Laundry may seem like a behind-the-scenes task, but it can often be a challenge for hotel guests.
On forums like Reddit, guests frequently complain about delayed laundry returns. Some report damaged clothes, while others complain about the smell of their clothes, as well as the expense and poor quality of the clothing.
These issues can impact guests’ impressions of a hotel and influence their reviews.
Today, hotel costs continue to rise. At the same time, guests expect clean, fresh sheets. Therefore, improving laundry efficiency is crucial.
Five-star hotels prioritize the guest experience above and beyond. They often ensure their sheets and pillowcases are exceptionally clean and soft, compared to other hotels. To ensure this, they must have the right laundry equipment.
Each hotel should choose the right laundry equipment based on its size and laundry needs. A standard configuration includes a washing machine, dryer, ironing machine, and folding machine.
Some hotels may also require additional systems, such as a disinfection machine or water treatment machine.
To ensure proper operation, hotels must properly maintain their equipment. They also need the right parts to ensure smooth and efficient laundry operations.
There’s one component that’s often overlooked, but is incredibly important.
It’s the ironing belts, also known as flatwork ironer belts. These belts are responsible for: feeding the linen onto the heated drum, maintaining contact surface and pressure, ensuring even ironing, and producing a smooth, wrinkle-free fabric.
❗A bad flatwork machine belt can cause:
Linen slippage
Uneven ironing or burn marks
Blocking and unexpected machine downtime
In contrast, high-quality flatwork ironer belts: heat-resistant and low-stretch, maintain consistent grip and alignment, extend equipment life, and reduce rework.
Our high-temperature flatwork ironer belts are designed to meet the ongoing demands of commercial hotel operations. They resist stretching, run smoothly at high speeds, and maintain fabric alignment for consistent results.
Case Study: Ironer Belt Upgrade
In Malaysia, a mid-sized hotel reduced its linen scrap rate by 28% after replacing standard flatwork ironer belts with premium, high-friction flatwork ironer belts.
In South Africa, a hotel chain implemented a regular belt inspection and replacement program, reducing unplanned maintenance incidents by 35%. These examples illustrate how a small component can significantly improve laundry efficiency.
Reducing linen losses through appropriate chemical treatment
According to Ecolab research, 86% of linens are discarded due to stains, not wear and tear. This means the key to extending the life of linens lies not only in fabric durability but also in improved washing and ironing techniques.
The following are crucial:
Choosing an alkaline detergent for tough stains (makeup, sunscreen, food residue)
Controlling pH and rinse quality
Maintaining proper heat distribution during ironing to prevent yellowing or scorching of fabrics
Ironing performance is directly related to how well the belt system provides glide and pressure support for the linens. Degraded belt performance can lead to more repeated washes and even noticeable damage.
Laundry efficiency depends not only on the machines but also on the layout. I’ve heard that hotels in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe are redesigning their laundry rooms.
They’re ensuring a linear laundry flow: washing machine → dryer → ironing machine → folding machine.
An efficient layout ensures:
Smooth transitions from washing machine to dryer to ironing machine
Minimizes linen handling
Fast turnaround time for high-priority items like towels and sheets
The flatwork ironer is often the last step before folding or bagging. Installing well-aligned, non-slip ironing belts ensures this process remains automated and efficient.
Some advanced belts also feature anti-static and low-friction surfaces to reduce drag and hot spots on delicate linens.
Even with the best machines, poor routine maintenance habits can reduce laundry efficiency.
Employees should be trained to:
Monitor belt condition (edge wear, slippage, tension loss);
Report unusual noises or jams during ironing.
Load the machine with the correct type and quantity of linens.
Regular maintenance should include:
Weekly belt inspections;
Promptly replacing compatible belts;
Cleaning belt surfaces to prevent debris buildup.
Our customers in Malaysia, the UAE, and South Africa have significantly improved uptime simply by scheduling routine ironing machine belt inspections and using our replacement laundry belt kits.
Laundry efficiency is a complex process encompassing equipment, consumables, processes, and training. Improving hotel laundry efficiency by 2025 requires not only replacing existing equipment but also improving flatwork ironer parts you use every day, such as ironing machine belts.
✅ Reduce repeat washes
✅ Extend the life of linens
✅ Improve the guest experience
✅ Reduce energy consumption
Ready to upgrade your ironing machine belt?
First, inspect your current belt, schedule preventative maintenance, and try out samples of our commercial-grade polyester ironer belts.
Contact us for free samples, belt matching advice, or a quick quote for your region. Our experienced engineers and responsive local team support shipping to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
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