Facilities managers carry the weight of ensuring that all aspects of a building’s operations run smoothly, and laundry services are no exception. Whether you’re managing a hospital, care home, hotel, gym, or spa, maintaining laundry hygiene is not just about appearances — it’s a matter of health, compliance, and operational efficiency.
This ultimate laundry checklist is designed to help facilities managers stay on top of hygiene standards and ensure compliance with UK regulations and best practices.
Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Before diving into laundry routines, it’s crucial to understand the regulations that govern hygiene in commercial laundry operations:
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all employees.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH): Governs the safe use of cleaning chemicals and biological hazards.
HTM 01-04 (Healthcare Settings): Outlines decontamination procedures for linen used in NHS and healthcare environments.
CQC and Environmental Health Guidance: Applies to care homes and public facilities, ensuring that laundering processes do not pose infection risks.
Familiarity with these regulations sets the foundation for compliant and hygienic laundry management.
Segregate Soiled and Clean Linen
Segregation is critical to avoid cross-contamination. Follow these best practices:
Use colour-coded bags for different types of soiled linen (e.g., red for infected, white for general soiled items).
Keep dirty and clean linen in separate designated areas.
Implement clear signage and physical barriers between clean and contaminated zones.
Training staff to recognise and handle different types of linen appropriately is essential in high-risk environments.
Create a Routine Inspection Schedule
Daily and weekly inspections ensure that machines, chemicals, and workflows meet hygiene standards. Your routine should include:
Daily checks: Machine cleanliness, detergent levels, and lint filter cleaning.
Weekly checks: Drum de-scaling, pipe inspections, and water temperature calibration.
Monthly checks: Full machine servicing, documentation of maintenance, and infection control reviews.
Use checklists and logbooks to document inspections and identify recurring issues.
Maintain Correct Washing Temperatures
The right temperature is vital to kill pathogens without damaging fabrics. The UK Department of Health recommends:
60°C for general soiled linen if using a detergent with a disinfecting agent.
71°C for at least 3 minutes for thermal disinfection when chemical disinfection isn’t used.
Low-temperature washes (40°C) are acceptable only with approved detergents proven to kill bacteria.
Modern laundry equipment often includes pre-set disinfection cycles to simplify compliance.
Choose the Right Detergents and Disinfectants
Always select laundry chemicals that are:
Compliant with COSHH regulations.
Certified for commercial use and appropriate for the linen type.
Capable of removing biological contaminants including blood, faeces, and other bodily fluids.
Keep Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on-site for every chemical used and ensure staff are trained in their safe application.
Ensure Proper Staff Training
Your team is your first line of defence against hygiene breaches. Provide ongoing training in:
Infection control procedures
Correct PPE (personal protective equipment) usage
Handling and transporting soiled linen
Emergency response in case of chemical exposure or equipment malfunction
Refresher courses and visual reminders (e.g. wall charts) help reinforce best practices.
Implement a Linen Storage System
Clean linen should be stored in a dedicated, dry, and dust-free area, ideally in closed cupboards or containers. To avoid contamination:
Avoid storing clean linen near cleaning supplies, chemicals, or waste.
Rotate stock using a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system to prevent ageing or discolouration.
Keep shelves and storage units sanitised regularly.
Audit Laundry Performance
An effective way to measure and maintain standards is through regular internal audits or third-party inspections. Review:
Machine temperature and cycle reports
Cleaning logs and staff training records
Customer or patient feedback regarding linen cleanliness
Use the data to revise procedures and identify areas needing improvement.
Outsourcing vs. In-House Laundry: Know When to Switch
Some facilities choose to outsource laundry services to specialised providers who guarantee compliance and consistency. This may be a smart move if:
Space for laundry is limited
Staff turnover is high
Equipment maintenance is inconsistent
You’re struggling to meet infection control requirements
Partnering with an accredited laundry service can also streamline audits and inspections.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is increasingly a part of compliance and public reputation. To reduce environmental impact:
Use energy-efficient washers and dryers
Opt for biodegradable detergents and packaging
Recycle damaged linens where possible (e.g. as cleaning cloths)
Monitor and minimise water usage
Green practices can also lead to long-term cost savings and enhanced stakeholder confidence.
Stay Ahead with a Proactive Approach
Laundry might not be the most glamorous part of facilities management, but it’s undeniably one of the most critical. From infection prevention to compliance with UK regulations, your laundry processes must be precise, consistent, and well-documented.
By following this checklist, facilities managers can ensure they are not only meeting legal obligations but also providing a safer and more hygienic environment for all users of the facility. A proactive approach doesn’t just prevent problems — it builds trust and reliability into every corner of your operation.