The Real Cost of Doing Laundry In-House — And Why Smart Businesses Are Outsourcing

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Taryn
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Introduction

Maximizing your laundry efficiency can save you time and money. With a few simple strategies, you can streamline your laundry routine and reduce the hassle that often comes with it.

1. **Sort Smartly**: Begin by sorting your laundry into categories such as colors, whites, and delicates. This not only prevents color bleeding but also allows you to wash similar fabrics together, optimizing wash cycles.

2. **Use the Right Settings**: Familiarize yourself with your washing machine's settings. Using the appropriate cycle for each load can enhance cleaning performance and prolong the life of your clothes.

3. **Optimize Load Size**: Avoid overloading your washer. A full load is efficient, but cramming too many items can lead to inadequate cleaning and increased wear on fabrics.

4. **Invest in Quality Detergent**: Choose a high-quality detergent that suits your laundry needs. Concentrated formulas can be more effective, requiring less product per load.

"Laundry is not just a chore; it's a chance to refresh your wardrobe and maintain your favorite pieces. Efficient laundry practices lead to longer-lasting clothes and a more organized home."

5. **Drying Techniques**: Consider air-drying delicate items to extend their lifespan. For regular loads, use dryer balls to improve airflow and reduce drying time.

Conclusion

By implementing these tips, you can transform your laundry experience. A well-organized approach not only saves time but also enhances the quality of your garments. Start today and enjoy the benefits of a more efficient laundry routine.

1. Why Laundry Efficiency Matters for Business

Clean linens and uniforms aren’t just about appearance—they’re about trust, hygiene, and brand reputation. Whether you run a restaurant, gym, salon, or office, your textiles directly affect customer experience.

Yet many businesses still manage laundry in-house, using outdated machines or shared spaces that waste time, energy, and money.

At Washerman’s Laundromat, we’ve analyzed hundreds of commercial accounts across Union, Essex, and Bergen Counties—and the numbers tell a clear story: outsourcing isn’t a luxury; it’s a smart operational move.

2. The Hidden Costs of Doing Laundry In-House

When you add up all the real-world factors, in-house laundry can easily cost more than you think.

The Real Cost of Doing Laundry In-House — Monthly Breakdown
Expense Average Monthly Cost Hidden Impact
Water & Energy $100–$300 Utility bills rise with every load; spikes during peak seasons.
Detergent & Supplies $60–$100 Overuse, storage space, and product waste add up.
Labor $300–$600 3–5 staff hours/week lost to sorting, folding, and re-washing.
Machine Maintenance $50–$150 Repairs, downtime, and early replacement of home-grade units.
Space Costs Variable Laundry area occupies rentable/operational space that could generate revenue.
Total (Typical Range) $500–$1,000+ Excludes depreciation & downtime

That’s $500–$1,000+ per month, before considering equipment depreciation and productivity loss.

When we surveyed small businesses in Union County, most estimated their laundry cost at half of that—until we helped them calculate the true total.

3. Time: The Most Overlooked Cost

Every hour an employee spends managing laundry is an hour not spent serving customers or improving your business.
Outsourcing turns that downtime into uptime—and predictable pricing replaces unpredictable maintenance.

One Elizabeth café owner told us:

“I thought doing it myself was cheaper. Once we switched, I realized how much staff time we were losing every week.”

4. How Outsourced Laundry Streamlines Operations

Partnering with a professional laundry provider doesn’t just cut costs—it simplifies logistics and guarantees consistency.

At Washerman’s, every commercial order includes:
✅ Pickup and delivery on your schedule
✅ Sorting, washing, drying, and folding by fabric type
✅ Fabric-safe, eco-friendly detergents
✅ 24–48 hour turnaround
✅ Transparent, per-pound or per-item pricing

We serve dozens of local businesses—from daycare centers and barbershops to fitness studios and restaurants—who trust us for consistent quality without the overhead.

5. Quality That Extends Textile Life

Our commercial washers and dryers are designed for precision and care.

  • Consistent temperature control protects fibers and reduces shrinkage.
  • Proper detergent dosing prevents residue buildup.
  • Balanced loads avoid over-stretching and fabric stress.

Over time, these small details save clients hundreds by extending the lifespan of their linens and uniforms.

6. Sustainability Built-In

At Washerman’s, efficiency isn’t just about cost—it’s about impact.
We use high-efficiency machines, low-temp detergents, and smart water systems that use up to 40% less water and electricity than standard in-house washers.

By outsourcing to Washerman’s, your business automatically reduces its environmental footprint without changing your workflow.

7. When Outsourcing Makes the Most Sense

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to consider outsourcing:

  • Laundry is taking staff away from higher-value tasks
  • Machines frequently need maintenance or repairs
  • Utility bills are rising
  • Space is limited or better used for revenue activities
  • You need professional-level sanitation or volume handling

For many of our clients, switching to a professional partner was a turning point for both efficiency and peace of mind.

8. The Washerman’s Process: Simple and Seamless

  1. Schedule Pickup: Online or by phone—no contracts required.
  2. We Handle the Wash: Sorted, washed, dried, and folded with precision.
  3. Delivery: Within 24–48 hours, fresh and ready to use.
  4. Ongoing Service: Set up weekly or biweekly pickups tailored to your workflow.

Each business has a dedicated service representative and consistent driver—because reliability matters.

9. Real Savings Example

Let’s say you’re a small restaurant doing 150 lbs. of laundry per week:

  • In-house total cost (utilities, labor, supplies): ≈ $600/month
  • Washerman’s service (pickup, wash, fold, delivery): ≈ $420/month
    That’s $2,000+ in annual savings—plus hours of reclaimed staff time and zero equipment maintenance.

10. The Bottom Line

In-house laundry might look convenient, but it’s often one of the quietest profit drains in a business.

When you partner with Washerman’s, you gain:

  • Predictable costs
  • Professional quality
  • Time back to focus on what matters most—your customers.

💙 Clean clothes. Clear savings. Consistent results.
That’s the Washerman’s way.

Call to Action

📦 Ready to see what professional laundry can do for your business?
Visit washermans.com or call 844-HEY-COBY for a quick, no-obligation cost comparison.