How Often Should You Service Your Laundry Equipment?

Even the most durable commercial laundry machines don’t last forever—and yet, many operators fall into the trap of reactive maintenance: waiting until something breaks to take action. But by the time that happens, you’re already facing downtime, frustrated tenants or customers, and costly repairs.

Consider this: A single commercial washer or dryer breakdown can derail an entire day’s operations. And in high-volume environments like multifamily housing, hospitality, healthcare, or laundromats, that delay directly impacts revenue, customer satisfaction, and equipment longevity.

Poorly maintained equipment also operates less efficiently—consuming more water, electricity, and detergent than necessary, while delivering subpar cleaning results. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, preventative maintenance can improve equipment efficiency by up to 20% and extend overall lifespan significantly (Energy.gov).

So how often should you be servicing your laundry equipment to avoid these issues before they arise?

Let’s break it down by service frequency guidelines and best practices across key areas of maintenance:

Daily & Weekly Tasks

• Clean lint traps and filters to prevent dryer fires and boost efficiency.
• Inspect for leaks or visible wear, especially around hoses and connectors.
• Wipe down machines to maintain hygiene and prevent buildup.
• Check for unusual noises or vibrations, a common early sign of internal issues.

Pro Tip: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), failure to clean dryers is the leading cause of laundry room fires (NFPA, 2023).

Monthly Service

• Inspect dryer vents and ducts for lint accumulation and airflow issues.
• Check belts, drum bearings, and seals for signs of wear.
• Test water inlet valves and detergent dispensers for optimal flow and accuracy.
• Review error logs or diagnostics (for smart machines) to preempt potential malfunctions.

Neglecting monthly checks can shorten equipment lifespan by 10–15%, according to industry data from Laundry Expert.

Quarterly to Semi-Annual Maintenance

• Deep-clean washer drums and dryer interiors to eliminate detergent buildup or fabric debris.
• Calibrate machines for water levels, temperature settings, and cycle timing.
• Perform a safety inspection on electrical and gas components, and test grounding.
• Lubricate mechanical parts (as recommended by the manufacturer).

Studies show that regular calibration can reduce water and energy usage by up to 15% while improving cleaning consistency (TRSA, 2023).

Annual Service

• Schedule a professional preventive maintenance inspection to catch unseen mechanical, electrical, or software issues.
• Replace aging hoses, filters, and minor components before they fail.
• Update firmware or software on IoT-enabled machines to ensure compatibility and performance.
• Conduct a performance audit to identify inefficiencies and justify equipment upgrades or layout improvements.

According to Speed Queen Commercial, annual professional servicing can extend equipment life by up to 5 additional years, reducing overall total cost of ownership.

Customize Based on Volume

Your maintenance frequency should scale with usage:

• Low-use facilities (e.g., small apartment buildings): follow manufacturer recommendations, often quarterly to semi-annually.
• High-use facilities (e.g., laundromats, hospitality): consider monthly professional servicing and more frequent in-house inspections.

The Bottom Line

Maintenance isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategy. The more proactively you care for your machines, the less you spend on emergency repairs, the better experience you offer your users, and the longer your equipment will serve your business.

Still not sure if your service schedule is up to par? Our team at A.L.L. Laundry Service can help you develop a customized maintenance plan that fits your facility’s needs and budget—so your equipment runs better, longer.

Sources:

• U.S. Department of Energy – Preventive Maintenance Guidelines
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – Dryer Safety
• Laundry Expert – Commercial Laundry Efficiency Data
• Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) – Calibration Insights
• Speed Queen Commercial – Lifecycle Equipment Maintenance Guide