Laundry Solutions for Hotels: The Benefits of Switching to Wet Cleaning EquipmentLaundry Solutions for Hotels: The Benefits of Switching to Wet Cleaning Equipment

In today’s hospitality industry, laundry is more than a back-of-house operation. From crisp bed linens to spotless uniforms, a hotels laundry machines' plays a vital role in shaping guest satisfaction and brand reputation. But as sustainability becomes a top priority for both businesses and travellers, hotels are having to rethink their approach to laundry.

Enter wet cleaning systems. A modern, eco-friendly alternative to traditional laundry methods. This innovative technology not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances fabric care and delivers significant cost savings. With hotel margins under increasing pressure due to rising operational costs, wet cleaning offers an attractive solution to optimise efficiency without compromising quality.

This guide explores the benefits of wet cleaning equipment for hotels, how it compares to traditional laundry and dry cleaning, and what you need to know to make the switch.

What is Wet Cleaning?

Wet cleaning is an advanced, environmentally friendly laundry process that uses water, specialised biodegradable detergents, and highly programmable machines. Unlike traditional laundry, which is limited to robust textiles, and dry cleaning, which uses chemical solvents, wet cleaning equipment for hotels is gentle enough for delicate, “dry clean only” items yet powerful enough for everyday linens.

Wet Cleaning vs. Traditional Laundry: Key Differences

Understanding the distinction between wet cleaning and traditional laundry is crucial for hotels considering an upgrade to their laundry and/or dry cleaning equipment.

Feature	Traditional Laundry	Wet Cleaning Equipment for Hotels
Cleaning Agent	Water + standard detergents	Water + specialised, eco-friendly detergents
Machine Type	Basic washers/dryers	Programmable, precision-controlled machines
Suitable Fabrics	Linens, towels, durable uniforms	Linens, towels, uniforms, AND delicates, “dry clean only” items
Process Control	Limited (basic temp/agitation)	Advanced (custom cycles, moisture, temp, agitation)
Environmental Impact	Moderate (depends on detergent/energy)	Low (no toxic solvents, efficient resource use)
Replaces Dry Cleaning	No	Yes (for many items)

Wet cleaning equipment for hotels bridges the gap between traditional laundry and dry cleaning, providing flexibility, safety, and sustainability.

Benefits of Wet Cleaning Equipment for Hotels

1. Sustainability: Eco-Friendly Hotel Operations

One of the biggest draws of wet cleaning equipment for hotels is its environmental impact. Sustainability is no longer a “nice-to-have” in the hospitality industry, it’s a necessity:

No Toxic Chemicals: Wet cleaning eliminates the need for hazardous solvents like perchloroethylene (PERC) used in dry cleaning, reducing chemical waste and exposure risks.
Lower Water and Energy Use: Modern wet cleaning machines optimise water and energy consumption, often using 20–30% less than traditional systems.
Biodegradable Detergents: Only environmentally responsible, easily degradable detergents are used, supporting green certifications such as Green Key and LEED.
Regulatory Compliance: Wet cleaning helps hotels stay ahead of increasingly strict environmental regulations affecting chemical disposal and emissions.

On energy consumption:

As an example, a boutique hotel in London could potentially achieve over a 20% reduction in energy consumption after switching to wet cleaning - an impressive step towards achieving its sustainability goals.

Image source: estimated electricity usage of dry-cleaning and wet-cleaning processes

2. Enhanced Fabric Care: Superior Results for All Textiles

If you’ve ever worried about sending delicate or high-value items through your hotel’s laundry, wet cleaning offers peace of mind:

Gentle on Delicates: Wet cleaning equipment can safely clean silk pillowcases, wool blankets, embroidered tablecloths, and luxury spa robes-items that would otherwise require outsourcing to dry cleaners.
Extended Textile Lifespan: Precise control over temperature, moisture, and agitation means less wear and tear, extending the life of linens and uniforms by up to 40%.
Stain Removal: Advanced cycles and enzyme-based detergents outperform traditional laundry on tough stains like wine, makeup, and oils.
Consistent Quality: In-house control ensures every item meets your hotel’s high standards, from guest bedding to staff uniforms.

When it comes to guest satisfaction, the smallest details can make the biggest difference. Soft, fresh-smelling linens and well-maintained staff uniforms are essential for creating an exceptional guest experience—and this is where wet cleaning truly shines.

3. Cost Savings: Boosting the Bottom Line

Beyond the environmental and quality benefits, wet cleaning equipment for hotels can have a significant impact on your bottom line. The specialised detergents used in wet cleaning are generally less expensive than the solvents required for dry cleaning and energy-efficient machines help cut down on utility bills.

Other benefits:

Reduced Chemical Costs: Wet cleaning detergents are less expensive than dry cleaning solvents, saving money per load.
Lower Utility Bills: Energy-efficient machines cut electricity and water costs, especially important for large hotels processing thousands of kilos weekly.
Minimised Outsourcing: By handling “dry clean only” items in-house, hotels can save £2–£5 per kilo versus third-party services.
Fewer Textile Replacements: Gentler cycles mean linens and uniforms last longer, reducing replacement expenses.

In today’s economic climate, where operational margins are under pressure and consumers face rising costs of living, cost efficiency is more important than ever. Wet cleaning offers hotels a practical way to save money without cutting corners on quality or service.

4. Streamlined Operations & Guest Satisfaction

Switching to wet cleaning equipment doesn’t just make sense for your budget and the environment-it also streamlines your laundry operations. With one system capable of handling everything from towels and sheets to delicate uniforms, your team spends less time sorting and more time getting laundry done.

Operational benefits:

All-in-One Solution: Wet cleaning equipment handles everything from towels and sheets to high-end uniforms, simplifying workflow and reducing sorting time.
Faster Turnaround: In-house processing means faster laundry cycles, ensuring fresh linens and uniforms are always available.
Marketing Advantage: Eco-friendly laundry practices appeal to the 68% of travelers who prefer sustainable hotels, enhancing your brand image.

How to Choose Wet Cleaning Equipment for Hotels

If you’re considering making the switch, it’s important to choose the right wet cleaning equipment for your hotel’s needs. Start by assessing your daily laundry volume and the types of textiles you handle. Look for machines that offer customisable cycles and are rated for energy and water efficiency.

Leading brands such as Electrolux Professional are known for their reliable wet cleaning solutions. Don’t forget to ask about installation, staff training, and ongoing support-these services can make your transition much smoother.

When selecting wet cleaning equipment, consider the following:

Consideration	What to think about
Load Capacity	Choose machines sized for your hotel’s daily laundry volume.
Programmability	Look for systems with customisable cycles for different fabric types and soil levels.
Energy Efficiency	Prioritise models with high energy and water efficiency ratings.
Support & Training	Select suppliers like Wavepoint Group who offer wet cleaning installation, staff training, and ongoing technical support.
Brand Reputation	Leading brands like Electrolux Professional offer reliable wet cleaning solutions for hotels.

Implementation: Step-by-Step Guide

Transitioning to wet cleaning equipment is easier than you might think, begin by:

Evaluate Current Laundry Needs: Audit which items are currently outsourced and which could benefit from wet cleaning.
Consult with Suppliers: Speak with us and get expert advice on machine selection, installation, and workflow integration.
Upgrade Equipment: Install wet cleaning equipment alongside or in place of traditional machines.
Train Staff: Ensure laundry teams are confident using new systems and cycles.
Promote Your Green Credentials: Highlight your investment in sustainable laundry on your website, booking platforms, and guest communications.

Partnering with an experienced commercial laundry equipment supplier like Wavepoint can also make all the difference. Suppliers often provide tailored solutions and ongoing support to help hotels navigate challenges such as initial investment concerns or technical adjustments.

Conclusion: Wet Cleaning is The Future of Hotel Laundry

Wet cleaning equipment for hotels isn’t just an upgrade-it’s a strategic reinvention of laundry operations. By merging the efficiency of traditional washing with the delicacy of dry cleaning, it delivers:

Cost reductions through consolidated operations
Sustainability credentials that attract eco-conscious guests
Enhanced guest experiences through premium fabric care

As margins tighten and environmental regulations evolve, wet cleaning provides hotels with a scalable solution that balances operational excellence with planetary responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between wet cleaning and traditional laundry for hotels?
A: Wet cleaning uses advanced machines and eco-friendly detergents to clean both standard and delicate items, while traditional laundry is limited to robust textiles.

Q: Can wet cleaning equipment handle “dry clean only” items?
A: Yes. Wet cleaning equipment for hotels is specifically designed to clean delicate and “dry clean only” items safely and effectively.

Q: How does wet cleaning equipment reduce operational costs?
A: It lowers chemical and utility expenses, reduces outsourcing, and extends the life of textiles.

Q:What brands offer the best wet cleaning equipment for hotels?
A: Top brands include Electrolux Professional, Miele, and Girbau.

Q: Is wet cleaning safe for luxury bedding and spa linens?
A: Absolutely. Wet cleaning’s gentle cycles are ideal for high-end and specialty textiles.

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