In the hospitality industry, first impressions matter, and nothing speaks to a guest’s comfort and satisfaction quite like fresh, impeccably clean linens. And it’s no exaggeration: studies show that 75% of guest reviews are influenced by the cleanliness of linens and towels.
Therefore, efficient laundry operations not only reduce costs and turnaround times but also reinforce a hotel’s reputation, support sustainability goals, and drive profitability.
Choosing the right laundry model—whether in-house, outsourced, or hybrid—depends on each hotel’s unique strategy and operational needs. The decision should be guided by factors such as control over quality, investment capacity, operational flexibility, and sustainability objectives.
Essential equipment for productive, high-quality laundry
Selecting the right equipment for hospitality laundry is fundamental. It’s about efficiency and delivering a superior guest experience. High-performance washers with consumption controls, customizable programs, and IoT connectivity are now essential. Industrial dryers equipped with moisture sensors and energy-efficient cycles ensure optimal care for every textile type.
For hotels with high volumes, such as resorts or chains, tunnel washers and ironing lines streamline processes and boost productivity. Automated towel folders and stackers enhance the final presentation, while digital management systems provide real-time tracking, operational control, preventive maintenance, and full traceability.
Sustainability: from reputation to requirement
European regulations such as REACH, initiatives like HARP by Ecovadis, and certifications like EU EcoLabel and Nordic Swan, are setting new standards. Hotels can make their laundry operations more sustainable by adopting biodegradable chemicals formulated for delicate textiles and low-temperature cycles, using sustainable packaging materials, and installing microplastic filtration systems to prevent environmental contamination.
Water recovery and reuse systems can reduce consumption by up to 85%, while heat recovery from wastewater or dryer exhausts can be used to preheat water or air for subsequent cycles. Electrification of laundry equipment, using electric boilers or heaters, enables hotels to leverage renewable energy—either self-produced or sourced through certified green energy contracts.
To Outsource or not to outsource: a strategic choice
The decision to outsource or manage laundry in-house is a pivotal one. In-house operations offer high-quality control, operational flexibility, and manageable recurring costs, but require space and significant initial investment. Outsourced services, on the other hand, offer scalability and lower upfront costs, but may limit flexibility and control.
Key trends shaping the future of hotel laundry
The future of hotel laundry is being shaped by cluster laundries for hotel chains, full digitalization of processes, and flexible, scalable service models. Automation and robotics are transforming tasks such as sorting, folding, and transporting linens. Sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming decisive factors in equipment selection and process design. Smart technology and data analytics are enabling real-time optimization of wash and dry cycles, load adjustments, and predictive maintenance.
Flexible and personalized business models are increasingly emerging to meet the specific operational and service needs of each hotel. This shift is fostering closer collaboration between hotels and suppliers, redefining the traditional concept of partnership. For example, services such as valet laundry – offering personalized laundry solutions for hotel guests – illustrate how suppliers adapt to enhance guest experience and align with the hotel’s brand positioning.
Hotel laundry is now a strategic asset that can elevate guest satisfaction, drive sustainability, and improve profitability. By embracing advanced technology, sustainable practices, and flexible business models, hotels can turn their laundry operations into a source of competitive advantage. Girbau stands ready to be your partner in this transformation, delivering expertise, innovation, and support wherever you are in the world.