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Here in Australia, we know the drill: summer hits, water becomes precious… and restrictions tighten.

And businesses that rely on water – like commercial and industrial laundries – are in the hot seat. Literally.

But why aim to simply survive the summer when you can take control and thrive? With our top tips, you can keep your laundry running smoothly, even when the mercury soars.

Find smarter machines for water efficiency

First off, let’s talk machines.

With the right equipment, your business can save you a truckload of water, energy and cash. Modern commercial washers are built to handle big loads while being kinder to the environment – and your bottom line.

So, if you want the most sustainable laundry in the biz, make sure your machine has:

• Energy-efficient systems: Your laundry needs to be energy-efficient if you want to keep costs – and your carbon footprint – down. It’s all about minimising your water and energy consumption while maximising the quality of your cycles.
• High-speed extraction: One of our favourite laundry features? High-speed spin cycles. These wring out so much water during the wash that your drying time shrinks faster than a cotton jumper in a hot cycle (trust us, we know). Plus, less time in the dryer means less energy – which is a win all ‘round.
• Shorter, smarter cycles: Modern front-load washing machines have cycles that use less water (only 40 litres on average) and still get the job done. So, whether it’s tea towels or bedding, you’re not wasting resources on an unnecessarily long wash.

Implement daily water-saving practices

It’s not just about the gear you’ve got. It’s how you use it. A few tweaks to your daily operations can save you hundreds of litres of water and keep you in line with those pesky restrictions.

So, what are these water-saving practices? So glad you asked:

• Run full loads: This one’s a no-brainer. Washing partial loads is a fast track to wasting water and cash. Wait until you’ve got a full drum before firing up the washer. And be sure your team is on the same page.
• Pre-treat stains: Got stubborn stains? Instead of chucking them in for an extra wash, tackle them head-on with a bit of pre-treatment. A quick scrub or soak can save you the hassle – and the water – of running a second cycle.
• Use cold water where possible: Unless you’re dealing with heavily soiled hospital linen or similar, cold water is usually your best mate. It’s easier on fabrics, cheaper on energy and better for the environment.
• Consider greywater recycling: If local regulations allow it, think about installing a system to recycle greywater (that’s the used water from your wash). Reusing it for non-potable purposes can cut your water usage in half.

Make maintenance your priority

Commercial laundry machines are like that trusty old ute we all know and love. Treat them right, and they’ll run forever. Neglect them, and they’ll start guzzling water and energy like nobody’s business.

Here’s how to avoid such a fate:

• Check for leaks: Even a small drip can waste litres a day. Inspect hoses, seals and fittings regularly.
• Clean filters: Blocked filters force machines to work harder, chewing through more power. So keep ‘em clean for peak performance.
• Stick to a maintenance schedule: Regular servicing is a must to keep everything running efficiently.

Get your team on the same page

You can have all the fancy machines in the world, but you won’t see the benefits if your team’s washing half-loads or overusing detergent.

So, invest in some training to make sure everyone knows how to get the most out of your machines and follow sustainable practices. They’ll learn how to:

• Choose the right cycles for different loads
• Use eco-friendly detergents – and learn that less is always more!
• Report maintenance issues before they spiral into bigger problems

Work with the water restrictions

Every Australian state has its own set of water restrictions, and staying compliant is non-negotiable. The key is to know the rules and adjust where needed.

Common restrictions that affect commercial laundries include:

• Limits on water usage during certain times of day
• Requirements for using recycled water
• Mandatory reductions in daily water consumption

So check with your local council for the full rundown, and make sure your laundry is ahead of the game.

Need a machine that’ll keep your laundry sustainable this summer? Check out our Maytag Commercial range for the best of the best.