Changing weather patterns affect more than just HVAC systems and rooftops; laundry facilities also feel the impact of keeping on top of washing machine maintenance. From winter road salt wearing down machine interiors to high humidity in the summer causing mold and mildew concerns, commercial laundry equipment is exposed to year-round environmental stress. For organizations operating shared laundry spaces, proactively managing seasonal wear and tear is critical to extending equipment life, reducing repair costs, and keeping users satisfied.
To maintain optimal operations, property owners and facility managers must implement a comprehensive washing machine maintenance strategy that anticipates the needs of each season. Here are five key ways to prepare your laundry room for the challenges brought by changing weather.
1. Address Salt and Slush in Winter Months
Winter presents a unique set of risks to commercial laundry rooms, particularly in regions prone to snow and ice. Road salt, sand, and slush are commonly tracked indoors and often end up embedded in laundry loads. These abrasives can accelerate drum corrosion, clog drainage systems, and leave residue on internal machine parts if not regularly cleaned.
Routine maintenance during winter should include inspecting and cleaning drainage filters and conducting more frequent deep cleans of washer drums and detergent compartments. Managers can also encourage residents to shake off outerwear and rinse heavily soiled items before laundering, reducing the introduction of damaging debris into machines. As mentioned in this blog, taking seasonal conditions into account can help preserve both garments and equipment during colder months.
2. Monitor Humidity and Mold in the Summer
Summer brings heat, and with it, high humidity levels that can be harmful to laundry facilities. Increased moisture in the air can lead to mold growth inside washer doors, detergent compartments, and ventilation ducts. Additionally, overworked cooling systems in the building may cause condensation to collect around machines, creating slip hazards and potential mildew buildup.
According to Mold Inspection & Testing, mold thrives in environments with high humidity, moisture, and poor ventilation. These are all conditions that are too common in under-monitored laundry rooms during the summer. Supporting this concern, a consumer report found that 17% of front-loading washer owners experience mold or mildew issues, compared to just 3% of top-load users. These machines are especially vulnerable if not regularly cleaned and properly ventilated. To mitigate risks, facility managers should perform mid-summer maintenance checks focused on airflow and moisture buildup, run regular cleaning cycles with mold-prevention agents, and ensure dryer vents are functioning efficiently. These steps are key to protecting both machines and residents during peak humidity.
3. Protect Equipment During Seasonal Temperature Swings
Drastic changes in temperature, such as those during fall and spring transitions, can lead to condensation inside machines, especially if laundry rooms are near exterior walls or poorly insulated areas. This excess moisture can corrode internal components and affect the performance of digital machine sensors and controls.
To mitigate these risks, laundry rooms should be kept at consistent temperatures whenever possible. Facilities should inspect insulation around plumbing lines and ensure temperature-sensitive equipment is shielded from outdoor air exposure. Preventive measures like installing foam pipe insulation and ensuring entryways are sealed help maintain a stable operating environment and extend the life of your systems.
4. Upgrade Seasonal Preventive Maintenance Schedules
A proactive, seasonally adjusted maintenance schedule is essential for long-term performance. As usage trends shift throughout the year, often peaking in the fall for college housing or in the spring for apartment turnover, adjusting service schedules accordingly ensures machines remain reliable during high-demand periods.
Some service providers offer remote diagnostics and responsive repair timelines, ensuring that any seasonal strain doesn’t lead to extended downtime. In busy properties, upgrading from a reactive repair approach to a seasonal preventive model can drastically improve machine uptime and reduce service calls. Consider scheduling quarterly inspections that coincide with weather shifts to stay ahead of emerging issues.
5. Clean Machines Inside and Out at Key Intervals
Washing machine maintenance shouldn’t only focus on what’s under the hood, as appearance and hygiene also matter. During spring and fall cleaning seasons, a full facility refresh helps eliminate built-up grime, detergent residue, and lint that may have gone unnoticed. According to this blog, small seasonal habits like wiping down machine surfaces and clearing out lint traps go a long way toward improving machine longevity and user satisfaction.
Encourage staff to wipe control panels, clean detergent drawers, and disinfect handles and doors regularly. It’s also important to clean dryer vents at least once per season to prevent fire hazards. These small steps improve safety and also show residents that management is actively maintaining shared amenities.
Conclusion
Laundry equipment endures more than daily wear; it battles the elements year-round. From abrasive winter salt to lingering summer humidity, seasonal conditions directly impact machine efficiency, cleanliness, and longevity. Facility managers who implement proactive washing machine maintenance strategies not only reduce long-term costs but also enhance the user experience.
If you’re looking to keep your laundry operations smooth in every season, Automatic Laundry can help with seasonal maintenance planning and year-round equipment care. Contact us today to learn how we can support your property’s laundry room for every climate challenge.
