Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), covering servicing, breakdown cover, replacement parts, energy, water and detergent use, is a better measure of laundry equipment value than purchase price alone.
Commercial-grade machines with reinforced parts, strong warranties and proven reliability reduce downtime in high-demand laundry operations.
Energy-efficient technology (electric tumble dryers vs gas, ozone disinfection systems, auto-dosing) combined with simple habits like washing at lower temperatures and cleaning lint screens can cut both costs and environmental impact.
Certifications such as WRAS Category 5 approval help ensure water safety and compliance, which is especially important in care settings.
Meet the experts: Jo Leech and JLA on smart laundry investment
For busy organisations, whether in healthcare, hotels, or education, the laundry room works behind the scenes but plays a crucial role. Every load needs to be turned around quickly, hygienically, and cost-effectively.
To understand how smart equipment choices can deliver long-term savings and efficiency, Jo Leech, our commercial equipment expert, spoke with Joshua Finch, Business Development Director at JLA, market-leading specialists in commercial laundry equipment.
Here are Joshua’s top tips for making laundry investments that stand the test of time.
1. Think long-term: total cost of ownership
The cheapest machine at purchase isn’t always the cheapest in the long run. Consider Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which includes servicing, breakdown cover, and the cost of replacement parts, as well as energy, water, and detergent use over time.
Josh says, “Choosing equipment with comprehensive service agreements, preventative maintenance, and remote monitoring can significantly reduce unexpected costs and downtime.”
2. Prioritise durability and reliability
In high-demand environments, reliability is everything. Commercial-grade machines with robust build quality and proven track records will deliver consistent results under pressure.
Look for:
Reinforced parts designed for heavy, frequent use
Safety features that protect both staff and laundry items
Strong warranties and service support to back up the investment
3. Cut energy use to save money
In high-volume laundry operations, wasted energy and water don’t just impact the planet - they hit the bottom line. By selecting efficient equipment and adopting smarter processes, organisations can lower running costs while meeting sustainability goals.
“Efficient laundry technology can make a measurable difference,” says Joshua. “For example, our SMART electric tumble dryers cut carbon emissions compared to gas models, our OTEX ozone disinfection system works at cool temperatures to help save water and energy, and auto-dosing systems help reduce both detergent waste and costs.”
Practical energy-saving habits make a difference too:
Wash at lower temperatures where possible, using detergents and cycles designed for cold water
Clean dryer lint screens before every load and maintain ducts for faster, more efficient drying
Use auto-dosing systems to eliminate detergent waste
4. Stay safe and compliant
Safe laundry isn’t just about clean items, it’s about protecting people. Machines with certifications like WRAS Category 5 approval ensure water safety, which is especially important in care settings.
In any sector, choosing equipment that meets hygiene and safety standards helps protect both your organisation and the people you serve.
Talk to Avendra International about commercial laundry equipment
For guidance on laundry or other commercial equipment, get in touch with our expert, Jo Leech. She works closely with trusted providers like JLA to offer tailored advice, reliable equipment, and full maintenance support, ensuring your operation runs safely, efficiently, and with confidence.
What is Total Cost of Ownership and why does it matter when buying laundry equipment?
Total Cost of Ownership includes not just the purchase price but ongoing costs such as servicing, breakdown cover, replacement parts, energy, water and detergent use over the equipment's lifetime. Choosing equipment based on TCO, rather than the cheapest upfront price, can reduce unexpected costs and downtime.
What features should I look for in commercial laundry machines?
Commercial laundry machines should have reinforced parts designed for heavy, frequent use, safety features that protect staff and laundry items, and strong warranties with reliable service support, since durability and reliability are critical in high-demand environments.
How can commercial laundries reduce energy and water use?
Commercial laundries can reduce energy and water use by choosing efficient equipment, such as electric tumble dryers (which cut carbon emissions compared to gas models) and ozone disinfection systems that work at cooler temperatures, alongside habits like washing at lower temperatures, cleaning lint screens before every load, and using auto-dosing systems to reduce detergent waste.
What certifications matter for laundry equipment in care settings?
Certifications such as WRAS Category 5 approval help ensure water safety, which is particularly important in care settings, and choosing equipment that meets recognised hygiene and safety standards helps protect both an organisation and the people it serves.
