Preventative maintenance is the key to maintaining high use capital equipment, minimising the need for costly repairs and downtime and ensuring peak performance with every cycle. In this article we explore the WHY, WHEN and WHAT of correctly maintaining your commercial & industrial laundry equipment.
WHY
Industrial laundry equipment is designed to last 30,000 cycles, serving many businesses for 10 to 20 years or longer; however, this is only possible with correct operation and regular maintenance.
Washer filters will block up over time and require cleaning. In areas of hard water, limescale will build up and insulate elements, extending heat / cycle times. Components can come loose and create leaks, which can cause major damage if left unchecked.
Lint builds up in the the dryer and needs to be removed regularly as lint is highly flammable. All Line 6 dryers are equipped with RMC (residual moisture controls); however, chemical residue builds up on the drum over time and impacts the functionality of this system.
WHEN
Preventative maintenance is recommended every 1500 cycles or once per year – whichever comes first. A facility running 8 cycles per day or 3,000 cycles per annum, for example, should schedule maintenance appointments every 6 months.
Electrolux Industrial washers and dryers have built-in maintenance alarms that will prompt operators when it’s time for maintenance.
As part of our commitment to maintaining our customers’ equipment and ensuring peak performance, Richard Jay offers customized Preventative Maintenance Agreements. As per occupational health and safety requirements, it’s recommended that all facilities have programmed maintenance. This keeps your facility safe and helps to ensure insurance claims aren’t rejected due to lack of maintenance.
WHAT
Even highly durable machines need care and proper maintenance to prevent excessive build up. The good news is that there are several things owners can do to keep equipment in great condition.
Washers
- Keep the exterior clean. This can be done using a damp microfiber cloth.
- If you have a drain pump washer, remove the drain pump filter and clean.
- Clean the washer’s door seal.
- Run a machine clean cycle every 50 cycles with vinegar. This helps to remove limescale and other build up.
Dryers
- Keep the exterior clean. This can be done using a damp microfiber cloth.
- Detergent residuals will build up in the drum over time, so it’s important to clean the drum and lifters with a cloth and citric acid.
- Check that the lint filter is clean and unbroken.
The work our technicians complete includes thorough internal component inspections, calibration, cleaning and assessment. Our technicians keep most serviceable parts on their vehicles, so minor repairs can be completed during the service. Upon completion, you will also receive a detailed list of the items checked and a post-service report on equipment condition and any recommended repairs.
If you’re looking for a smarter, more efficient solution, don’t let mediocre machinery performance hold you back – choose Richard Jay’s team of laundry machinery experts and get a plan customised for your business.
