Summer is peak season for sun, surf, and… sandy, stained laundry. If you own a commercial laundry facility near the beach, whether you manage laundry for a beachfront hotel, vacation rental, or resort, you know the beach can be tough on linens and equipment alike. Between gritty sand, greasy sunscreen, and the corrosive effects of saltwater, summer laundry loads require extra attention.
Here’s a breakdown of how each of these beach-specific challenges affects your laundry, plus practical advice to protect your fabrics, equipment, and time.
Commercial Laundry Facility Near the Beach: Tips for Dealing with Sand: Small Grains, Big Problems
Sand is a common nuisance in beach laundry. It clings to towels, hides in pockets, and settles into the corners of your washing machines. While it may seem harmless, sand is abrasive. It can wear down fabric fibers and damage internal parts of your machines over time.
What to do about it:
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Shake first, wash second. Encourage guests or staff to shake out towels and clothes thoroughly before tossing them into hampers. Consider providing signage or written reminders in guest materials.
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Use mesh bags or bins for sandy items. These can help contain the grit until it’s time for a wash.
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Run an empty rinse cycle weekly. This helps flush residual sand out of the drums and drains, especially if you’re processing high volumes.
Pro tip: Avoid overloading washers. More space in the drum allows sand to dislodge and rinse away more effectively.
Commercial Laundry Facility Near the Beach Beach tips for dealing with sunscreen:
Sunscreen is essential at the beach, but it’s notorious for staining linens, especially those white hotel towels. Many sunscreen formulas contain ingredients like avobenzone and minerals that react with hard water and create yellow or orange stains. On top of that, the oil-based components can leave residue in washers and dryers.
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Pretreat as soon as possible. Use an enzyme-based stain remover on greasy spots before laundering.
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Use hot water when appropriate. High heat helps break down oily residues, but always follow fabric care labels.
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Avoid fabric softener. It can trap oils and make the problem worse.
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Clean machines regularly. Sunscreen buildup can cling to washer drums and dryer lint screens, so make machine cleaning part of your weekly routine during peak season.
If you’re running a facility that sees dozens of sunscreen-covered towels each day, consider a heavy-duty detergent designed for grease and body oils. It’ll make a noticeable difference.
Commercial Laundry Facility Near the Beach Tips: Saltwater - Hard on Fabrics and Equipment
Saltwater doesn’t just dry out your skin—it’s also tough on fabric and machinery. Left untreated, it can weaken fibers, cause rust in metal components, and shorten the life of both linens and laundry equipment.
How to minimize saltwater damage:
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Rinse items as soon as possible. If you can’t wash a saltwater-soaked item right away, rinsing it with fresh water helps prevent buildup.
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Wash promptly. Don’t let wet, salty items sit in hampers or bins for too long. The longer they wait, the more damage can set in.
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Inspect your machines. Regular maintenance is key in salty environments. Look for signs of rust or corrosion, especially on drums, seals, and dispensers.
This is where professional commercial laundry systems pay off. They’re built to withstand higher volumes and harsher conditions than standard appliances. Still, even the best machines benefit from extra care in coastal settings.
Bonus Tip: Use White Linens Wisely
While white towels and sheets are the industry standard for many resorts and rentals, unfortunately, they also show every little stain, especially from sunscreen and salt. If you’re constantly replacing whites due to discoloration, it may be worth rethinking your inventory. Stocking a small supply of darker or patterned towels for beach-specific use can help extend the life of your white linens.
Wrapping Up
Summer is great for business, but it also brings some of the most challenging laundry days of the year. With the right prep and practices, you can tackle sand, sunscreen, and saltwater like a pro.
By following these beach laundry tips, you’ll extend the life of your linens, keep your equipment running smoothly, and ensure guests enjoy clean, fresh laundry all summer long.
Looking for better equipment or support during the busy season? T & L Equipment is here to help. Whether you need upgraded machines or expert service, we’ve got solutions tailored to coastal facilities. Let’s keep your laundry running clean, even when the beach is anything but.
