Modernising laundries in older buildings

Why is it important to check this?

A classic example is changing from a smaller to a larger washing machine – due to a change in laundry quantities, for example. In this case, the technology needs to be adapted to the modified connection and installation conditions.

Will all new machines fit in every room?

In principle, yes. But in many older buildings the doors have a standard width of 1.01 metres. Larger machines must therefore be dismantled, transported through the door and then set up again inside the room. This is easily done in the case of tumble dryers and ironers. When washing machines are to be installed in spaces with narrow doorways, we recommend splitting the size and opting for two smaller machines that can cover the same laundry capacity as one large one.   

And when is it a good idea to modernise the facilities?

It is always worth investing in the in-house laundry facilities. They are a reflection of the nursing home’s quality and set it apart from its competitors. There are of course certain legal specifications which need to be observed in a laundry; for example, the German workplaces ordinance (Arbeitsstättenverordnung) which stipulates occupational safety requirements in relation to lighting, ventilation and room height. Many older buildings fall short of these requirements, especially in the basement rooms. Another reason to carry out modernisation work might be to create more space for work and storage. Logistics processes in the nursing home may change over time, and modernisation work allows these changes to be accommodated. Furthermore, it can provide an opportunity to divide the space into clean and unclean sides – something that makes absolute sense from a hygiene perspective but might not have been implemented previously.

Why else might you want to modernise the laundry facilities?

Modern machines and a well-organised laundry cycle can help any laundry – regardless of its size – to reduce its energy and operating costs and optimise the use of staff. For anyone managing a home, increasing efficiency with regard to staffing is particularly important these days. Any time that is freed up in the laundry can be used for other tasks: instead of the nursing staff taking the freshly washed laundry back to residents’ rooms, this can be done by the laundry staff instead. This means that the residents have direct contact with the members of staff who are responsible for looking after their few remaining intimate items.   

What else do you need to bear in mind when modernising a laundry?

It is definitely important for managers to include their staff in the process and help them get used to the modern machines and new processes. Miele can provide an expert or help home managers to find an expert to explain the new technologies and ensure that staff are brought up to speed – so that the required targets can be met.