7 Expert Tips from the Laundromat Resource Podcast Show 244: Maximizing Efficiency & Growth with Folding Machines
Are you a laundromat owner—or thinking of becoming one—and looking for ways to increase your business’s efficiency and profitability? The latest episode of the Laundromat Resource Podcast (Show 244) with Jordan Berry and guest Joe Chenot delivers powerful, practical advice on how automation and service can revolutionize your laundromat operations, especially when it comes to folding. Here are the top takeaways, each expanded with actionable strategies tailored for both current and future laundromat owners.
1. Identify When You’re Ready for Automation
Takeaway: Folding is the most time-consuming part of laundry service. Automated folding machines like those from Fultex are a game-changer for businesses at the right stage.
Practical Application:
Monitor your wash and fold, drop-off, and pickup/delivery volumes. When you or your staff spend the majority of your labor hours folding, it’s time to consider automation. Look for bottlenecks in production, especially as you start serving commercial clients (hotels, clinics, fitness centers) who require bulk folding. Prepare in advance—reserve space for a folding machine even if you’re not quite ready to buy, so you can scale seamlessly as your business expands.
2. Choose Equipment Based on Your Business Model
Takeaway: Folding machines are not one-size-fits-all. Self-serve laundromats likely won’t benefit from them, but wash and fold and pickup/delivery operations will.
Practical Application:
Assess your service offering. If your business relies mostly on unattended self-service, focus on other improvements. But if you’re building (or planning) a wash and fold, drop-off, or pickup/delivery segment, research automatic folding machines. Discuss your plans with vendors—describe your current operation, growth targets, and customer base, and let them recommend the right model and options for you.
3. Calculate the ROI and Impact on Staffing
Takeaway: The right machine can fold up to 1,200 hand towels per hour, drastically increasing output.
Practical Application:
Run the numbers: calculate your current folding productivity (average is 30–40 lbs of laundry per labor hour). Compare this to the output a folding machine would deliver. Automated folding doesn’t replace people—it multiplies what your team can accomplish and reduces reliance on hard-to-find labor. This empowers you to take on larger accounts, increase throughput, and potentially redeploy staff to higher-value tasks.
4. Leverage Manufacturer Support for Setup and Training
Takeaway: A smooth rollout is essential. Fultex, for example, not only installs their machines but offers multi-level training—for operators, managers, and maintenance personnel.
Practical Application:
When investing in new equipment, prioritize vendors that provide hands-on training and ongoing support. Make sure your staff are not just trained on the “what” but also the “why” and “how” of using the machine. Create SOPs for your unique folding needs (e.g., specialty folds, program switching, troubleshooting minor issues) as provided by the vendor during installation. Don’t settle for “figure it out yourself” distributors—insist on a partner, not just a supplier.
5. Embrace Continuous Improvement and Breaking Through Growth Plateaus
Takeaway: What got you here, won’t get you there. Owners stuck in “the way we’ve always done it” may hit ceilings that only new tools and systems will break.
Practical Application:
Be willing to revisit your processes with an objective eye. Even if your business has been stable for years, seek out inefficiencies and be open to change—especially when commercial accounts or higher volume is within reach. Don’t just upgrade your washers and dryers; invest equally in the “clean side” (folding/finishing) of your operation to keep up.
6. Design Your Space for Throughput and Flexibility
Takeaway: Folding machines require forethought in layout—an 8×20 foot rectangle is recommended for the Fultex AT230 with a bidirectional conveyor.
Practical Application:
During buildout or expansion, allocate ample space around your folding area. Adequate room for people to feed and retrieve linen, plus storage for bins, prevents bottlenecks and safety hazards. Don’t undersize—plan for how workflow and staff movement will interact with the equipment, especially as your volume grows.
7. Foster Vendor Relationships That Go Beyond the Sale
Takeaway: Customer-centric partners give you a competitive edge—whether you need advice, future upgrades, or urgent support.
Practical Application:
Build genuine relationships with your equipment reps and manufacturers. Choose those who take time to learn your business, offer honest guidance (including when to wait on a purchase!), and back up their promises with accessible, expert support. Check references and talk to other owners about their experiences. Great service isn’t just a perk—it’s a vital resource as you grow your laundromat empire.
Ready to Level Up?
Whether you own a laundromat or are prepping for your first acquisition, these strategies give you a blueprint for smarter investments and operational efficiency. Remember: automating folding isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a way to unlock new levels of service, scale, and profitability. Start by evaluating your volume, laying out your space, and reaching out to reliable vendors for guidance. When you’re ready to make the jump, your future self will thank you!
Want more insights or details about folding machines for your laundromat?
Reach out to vendors like Joe at Fultex, or join industry Q&As for personalized advice on scaling your business efficiently. Your growth journey starts with one smart step!
