How to Get the Best Results from Your Commercial Dryer

If you want to get the best results from your commercial dryer, read on!

In this, the second of a three-part resource article series we’ve created on getting the best results from commercial dryer and laundry operations, we’re going to go over how to get the best results from your commercial dryer. Our first article in this series covered getting the best results from commercial washers and the third article will cover getting optimal results from commercial and industrial irons. 

Once you’ve read through all these tips and tricks about getting the best performance and results from your commercial dryers, you can print these articles and share them with your laundry staff to ensure everyone is on the same page, which will significantly improve the results and save your company money.

Read on if you are ready to get great results from your laundry with your commercial dryers.

How to Improve Your Laundry Results by using Commercial Dryer Best Practices

To get the best results from your commercial dryer, following the right guidelines isn’t just important—it’s ESSENTIAL.

At Haddon, we frequently troubleshoot fabric issues that staff assume are caused by the machines. However, in most cases, the root cause is improper use of commercial dryers, including the cycles programmed into them.

Haddon’s expert commercial laundry team specializes in optimizing commercial and industrial laundry processes. As we highlighted in our previous article on maximizing washing results, proper staff education is crucial. Without the right training, employees may overload machines, use incorrect cycles, or fail to follow best practices, which will lead to poor drying performance, damaged linens, and unnecessary extra costs.

Modern industrial dryers are far more advanced than older models and require updated techniques to ensure maximum efficiency. Even experienced laundry professionals must adapt to the use of new commercial dryer methods and understand which cycles work best to achieve optimal results. By keeping your staff informed and well-trained in how to use your dryers properly, your business can increase drying efficiency, reduce energy waste, and consistently achieve outstanding results.

Here are six key ways your laundry staff can ensure the best commercial dryer outcomes:

1. Properly Load the dryer to get excellent results.

• Overloading the dryer is one of the most common mistakes in commercial laundry. When too many items are packed in at once, hot air cannot circulate efficiently and linens and other fabrics get wrapped around each other, which leads to uneven drying and extended cycle times (not to mention rips and tears). This not only affects drying quality but also increases energy consumption and wear on the machine.
• On the other hand, underloading the dryer wastes energy and can lead to excessive tumbling, which may also cause fabric wear and tear. A balanced load allows items to move freely, ensuring even exposure to heat and proper airflow.

Best practice: Follow manufacturer-recommended load capacities and avoid cramming in too many items at once. Make sure whoever sets up your dryers shows staff the ideal amount of laundry to load into the dryer and regularly remind staff to stick to that amount.

2. Use the correct drying cycle & temperatures to keep your commercial laundry from becoming damaged.

• Commercial dryers offer multiple cycle settings designed for different fabric types and load sizes. Selecting the wrong cycle or temperature can result in shrinkage, fabric damage, or extended drying times.
• High heat is suitable for towels, heavy linens, and durable fabrics, but delicate items like polyester, silk, or specialty linens require low or medium heat to prevent damage.
• Some modern dryers are equipped with moisture sensors, which detect when fabrics are dry and automatically stop the cycle—preventing overdrying (which leads to wear and tear on fabrics AND creates static) and energy waste.

Best practice: We find that often times staff will get used to using one drying cycle and choose it for all types of fabrics, which causes all sorts of issues. Train staff to recognize fabric care labels and select the appropriate cycle for each load.

3. Ensure linens are properly spun before drying.

• The industrial dryer’s job is to remove moisture from fabrics, but the more water left in linens after washing, the longer and more costly the drying process becomes. Therefore, it is also crucial to use the washer extractors properly as well, to ensure enough water is wrung out of the fabrics before drying.
• If washers do not extract enough water from the fabrics, dryers have to work harder, leading to extended drying times, higher energy use, and increased wear on both the dryer and fabrics.

Best practice: Ensure washers are set to the proper extraction speed (G-force) to remove excess water before items reach the dryer. Using high-speed spin cycles helps reduce drying time significantly. Again, manuals explain the proper extraction settings and any of our Haddon laundry experts will be happy to help you figure out how to set your machines up properly.

4. Clean lint traps and dryer vents regularly.

• A clogged lint filter restricts airflow, making the dryer less efficient. When lint builds up, it not only extends drying times but also poses a serious fire hazard.
• Blocked dryer vents prevent hot air from escaping, which can cause overheating and increase wear on the machine.
• Lint buildup also reduces the effectiveness of moisture sensors, leading to improper drying results.

Best practice:

• Clean lint traps after every load to maintain airflow.
• Check dryer vents weekly for blockages and have them professionally cleaned as needed.

5. Avoid mixing fabric types.

• Different fabrics dry at different rates—for example, thick cotton towels take longer to dry than lightweight polyester sheets. Mixing these fabrics in one load results in uneven drying, with some items still damp while others are overdried.
• Overdrying delicate or lightweight fabrics causes shrinkage and weakens fibers, reducing the lifespan of linens.

Best practice: Always separate loads based on fabric type, weight, and drying requirements. This ensures consistent drying results and prevents damage.

6. Monitor drying time to prevent overdrying

• Overdrying is one of the most damaging and costly mistakes in commercial laundry operations. It causes excessive wear on fabrics, leading to fading, shrinkage, and fiber breakdown.
• It also wastes energy, increasing operational costs unnecessarily.
• Modern commercial dryers often include automatic moisture sensors that detect when items are dry and stop the cycle accordingly. If using a manual time setting, staff should avoid running dryers longer than necessary.

Best practice:

• Use dryers with built-in moisture sensors to prevent overdrying.
• If using time settings, check items 5-10 minutes before the cycle ends to avoid unnecessary drying time.

By following these six best practices, commercial laundry staff can enhance drying efficiency, extend the life of linens, reduce energy costs, and improve overall laundry results. Proper training and routine maintenance play a critical role in maximizing dryer performance and maintaining fabric quality.

But wait! There’s still more to getting the best drying results from your commercial laundry operations. Don’t forget about the importance of Preventative Maintenance with your laundry room’s commercial dryers!

Best Practices for Maintaining Commercial Dryers

According to UniMac®, one of our suppliers, proper maintenance of commercial dryers is essential for efficiency, safety, and longevity. A well-maintained dryer reduces energy consumption, prevents fires and breakdowns, and ensures optimal drying results. Below is a suggested structured maintenance plan outlining daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly best practices. 

Some of these can be done by your staff and some should be done by seasoned experts like Haddon’s Service Technicians. If it’s time for you to schedule a PM (Preventative Maintenance) call for your commercial dryers, give Haddon a call today or get in touch asap!

Daily Maintenance by Laundry Staff

1. Clean the Lint Filter After Every Load 

• A clogged lint filter restricts airflow, reduces drying efficiency, increases drying times, and poses a fire hazard.
• Remove and clean the lint screen after each load to maintain proper airflow.

2. Check for Obstructions in the Drum 

• Inspect the drum for leftover laundry, foreign objects, or fabric residue that may damage linens or the machine.

3. Wipe Down the Dryer Interior & Door Seal

• Residue from detergents, fabric softeners, and lint can build up inside the drum.
• Use a damp cloth to wipe down the drum and door seal to prevent residue buildup.

4. Inspect the Control Panel & Settings

• Ensure the control panel is functioning properly and that all buttons, dials, and touchscreens respond correctly.
• Reset any error codes and report malfunctions immediately.

Weekly Maintenance (Best done by Maintenance Staff)

1. Inspect & Clean the Exhaust Vent

• Lint can accumulate in the dryer vent, reducing efficiency and increasing fire risks.
• Check and clear blockages from the exhaust vent to ensure proper airflow.

2. Check for Loose or Worn Belts

• Listen for unusual noises, which could indicate a worn-out belt or misalignment in the motor system.
• If belts appear frayed or loose, schedule a repair or replacement.

3. Inspect the Door Seal & Gaskets

• A damaged or loose door seal allows heat and moisture to escape, reducing drying efficiency.
• Clean and inspect the gasket for cracks or warping; replace it if necessary.

4. Test the Dryer’s Safety Features

• Some commercial dryers have built-in safety mechanisms like temperature sensors and emergency shutoff switches.
• Verify that these safety features are functioning correctly to prevent overheating or fires.

Monthly Maintenance (Best done by Service Techs)

1. Deep Clean the Dryer Drum

• Over time, fabric softener residue, detergent buildup, and lint can coat the drum, leading to inefficient drying.
• Wipe down the interior with a mild detergent solution and let it dry completely before use.

2. Inspect & Clean the Exhaust Ducting

• Lint and debris can clog the ductwork, leading to overheating and extended drying times.
• Vacuum or use compressed air to clean the duct system thoroughly.

3. Check Gas Lines & Electrical Connections (If Applicable)

• For gas dryers, inspect the gas lines for leaks and ensure proper connections.
• For electric dryers, check the power cords and connections for signs of wear, fraying, or overheating.

4. Lubricate Moving Parts

• Bearings, rollers, and pulleys should be lubricated as needed to prevent wear and tear.
• Use the manufacturer-recommended lubricant to avoid damage.

Quarterly (Every 3-6 Months) Maintenance (Best done by Service Techs)

1. Perform a Comprehensive Ventilation Inspection

• Ensure the entire ventilation system is clear of lint buildup and obstructions.
• Have a professional inspect and clean vents if necessary.

2. Calibrate Temperature & Moisture Sensors

• Dryers with automatic moisture sensors should be tested to ensure accurate drying cycles.
• Miscalibrated sensors can lead to overdrying, increased energy costs, and fabric damage.

3. Inspect & Tighten All Fasteners

• Regular dryer operation can cause screws, nuts, and bolts to loosen over time.
• Tighten all fasteners to prevent vibrations and mechanical failures.

4. Review & Update Staff Training on Maintenance Procedures

• Ensure laundry staff understands proper dryer maintenance procedures.
• Conduct refresher training on daily, weekly, and monthly tasks.

By teaching your staff how to run your commercial dryers properly and by following a regular, structured maintenance plan, your commercial dryers will operate more efficiently, reduce energy costs, and last longer while ensuring safe and high-quality drying results. Consistent maintenance not only prevents costly repairs but also improves laundry turnaround time and fabric care.

If you need to schedule a preventative maintenance call or if you have any questions about getting the best results out of your commercial dryers that we haven’t mentioned in this resource article, give us a call today or contact us.