salons.
Choose the Right Equipment for Your Laundry Needs
Before changing how you run your laundry cycles, it’s worth taking a closer look at the machines themselves. The right equipment determines how efficiently you can clean, dry, and prepare items for reuse, without wasting energy or water.
Use commercial-grade machines
Commercial washers are built for frequent use, handling heavy loads of towels and linens without strain. Unlike home models, these machines can run several cycles a day while maintaining consistent cleaning performance.
They also offer stronger spin speeds that help remove more water before drying, reducing turnaround time. Investing in commercial laundry equipment ensures your business stays reliable during even the busiest days.
Consider space-saving setups
Many salons and spas operate in compact areas, so space efficiency matters just as much as cleaning power. Stackable washers and dryers are ideal for maximizing tight laundry rooms without sacrificing performance.
They let you double your load capacity while keeping the workflow smooth, all within the same footprint. A vertical setup also improves movement in backrooms, allowing staff to sort, wash, and fold more comfortably.
Look for high-speed washers
High-speed or high-G-force washers extract more water during the spin cycle, which means towels and sheets dry much faster. This reduces both drying time and energy use, resulting in long-term savings on electricity costs. These machines are especially helpful when handling frequent cycles throughout the day. By cutting drying time, they keep laundry moving efficiently without bottlenecks.
Opt for energy-efficient dryers
Modern dryers with moisture sensors or heat pump systems automatically stop once fabrics are fully dry. This prevents over-drying, which can cause shrinkage or rough textures in towels. It also saves energy by avoiding unnecessary cycles. A reliable commercial dryer helps maintain soft, comfortable fabrics while lowering overall operating costs.
Invest in programmable machines
Programmable washers and dryers allow you to adjust settings for different fabric types, from delicate robes to thick bath sheets. This ensures every load gets the care it needs without wasting water or detergent. The ability to set precise wash times, spin speeds, and temperatures also simplifies staff training. Over time, programmable machines help standardize laundry quality, keeping everything consistently fresh for clients.
Implement Smart Laundry Practices
Even with the best machines, daily habits make the most significant difference in how efficiently your salon or spa runs its laundry. These minor adjustments help protect fabrics, save energy, and maintain consistent operations every day.
Whether you manage laundry in-house through an on-premises laundry setup or partner with a provider, smart habits will continually improve your results.
- Sort properly: Sorting towels, robes, and linens by fabric type and weight prevents uneven drying and wear. Heavier items, like large towels, take longer to dry, while lighter items, like sheets, can overheat or shrink if mixed in the same load. Keeping similar items together also ensures the detergent is distributed evenly, resulting in better cleaning. This step reduces stress on your machines and keeps your fabrics looking new longer.
- Pre-treat stains early: The sooner you tackle stains from oils, hair dyes, or skincare products, the easier they are to remove. Applying stain remover before washing helps prevent discoloration or long-term fabric damage. Waiting too long often means you’ll need more potent chemicals or multiple washes. Quick pre-treatment saves both time and resources while preserving your materials’ softness.
- Use cold water when possible: Cold-water washing can effectively clean most spa and salon laundry when paired with a good-quality detergent. It uses less energy than warm or hot cycles, lowering utility costs without compromising cleanliness. Cold water also prevents color fading in robes and towels. Over time, this simple habit extends the life of your fabric and makes your laundry process more eco-friendly.
- Load machines efficiently: Avoid both underloading and overloading to make every wash cycle count. Overfilling prevents fabrics from moving freely, while running too few items wastes water and detergent. Filling the drum about three-quarters full is usually ideal for balanced washing. This practice ensures better cleaning and helps each item dry more evenly.
- Optimize drying: Clean lint traps after every use to keep dryers working safely and efficiently. Lint buildup reduces airflow, which increases drying time and energy use. Avoid overstuffing the dryer so hot air can circulate properly through the fabrics. Consistent lint trap maintenance also helps prevent fire hazards and improves drying performance.
Maintain Equipment to Extend Performance
Well-maintained machines last longer, perform better, and require fewer repairs. Staying proactive with upkeep ensures your laundry setup runs smoothly without unnecessary interruptions.
- Schedule regular maintenance: Routine inspections prevent minor issues from turning into costly breakdowns. Hire a technician at least twice a year to check for leaks, worn parts, or strange noises that could signal trouble. This preventive approach helps you avoid mid-day disruptions when machines suddenly stop working. It also keeps performance steady, which means more consistent wash results for every load.
- Clean machines inside and out: Detergent residue, fabric lint, and mineral deposits can accumulate inside drums and filters. Wipe down drum interiors weekly and clear out filters after every few loads to keep machines running efficiently. Clean washers and dryers use less energy and water since they don’t have to work as hard. Over time, this habit improves hygiene and preserves the lifespan of your machines.
- Inspect hoses and vents: Hoses that supply or drain water can crack or loosen over time, while dryer vents can trap lint, reducing airflow. Check both at least once a month to catch early signs of damage or blockages. Keeping these components clear prevents leaks, overheating, and reduced drying efficiency. Regular inspection adds an extra layer of safety for your equipment and workplace.
- Monitor machine performance: Pay attention to longer wash times, uneven drying, or excessive vibration during operation. These signs often indicate that a part needs repair or cleaning. Addressing these minor issues early keeps laundry cycles running smoothly and avoids unnecessary downtime. It also ensures that your commercial laundry equipment continues performing at full efficiency.
- Train your team consistently: Employees should know how to load machines properly, select the correct settings, and clean filters after use. Provide short refresher training sessions every few months to reinforce best practices. When staff know how to handle the equipment responsibly, you minimize costly mistakes and extend the life of every component. This also helps reduce waste from overuse of detergent and other laundry supplies.
Consider Outsourcing for High Volume or Limited Space
Sometimes, even the most efficient in-house setup can’t keep up with business growth. Outsourcing laundry can be a practical solution for salons and spas with high workloads, limited space, or small teams that need to stay focused on client service.
- Know when to outsource: If laundry piles up faster than your staff can manage, outsourcing can free up time and reduce stress. It allows employees to focus on delivering better customer experiences rather than managing backroom operations. Outsourcing also helps smaller locations that lack space for multiple machines. This option can increase productivity while maintaining consistent cleanliness standards.
- Calculate cost versus benefit: Outsourcing may seem like an extra expense, but it can save money in the long term by lowering maintenance, energy, and water costs. You’ll also avoid the upfront investment of buying or replacing machines. Compare these savings to your current in-house laundry expenses before making a decision. For many growing salons, the numbers favor outsourcing once volume increases.
- Evaluate potential providers: Look for companies that specialize in hospitality or wellness industry laundry services. These providers understand the specific care requirements of robes, towels, and linens used in spas and salons. Ask about turnaround times, delivery reliability, and pricing options. A dependable partner keeps your laundry process seamless and stress-free.
- Review quality control and sustainability: The best providers combine strong cleaning standards with environmentally responsible practices. Ask whether they use energy-efficient machines, water recycling systems, or biodegradable detergents. Many modern laundromats have adopted green technology that aligns with your business’s eco-conscious image. Partnering with a provider that shares your values strengthens your reputation with clients.
- Maintain open communication: Building a good relationship with your laundry service ensures expectations are always met. Set clear agreements on pickup schedules, emergency needs, and service adjustments during peak seasons. Regular check-ins help prevent misunderstandings and keep both sides accountable. Over time, consistent communication leads to smoother operations and greater peace of mind.
Read Also: How to Train Staff for Effective Laundry Room Operations
Improve Laundry Efficiency in Your Salon or Spa
If managing laundry feels like it’s slowing your business down, it might be time to upgrade your setup or streamline your processes. Ace Laundry helps salons and spas achieve cleaner results, smoother operations, and lower long-term costs with reliable solutions built around your needs.
Whether you’re setting up in-house machines or exploring outsourcing options, our team can guide you in choosing the best equipment, layout, and service plan for your workflow. We’ll help you create a system that saves time, reduces stress, and keeps your towels, robes, and linens perfectly fresh for every client.
Reach out to us today to discuss how Ace Laundry can help your salon or spa operate more efficiently, so you can focus on what you do best: creating relaxing experiences for your customers.
