Delivering hygienic and cost-effective laundry solutions for aged care facilities

In aged care facilities, laundry plays a critical role in maintaining health, comfort, and dignity. From bedding and towels to residents’ personal clothing, every item must be thoroughly cleaned, sanitised, and well-presented. At the same time, facilities face constant pressure to keep costs under control while meeting strict hygiene and compliance standards.

So, how can aged care providers deliver reliable laundry services without overspending? The answer lies in choosing the right chemicals, equipment, and practices tailored to the aged care environment.

1. Understanding hygiene standards in aged care

Australian aged care facilities must comply with guidelines that ensure resident safety and infection control. This means:

Using commercial-grade laundry chemicals capable of killing bacteria and viruses.
Ensuring temperature and chemical dosing levels are properly monitored.
Preventing cross-contamination between soiled and clean linen.

Failure to meet these standards can compromise resident wellbeing and expose facilities to compliance risks.

2. Choosing the right laundry chemicals

For aged care providers, the right products make all the difference. They need to be powerful enough to sanitise but also gentle on fabrics and safe for daily use. Suppliers like Universal Dry Cleaning Solutions (UDS) offer a wide range of professional laundry detergents, sanitisers, and stain removers specifically designed for commercial and healthcare use.

Some key products include:

Disinfectant Bleaches for hygiene-critical environments.
Protein stain removers for food, blood, and bodily fluid stains.
Neutralisers and fabric softeners to keep linen fresh and comfortable for residents.

By sourcing from a wholesaler, facilities gain access to affordable bulk options that reduce costs per wash cycle.

3. Investing in efficient laundry equipment

While chemicals are vital, machines also play a huge role in balancing hygiene and budget. Modern washer-extractors and dryers, such as those in the Tolon range available at UDS, are designed for high efficiency and reduced water and energy consumption.

For aged care facilities, this means:

Lower operating costs over time.
Consistent wash quality, ensuring hygiene standards are met.
Extended fabric life reduces replacement costs for linen and uniforms.

4. Training and best practices

Even the best chemicals and equipment won’t achieve results without proper training and processes. Aged care facilities should:

Train staff in correct chemical dosing to avoid waste.
Separate laundry loads (e.g. bedding, personal clothing, uniforms) for optimal cleaning.
Implement clear infection control protocols for handling soiled items.

Many suppliers, including UDS, offer technical support and guidance, ensuring facilities make the most of their products.

5. Managing costs without compromising quality

Budget pressures are real, but cutting corners on laundry can backfire. Instead, aged care facilities can save money by:

Buying chemicals in bulk from wholesalers to reduce per-wash costs.
Choosing multi-purpose chemicals that work across a range of fabrics.
Investing in energy-efficient machines that pay for themselves over time.

These strategies ensure both quality and cost-efficiency are achieved.

Partnering with the right supplier

Ultimately, success in aged care laundry depends on partnering with a supplier who understands the industry. A good supplier will provide not just products, but also ongoing support, advice, and reliable delivery.

At Universal Dry Cleaning Solutions (UDS), we proudly supply aged care facilities across Australia and New Zealand with commercial-grade detergents, chemicals, machines, and expertise. Our goal is to help facilities meet hygiene standards while staying within budget—ensuring residents enjoy clean, safe, and comfortable linen every day.