Preventative Maintenance Tips for Commercial Laundry Equipment

If you’re looking for some easy maintenance tips for your commercial laundry equipment, you’ve come to the right place! If you don’t want to end up with regular bills for repairs and untimely breakdowns of your commercial washers and dryers, regular equipment maintenance is essential.

Although some maintenance can (and should) be performed by your laundry room staff, there are certain aspects of commercial laundry maintenance that must be performed by a seasoned and knowledgeable service technician or chemical technician. Let’s get into what can be done by you or your staff and what needs to be left to a professional.

Regular Commercial Washer Extractor Maintenance Tips

Please note: Daily Maintenance on your commercial washer extractors can be performed by laundry facilities staff, but all other preventative maintenance for your commercial washer should be performed either by a seasoned service tech or by someone who has been trained by a seasoned service tech. 

To book a PM service or get one of your staff trained, contact Haddon’s service department to set up an appointment. 

Daily Maintenance for Commercial Washers

Beginning of the Day Washer Maintenance:

1. Check door interlock before starting operation:
   ☑️ Attempt to start the machine with the door open. The machine should not start.
   ☑️ Close the door without locking it and start the machine. The machine should not start.
   ☑️ Attempt to open the door while the cycle is in progress. The door should not open.

If the door lock and interlock are not functioning properly, disconnect power and call a Haddon service technician.

2. Check the machine for leaks.
   ☑️ Start an unloaded cycle to fill the machine.
   ☑️ Verify that the door and door gasket do not leak.
   ☑️ Verify that the drain valve is operating and that the drain system is free from obstruction. If water does not leak out during the first wash segment, the drain valve is closed and functioning properly.
3. Inspect water inlet valve hose connections on the back of the machine for leaks.
4. Inspect steam hose connections for leaks (if applicable).
5. On machines equipped with an automatic Chemical Supply System, check all the hoses and hose connections for leaks or visible signs of deterioration. If you find some, call your chemical technician at Haddon and let them know you need hoses replaced. Chemical leaks can cause damage to the machine’s components.

WARNING: Before inspecting any wires, disconnect the power to the washer before examining.

6. Verify that insulation is intact on all external wires and that all connections are secure. If bare wire is evident, call a Haddon service technician and let them know.
7. Ensure all panels and guards are properly installed.

End of Day Washer Maintenance:

1. Inspect and clean the basket and door gasket of residual detergent and all foreign matter.
2. Clean the door glass and between the door gasket and the door with a damp cloth.
3. Clean supply dispenser lid and general area with mild detergent. Flush the dispenser with clean water.
4. Clean the machine’s top, front and side panels with all-purpose cleaner. Rinse with clean water and dry. 

IMPORTANT: Use only isopropyl alcohol to clean graphic overlays. Never use ammonia-based, vinegar- based or acetone-based cleaners on graphic overlays.

IMPORTANT: Do not use abrasive cleaners.

5. Leave the loading door open at the end of each day to allow moisture to evaporate.
6. Shut off the water supply.

Quarterly Maintenance for Commercial Washers

NOTE: Disconnect power to the machine at its source before performing the quarterly maintenance procedures.

1. Check the bearing house for leakage.
2. Verify that the drain valve is operating and that the drain system is free from obstruction. If water does not leak out during the first wash segment, the drain valve is closed and functioning properly.
3. Visually check all hoses and connections inside the machine for leaks.
4. Make sure that control components are protected against moisture and dust during the clean up. Wipe and clean the machine inside.
5. For models with electric heat, check the tightening of the contacts of heating elements terminals and other power terminals (main switch, fuse disconnectors, contactors).
6. In order to increase the service life of the door gasket, apply a glycerine-based impregnating agent.

6-Month Maintenance for Commercial Washers

1. Clean the water valve filters
   ☑️ Turn off the water supply.
   ☑️ Unscrew the hoses at the back of the machine.
   ☑️ Take out the filter at the center with pointed pliers.
   ☑️ Clean the filter and re-insert.
   ☑️ When reattaching the hoses, make sure the seals are seated correctly.
   ☑️ Check water inlets for leaks.
   ☑️ Tighten the connections or replace the seals of inlet hose if necessary.

2. If the machine is fitted with a drain pump, make sure the pump provides normal flow rate during draining. The drain pump can be cleaned when it becomes clogged with foreign objects.
   • Drain all the water from the machine.
   • Disconnect the machine from the power supply.
   • Remove the front panel of the cabinet by unlocking bolts.
   • Slightly turn the pump lid until water starts flowing out, making sure to catch the water.
   • Unscrew the lid and remove any foreign objects.
   • Reattach pump lid and front panel of cabinet.
3. Remove dust or dirt and verify functionality of the following:
   • Inverter cooling fin
   • Motor cooling fins
   • Interior inverter ventilator (if present)
   • Exterior inverter ventilator (if present) IMPORTANT: All torque joints must remain dry (non-lubricated).
4. Check for belts for wear and inspect tightness. 
5. Check the tightness of bolts.
6. Adjust the safety switch.
   NOTE: The safety switch is an important component which must, if correctly adjusted, stop the machine when excessive movement and shaking occur due to an unbalance caused by improper distribution of linen in the washing drum or when the amount of laundry exceeds the machine capacity.

Care of Stainless Steel

1. Remove dirt and grease with detergent and water. Thoroughly rinse and dry after washing.
2. Avoid contact with dissimilar metals to prevent galvanic corrosion when salty or acidic solutions are present.
3. Do not allow salty or acidic solutions to evaporate and dry on stainless steel. Wipe clean of any residues.
4. Rub in the direction of the polish lines or “grain” of the stainless steel to avoid scratch marks when using abrasive cleaners. Use stainless steel wool or soft, non-metal bristle brushes. Do not use ordinary steel wool or steel brushes.
5. If the stainless steel appears to be rusting, the source of the rust may be an iron or steel part not made of stainless steel, such as a nail or screw.
6. Remove discoloration or heat tint from overheating by scouring with a powder or by employing special chemical solutions.
7. Do not leave sterilizing solutions on stainless steel equipment for prolonged periods of time.
8. When an external chemical supply is used, ensure no siphoning of chemicals occurs when the machine is not in use. Highly concentrated chemicals can cause severe damage to stainless steel and other components within the machine. Damage of this kind is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Locate the pump and tubing below the machine’s injection point to prevent siphoning of chemicals into the machine.

Regular Commercial Dryer Maintenance Instructions

Please note: Daily Maintenance can be performed by laundry facilities staff, but all other preventative maintenance for your commercial dryer should be performed either by a seasoned service tech or by someone who has been trained by a seasoned service tech. 

To book a PM service or get one of your staff trained, contact Haddon’s service department to set up an appointment. 

Daily Maintenance for Commercial Dryer

1. Inspect the area surrounding the dryer, remove all combustible materials, including lint, before operating the machines.
2. Check cylinder for foreign objects to avoid damage to clothing and equipment.
3. Clean lint from lint compartment and screen to maintain proper airflow and avoid overheating.
   • Open the lint panel.
   • Remove all accumulated lint in the lint compartment area. Lightly brush any lint that may be left on the lint screen.
   • Be sure the lint screen is not torn.
   • The lint screen is designed to completely cover the entire opening in the lint screen panel. Be sure that it does so.
   • Wipe lint off of the cabinet high limit thermostat and thermistor.
   • Replace the lint compartment panel on the tumble dryer ensuring a tight fit, and lock if applicable.

4. At the end of day, clean the machine’s top, front and side panels with mild detergent. Rinse with clean water. DO NOT use products that contain alcohol on the control panel.

Monthly Maintenance for Commercial Dryers

1. Remove lint and debris from inside exhaust duct to maintain proper airflow and avoid overheating.
   • Remove external duct and duct access covers, if present.
   • Clean the inside of the duct with a vacuum.
   • Clean dampers and make sure they operate freely.
   • Replace duct and all access covers before returning tumble dryer to operation.
2. Ensure even lint distribution over the lint screen.
3. Carefully wipe any accumulated lint off the cabinet high limit thermostat and thermistor, including perforated cover.
4. Clean lint and debris buildup from the blower to maintain proper airflow.

Quarterly Maintenance for Commercial Dryers

1. Use a vacuum to clean air vents on drive motors.
2. Check and clean steam coils, if applicable.
3. Check flow of combustion and ventilation air.
4. Check belt tension and condition. Replace worn or cracked belts.
5. Clean the machine’s top panel with mild detergent. Rinse with clean water.
6. Models equipped with a fire suppression system: Perform the fire suppression system maintenance test by pressing the test button in the control box.

Six Month Maintenance for Commercial Dryers

1. Check mounting hardware for any loose nuts, bolts or screws.
2. Check gas connections for leakage.
3. Check for loose electrical connections.
4. Check steam connections for looseness and leakage.
5. Check the steam filter. Replace if dirty.
6. Remove all front panels and vacuum, including coin drop mechanisms.
7. Check cylinder and front panel seals.
8. Inspect cabinet and inner panels for any damage, replace or repair as needed.
9. Clean burner tubes and orifice area of any lint buildup.
10. Machines equipped with a fire suppression system: All inlet and outlet hoses should be checked for any visible signs of deterioration. Replace, as necessary, or every five years.
11. Machines equipped with a heat exchanger kit: Clean the inlet and outlet with a soft brush or clean by using hot water and, if needed, a mild detergent.

Annual Maintenance for Commercial Dryers

1. Remove burner tubes.
2. Clean burner tubes using water and a brush.

Fire Suppression System (Optional Equipment) Maintenance Test

NOTE: Fire suppression system only available on gas and steam models.

To ensure proper operation, the fire suppression system must be tested every three months. If the system test does not perform as indicated:

1. Discontinue use of the tumble dryer.
2. Refer to Troubleshooting Manual or contact a qualified service person.
3. Restore the fire suppression system to proper working order before using tumble dryer.

Create a maintenance record with a check box for pass, the date and a signature. Store this record in an area where it will not be damaged, but is easily accessible to the person performing tests.

NOTE: Failure to maintain the fire suppression system (if your machine has one) will void the tumble dryer warranty.

ALSO NOTE: The auxiliary output is usually activated during the fire suppression system maintenance test sequence. Consider this fact prior to testing the system every three months and notify the people who should be notified before you test. For example: If the external system uses the auxiliary output to call the fire department, inform the fire department before and after the fire suppression system maintenance test to ensure they won’t show up thinking there’s a fire.)

An example of how to perform a fire suppression system maintenance test:

1. If the auxiliary alarm output is connected to a separate alarm system, disconnect prior to performing the fire suppression system maintenance test.
2. Remove any lint from the lint compartment.
3. Ensure temperature sensors are free of lint.
4. Place a load of dry towels in the tumble dryer (Look at your manual to find out the proper size of the load of towels needed.)  Ensure the cylinder baffles are to the left and right of the spray manifold located at the center top of the cylinder.
5. Unlock the fire suppression system control box.
6. Press and hold the test button, verify the light is on, this should take approximately five seconds. After a one-second pause, water should begin to spray into the cylinder.
7. After 15 seconds of water spray, press and hold the reset button until water spray is off and light is off. This should take approximately one second. 
8. Immediately remove and weigh the load. If less than minimum pounds indicated your maintenance manual, the fire suppression system has failed the maintenance test. Refer to the Troubleshooting Manual.

IMPORTANT: If the fire suppression system failed the maintenance test, DO NOT operate the tumble dryer.

9. Clean up any water on the floor.
10. Lock the fire suppression system control box.
11. If the separate alarm option is being used, reconnect the auxiliary alarm output.
12. Start the tumble dryer to dry the test load.
13. On maintenance record, check box if fire suppression system passed the test, date and sign record.

When to Call a Professional

Even though you might feel quite comfortable performing some of the easier maintenance tasks listed above for your commercial laundry equipment, some of the preventative maintenance technical training and expertise, so definitely give Haddon a call when you discover irregularities or when it’s time to do a more in-depth PM on your commercial washer or dryer. That’s what we’re here for!