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Category: Maintenance

What Your Tenants Expect From an Onsite Laundry

Posted on by FMB Laundry

As the manager of an apartment building or residential facility, you know the importance of onsite laundry amenities. You understand that the way they are managed can make or break rentals. It’s important to learn what tenants value most in a laundry room and how to meet those needs.

Safety Tops the List

You can build a sparkling laundry area with luxury machines that always work, but no one will come if it seems unsafe. Some basic concepts that make tenants feel secure include:

  • Central location with people around
  • Excellent lighting
  • Accessibility for tenants only
  • Security camera

Laundry users want to know other people are coming and going to help deter negative behavior. They want assurance the laundry room is locked and used only by residents. They want to come and go in safety and spend as little time in the laundry area as possible.

Cleanliness Is Paramount

Keeping the laundry room clean has always been important, but it is more vital than ever in the current environment. This means spending time and resources to monitor the area, empty waste containers, clean up spills immediately, and wipe down machines. Whether you outsource custodial services, use an employee, or pitch in yourself, floors need daily mopping, and surfaces require frequent wiping.

Communication is essential. Provide a well-publicized way for residents to report laundry room concerns and follow up on the complaints immediately with a friendly, competent process.

Superior Equipment and Technology Pay Dividends

On-premise laundry rooms have the advantage of convenience, but there is still plenty of competition. If you want residents to use the laundry room, provide up-to-date equipment that performs well. New machines featuring smart technology, such as the Clothesline Mobile Payment App, combine convenience with safety. Tenants can use smartphones for no-contact payment and check from their apartments when a machine becomes available or their laundry is complete. These technologies can also make your laundry room a large selling point for those looking to live in your building.

For suggestions on improving safety practices and implementing technology-driven laundry equipment, contact FMB Laundry by calling 410-324-3654 or sending an email to talk with our specialists. Make sure your onsite laundry room exceeds your tenants’ highest expectations.

How Preventative Maintenance Protects Your Laundry Facility

Posted on by FMB Laundry

Do you have an onsite laundry facility? If so, you may be wondering how you can save money by minimizing breakdowns. The answer is in regular maintenance for commercial laundry equipment.

Why Invest in Maintenance

Your onsite laundry facility is important. It is crucial to those who live in the building to have a functioning, well-maintained place to wash their clothes. If a machine breaks down, it can cost you a lot in repairs and lost business. However, when you invest in routine maintenance you can avoid most costly repairs and disruption to your business.

Maintenance Tips

Your maintenance provider will be able to perform routine maintenance and repairs. However, there are a few things you can do on your own to keep your machines running in the best shape possible.

First, check the doors of your washers and dryers on a daily basis. You should keep your loading doors open at the end of the day so that any of the moisture within can evaporate.

Next, you want to inspect the water inlet valve on your washers. There should never be any leaks at the back of the machine. If there are any signs of deterioration on the hose connections, you may need to replace the hoses right away.

Last, you want to make sure that the door glass is always clean. Wiping it down with a damp washcloth as often as possible will keep dirt and dust from building up.

The more time you spend preventing future problems, the less likely you are to have an expensive breakdown. To take advantage of laundry equipment services for multi-family buildings, medical buildings, college campuses, and more, contact FMB Laundry by calling 410-324-3654 or emailing us today!

Maintenance Advice To Keep Your Laundry Running

Posted on by FMB Laundry

As a manager, it’s important to ensure everything in the building runs smoothly. Whether you provide a laundry area for apartment or dorm tenants, make washers and dryers available for hotel guests, or furnish laundry equipment for employees, it is vital to keep the machines in peak condition. There’s no better way to accomplish this than staying on top of regular maintenance tasks. Some items may seem minor, but they go a long way toward avoiding downtime and extending appliance life.

Eliminate Lint

Theoretically, each person cleans the lint trap after using a dryer. It’s a 10-second job. In reality, however, few individuals actually remove the lint because they aren’t sure how or don’t think it’s their job. Make sure you remove all lint from each dryer at least once a day and thoroughly vacuum the compartment every week. The dryer will run better, and you cut the risk of fire.

Stop Leaks

Another daily task involves checking hose and valve connections on the back of each washer. With vibrations from washing and spinning, connections loosen and dripping begins to occur, so inspect and tighten daily. Also, examine the hoses periodically for cracks and deterioration.

Test Doors

Seepage often occurs around the doors of front-loading washers, so test each door lock at the end of the day to make sure it’s working. After verifying the mechanism is operational, leave the washer door open to dry out the interior. Nobody wants to use a washer that smells funky.

Wipe Glass

Nobody wants to use dirty machines, either, so wipe down the appliances and make the glass sparkle. Don’t forget to clean between the glass and the door.

Clean Tumblers

Call a service technician to complete a comprehensive cleaning of the dryer tumblers once a year. These experts know how to clean the tumbler without damaging the sensor or interior surface.

If you need assistance keeping laundry equipment in tip-top shape, contact the professionals at FMB Laundry by calling 410-324-3654 or sending us an email. We can give you maintenance advice and answer any other questions you have about updating laundry appliances.

Win Over Residents with Your On-Site Laundry

Posted on by FMB Laundry

Maintaining a well-run laundry room for your tenants provides a lot of benefits. It not only brings in a steady income from washers and dryers, but also makes a powerful marketing tool to attract and retain renters. In order to win over residents, you need to make an effort to give them what they want. Learn more about the specific aspects that tenants look for in an on-site laundry facility.

Tenants Want Safe Facilities

Today’s headlines have pushed safety to the top of the laundry list for renters of all ages. It can be tempting to tuck utility areas away in a corner or on a lower level where people only venture to do their wash. Instead, put the laundry room in a handy location with high traffic. Keep the area and halls bright and well lit. Make sure only tenants can access it and consider keeping the room locked.

Tenants Want a Clean Laundry Area

Tenants use the laundry to clean their towels, linens, and clothes. They don’t want to fold them on dirty tables or accidentally drop them on grimy floors. It doesn’t take a lot to maintain a spotless laundry room. Wipe down machines several times a day, empty strategic waste containers often, and mop or vacuum floors frequently. Monitor conditions every hour or two and clean untidy areas promptly. Keeping a close watch on cleanliness also adds safety.

Tenants Want Top-Notch Equipment

If you want to make the laundry area a showpiece of your building, provide quality, updated washers and dryers. Scratched and chipped appliances with frequent “Out of Order” signs will deter users. New laundry equipment provides shorter washing and drying times, saves energy, and provides renters with amenities such as automatic alerts when their laundry is finished.

If you’re ready to provide building residents with the updated equipment they require, contact FMB Laundry for information on the latest laundry room technology. We can help you plan a laundry area that brings in extra income, keeps your renters happy, and attracts new tenants. Call 410-324-3654 or email us today for more information.

Recognizing the Need for a Laundry Room Upgrade

Posted on by FMB Laundry

Replacing laundry equipment at your facilities can feel overwhelming in terms of cost and implementation. You require as much mileage out of current machines as possible, but you want to avoid sinking all of your resources into repairs. These key considerations may help you recognize when it’s time to upgrade that laundry center.

Age Doesn’t Lie

The lifespan of equipment varies with machine quality, frequency of use, and regularity of maintenance, but you can generally expect machines to provide 8 to 15 years of service. When they hit double digits, you can assume repairs will increase.

Out-of-Order Signs Frequently Appear

When laundry appliances require professional repairs, signs are posted until outside help arrives. If you find yourself putting on these tags more often, it’s time to look into new machines.

Repair Bills Are Up

Just like out-of-service signs, higher repair bills indicate an increase in the number and severity of repairs. You don’t want to reach the point of replacing machines repair piece by repair piece.

Utility Bills Are Higher

Manufacturers continue to increase the efficiency of laundry appliances. This is good since water, gas and electricity rates constantly go up. Purchasing new energy-efficient equipment benefits the environment, pleases customers, and saves overhead costs.

Wait Times Have Increased

When your patrons have to wait longer to grab a machine, you need to zero in on the reason. Perhaps customer requirements have increased, and you need additional equipment.  The problem may indicate malfunctioning machines or slower run times of older equipment. Installing low-maintenance, faster appliances will help you take advantage of increased revenue opportunities.

Customers Are Giving You Hints

It may come in the form of complaints about equipment performance or the use of alternative facilities, but your laundry users will not put up with the inconvenience. Make sure customer satisfaction is part of your laundry management process. Provide an easy way for customers to give you feedback and take the time to talk with them in person. When complaints steadily climb, think about a replacement.

If signs point to equipment upgrades in your future, contact the specialists at FMB Laundry. Call 410-324-3654 or email us today to learn how new laundry technology can provide amazing improvements.

Listen to Your Laundry Equipment

Posted on by FMB Laundry

When you’re responsible for an on-premise or multi-family commercial laundry, big problems result when a washing machine goes down. Employees, tenants, and residents suffer inconvenience and disrupted schedules until the machine is back in service.

Fortunately, washing machines often provide warnings before giving out completely, giving you time to weigh repair versus replacement and work purchasing new machines into the budget. Here are some signs to watch for as you observe laundry equipment under your care:

Age Gives a Clue

A commercial washing machine should last 10 to 14 years. While many variables affect life expectancy, you can anticipate problems as your machine’s age approaches double digits.

Loud Noise Screams Problems

Laundries should quietly hum as the machines run through cycles. When a washer sounds like a racecar, pay attention. Check that all items are evenly distributed in the drum and verify that each washer sits level on the floor to stay balanced. With some machines, you can adjust the four feet to achieve this. Otherwise, you may need shims or a platform. If balancing the washer doesn’t reduce the noise, call a repair person for further diagnosis.

Walking Means Trouble

If a machine shifts, sways, or moves out of position as it works, you need to address the problem. Again, check that it is level. If it continues to shuffle around, keep a close eye on it and get professional help. Even though it is working, you don’t want it to pull the hoses loose or splash out water.

Leaking Indicates Loose Connections

When water appears on the floor, you need to pinpoint the source. With older machines, users may cause overflows by putting in too big of a load. You may also need to tighten water hoses at the back of the machine or replace them, if necessary. If this doesn’t work, consult a technician for help.

When a washing machine signals a problem, move quickly toward a solution. If an inexpensive fix isn’t feasible, start researching replacements. Contact the specialists at FMB Laundry by calling 410-324-3654 or emailing us today. We will walk you through the wonders of commercial laundry technology to meet your specific needs.

Top Cleaning Tips to Maintain Your Washing Machines

Posted on by FMB Laundry

If you want your laundry room filled with customers, make sure your washing machines are sparkling clean. Make sure they leave your facility with their clothes smelling fresh and free of unsightly residue. A visual check, as well as a whiff test, of your machines is a good place to start, but dirty drains or other internal problems aren’t that easily detectable. Don’t wait for customer complaints, follow these pointers for washing machine cleanliness and keep your customers happy and fresh.

Develop Regular Cleaning Schedules

Set up a cleaning schedule for your commercial washing machines. Be aware that high-efficiency equipment needs more frequent cleaning than regular machines. Deep cleaning every two months is a good guideline for energy-efficient or high-use machines.

Sanitize Top-Loading Machines

Fill the machine with hot water, add a quart of chlorine bleach and run the machine on the longest cycle. Follow this with another long hot-water cycle using a quart of white vinegar. The two consecutive cleanings rid the machine of bacteria, mineral deposits, and unsightly soap scum.

Sanitize Front-Loading Machines

You may want to clean these more frequently. Be sure to always dry glass doors and gaskets thoroughly. Simply put one-half cup of bleach in the detergent area and fill the bleach dispenser with bleach. Put the machine through a regular cycle and let it dry fully to prevent mildew formation.

Inspect and Wipe Machines Daily

Completing heavy-duty cleaning on schedule improves washing machine efficiency and sanitation. However, machines still need daily surface cleaning. A laundry attendant or janitor should wipe the outside surfaces and inside drums with chlorine bleach water. For heavily used machines, visually inspect and wipe them down several times during operating hours.

Note and Respond to Customer Complaints

Follow these suggestions to keep machines in top running condition while keeping customers happy. Problems may still arise, especially if someone washed a load with heavy soil or contaminants. Provide a way for customers to register concerns and answer any complaints immediately.

Keeping your washing machines clean and odor-free attracts and retains customers. If you have maintenance questions about your machines or would like information about upgrading your laundry with the latest technological advances, contact the specialists at FMB Laundry. Call 410-324-3654 or email us today to get started!

5 Surprising Items That Should Not Go into the Washer

Posted on by FMB Laundry

The washing machine is a marvel of the modern era. It may be tempting to toss fabrics of any kind into the washer and let it run. Unfortunately, the appliance can ruin delicate fabrics. There are also some items that may damage the machine and affect performance. Here are some surprising things that should not go through the washer.

 

Bedding

Most pillows and comforters are too big and dense to get clean in a standard washing machine. This is especially true for memory foam pillows, which turn into a soggy, unstructured mess. Before washing bedding, check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Most often, they recommend that you spot clean or have them dry cleaned.

 

Running Shoes

A washing machine can help restore the look of casual canvas sneakers. However, it breaks down the materials used in high-performance running shoes, causing shrinkage. The shoes can also damage the washer basket. If you add them to a full load of laundry, the laces can wrap around clothing. The items that are twisted and tied up may not get truly clean.

 

Flammable Stains

Washers are ideal for removing organic stains, such as grass, dirt, and food. Unfortunately, washing clothing with cooking oil, gasoline, or alcohol in the machine is a recipe for disaster. The flammable nature of these stains could start a fire if put into either a washer or dryer. Treat the stain with a solvent-based stain remover and hand wash the item.

 

Unzipped Zippers

Items with zippers can go into the wash, but make sure to close them first. The edges of an open zipper can get caught on fabric, causing holes, runs, and tears.

 

Keys and Coins

Your car’s expensive electronic key fob may become inoperable after being submerged in water and detergent. Metal items can scratch the interior of your appliance. If they get caught in the cracks, they can damage the machine. Check your pockets before doing laundry, or you might end up buying new keys or new appliances!

 

FMB Laundry provides service and advanced laundry equipment to apartments, condos, and other multi-family facilities. Contact us by calling 410-324-3654 or sending us an email today!

Reasons to Replace Commercial Laundry Equipment

Posted on by FMB Laundry

Commercial laundry appliances have a life expectancy that can vary by brand, maintenance, and frequency of use. Since replacing them can be a huge investment, property managers face a real temptation to put off purchasing new laundry equipment. There are some excellent reasons, however, to buy replacements sooner rather than later.

 

Weigh Expenses for Repairs and Replacement Parts

As its useful life begins to wane, a machine typically starts to exhibit mechanical and electrical problems. This usually means an investment of time and money for repairs and parts. Sometimes a quick fix can put the appliance back into circulation for many more hours of use. Other times, one problem may occur after another. While it can become a bit of a guessing game, it’s safe to say that the older and more worn a machine becomes, the more likely it will need repairs and new parts.

 

Think About Downtime Costs

When a laundry machine breaks down, you may incur more expenses than paying a repair person. If the equipment provides services in a tenant or commercial laundry room, you not only inconvenience residents and customers, but also lose revenue while repairs are made. If the machines are used for laundering bedding and towels in a hotel or hospital, broken appliances can quickly cause problems with providing clean laundry.

 

Consider Efficiency and New Technologies

Replacement of old equipment often provides benefits beyond improved reliability and reduced service costs. Choosing energy efficient models, for example, may result in significant savings in water, energy, and soap. New technologies, such as smart cards instead of coin slots, may supply greater convenience for you and your customers.

 

Contemplate Tenant, Customer, or Employee Satisfaction           

For employees hired to wash guest’s bedding, or apartment tenants doing their own laundry, finding machines broken or undergoing repair is exceptionally annoying. Providing new, efficient laundry equipment generally produces satisfied users.

 

If you are ready to explore new laundry machines for your building or business, get in touch with FMB Laundry today. We can advise you on the latest equipment and technology to save money and keep tenants, guests, and employees happy. For more information call 410-324-3654 or email us at [email protected] today!