COVID-19 dramatically changed the way we conduct business last year, including how we do mundane tasks such as buying groceries and washing our clothes. Now that the dust has settled a bit and we try to relearn how to function in this post-Covid world, many people are wondering if they can safely use a laundromat if they don't have a washer and dryer at home. With that in mind, today we'll respond to a number of the most common concerns regarding how you can safely operate a laundromat in today's world such that your customers feel safe and comfortable. If you need to buy new or used coin-operated laundry equipment in Raleigh NC, T & L can make it happen. We offer upfront and honest pricing along with in-house financing. Call us today to learn more!
Practice Social Distancing and Mask Wearing to Safely Operate a Laundromat
Since the beginning of this pandemic, maintaining 6 feet of social distance and wearing masks have been critical to staying open, even for essential businesses such as commercial laundromats. Depending on the size of your facility, this could mean as few as one person doing laundry at a time. In order to make your customers feel more comfortable, encourage them to call ahead (if you're staffed) to find out how busy it is during a particular time. At the same time, people must use common sense. This includes adjusting the time in which they do laundry to off-peak times when it's generally less crowded.
Increase Facility Cleaning Protocols to Safely Operate a Laundromat
Even before the coronavirus became a factor, commercial laundromats should have been following a strict cleaning schedule that is followed daily, weekly, semiannually, and annually. In addition to that schedule, laundromat staff should be wiping down the front of the water and dryer, as well as any carts or baskets with disinfectant before and after customer use. If the facility is not staffed, customers should be wiping down the equipment themselves to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Additionally, customers and staff should wash their hands after moving wet laundry to the dryer and consider folding their clothes at home in order to avoid touching any tabletops where the virus can linger.
Avoid Laundering Services if You've Tested Positive for Covid-19
Encourage your customers to avoid laundering services and the laundromat if anyone in the household has been sick, at least for a couple of days. While we're still learning a lot about how long the coronavirus lives on surfaces and fabrics, the general consensus is that viruses don't usually live more than 2 to 3 days on dirty laundry. If you need to have your laundry serviced, bundle up the "infected" clothing and let it sit for a few days before taking it in to be cleaned. This will lower the chances of the laundering staff contracting the virus from you. For those sheltering in place, you can wear clothes more than once (of course, change your underwear on a daily basis) to decrease the number of pieces that need to be laundered.
Keep Those Dryers Working to Safely Operate a Laundromat
While washing clothes is obviously important, it may be even more important to dry them. The CDC recommends doing laundry with the warmest water possible and making sure that your laundry is completely dry rather than living it to hang dry. A hot dryer is the best approach to killing the virus, so make sure that your commercial drying units are fully functioning. For customers that prefer to hang-dry items, provide disposable gloves for them to wear while handling laundry as well as sinks for them to thoroughly wash their hands when they take the gloves off.
EASY LAUNDROMAT INVESTING IN NC AND SC
With 40 years of experience in this industry, we know what it takes to be successful. If you're interested in talking with our salesmen about a turnkey laundromat or updated commercial laundry equipment in North Carolina, contact us. We strive to work with you from the beginning of your journey to the end. T & L will help you plan and develop your vision as well as help you grow and succeed.
