Equipment Maintenance
Your laundry equipment itself will also require attention. Most of the information that you will need may be found in your equipment manuals that were provided with your machines. Your Distributor will also be happy to provide you with information on equipment upkeep and maintenance.

The main point here is to keep all of your equipment up and running at its peak efficiency in order to keep the customers moving through the store. Prompt repairs, and proper maintenance will keep your store more profitable.

Preventive maintenance and continued proper upkeep will in the long run save time and trouble later down the road. For example, a properly cleaned and maintained dryer will have a much longer, and more profitable service life, than a dryer that is ill maintained, and dries poorly. This will keep your customers happy, as they want to get in, get their clothes done, and then go on about their business. Develop, and adhere to a daily schedule in order to inspect, clean and repair equipment as needed. You will find that most repairs within your store will be easily taken care of if you are just a bit handy.

In order to ensure that your equipment remain in peak operating order, and maintain customer satisfaction, your equipment should be checked on a routine basis to make sure that they are clean, in proper operating order, and free of safety hazards.

The following are separated into safety checks, and maintenance checks, and are not intended to be all inclusive, but rather to point out some of the basic considerations for you to be aware of.

Safety Checks
When operating a coin laundry business, you are promoting and offering your facilities and equipment to the public. In doing so, you have certain responsibilities to maintain these facilities and equipment in a safe and proper working order.

Safety cannot be overemphasized. While you cannot predict what customers and or children will do in or around your equipment. Your ongoing attention to the users safety is of the utmost importance. Prevention of injuries and accidents can mean the difference between the success of your business, or its ultimate failure. One personal injury lawsuit could in reality mean financial disaster for you and your business.

Washer safety checks

• Check all door locks and safety devices on a daily basis.
• Check for leaks.
• Check to make sure machines are properly grounded.
• Check for any sharp edges

Dryer safety checks

• Check for proper door switch operation daily.
• Make sure that the dryer shuts off properly.
• Check for possible gas leaks.
• Check for excessive lint accumulation.
• Check for overheating of unit
• Check for proper grounding of dryer
• Check for any sharp edges

Routine equipment checks

• Check washers for proper draining, keeping in mind that most “no spin” problems are related to poor drainage
• Check washer inlet hoses and screens
• Check the condition of washer and dryer drive belts
• Check the condition of washer and dryer door gaskets
• Check dryer lint screen for tears or holes
• Check dryer vents for lint build up, keeping in mind that most “no heat” problems are vent related

Other Equipment Items of Interest
Keep the outside of the washers and dryers as clean and bright as possible at all times.
Stainless steel washers may be cleaned using many methods, one of which is to wipe the machines down using a small amount of vinegar in a pail of clear clean water. Do not add soap to the water.
Do Not use abrasives to clean the machines, as this will permanently scratch the finish.
You may also wish to polish the finish and make it more stain resistant and attractive using a stainless steel polish.
Over sudsing of the washers may be controlled by adding a small amount of liquid fabric softener to the washer.

Dryer exteriors may be cleaned by wiping the machines down using a small amount of mild soap in a pail of clear clean water.

Insurance Coverage
In order to protect your investment, you should also make sure that you are properly insured. The Coin Laundry Association is one valuable resource for this need.

Fire insurance for example should be considered, and may also include other perils such as wind, hail, explosion and vandalism, for an additional nominal charge.

Workers Compensation insurance is another must have.

Liability insurance to protect you in the event of an accident, and in most cases requires a written report to be submitted immediately following each incident.

Check into Business interruption insurance that could help should something such as a fire should cause the business to close for an extended period of time.

You may wish to make sure that your storefront windows are adequately covered by a policy as well.

Again, consult with a qualified insurance professional who is familiar with your needs as a coin laundry owner when seeking insurance coverage.

Clothing Left at Laundry by Customer
Clothing is often overlooked and left at the laundry by customers. Whenever clothing is left and not claimed by the customer;

Clothing left in the dryer

• If not completely dry, finish drying
• Place garments in bag and label it with the date when the clothing was left

Clothing left in the washer

• Remove from washer and dry the garments
• Place garments in bag and label it with the date when the clothing was left

For items such as the “Odd sock” or what not, consider having a bin or a box in which to place them rather then bagging and tagging the item.

Many times a customer simply forgets these items for a time, and return for them shortly, or even after a few days.
Some times items may be left for extended periods of time, even a month or two.
If a customer returns, and inquires about clothing that they may have left on a certain day, show them the bag, and request identification of the items.

You should keep abandoned articles for at least 90 days in order to allow the owner ample time to retrieve them.
           
Never store damp or hot clothing in a plastic bag. This may mildew, and could cause a fire due to spontaneous combustion.                       

Carts
Laundry carts when not in use should be returned to their proper place.
Laundry carts are not toys, and children should be discouraged from playing with or riding in them

** Information includes materials obtained from the Coin Laundry Association and other sources.