1. Start With a Proper Laundry Load Assessment
Before selecting any machine, the most important step is to understand your daily linen load, which includes:
- The total kilos of linen processed per day
- Peak requirements (events, occupancy spikes, emergency loads)
- Types of linen (bed sheets, towels, gowns, uniforms, table linen, etc.)
- The number of hours your laundry operates per shift
This assessment determines not just the capacity of the machines, but how many machines you actually need. Stefab’s team conducts on-site surveys and develops customised laundry plans ensuring machine selection is based on real operational needs, not assumptions.
2. Identify Machine Types Based on Your Industry
Different industries have very different laundry challenges. Choosing machines that match your environment can significantly improve performance.
Hotels & Resorts
Hotels need equipment that handles mixed linen like towels, bed linen, banquet linen, and staff uniforms along with delicate guest laundry.
A typical hotel laundry setup includes:
- Folders / Feeders / Stackers (for larger properties)
- Auxiliary Equipment (Stain Removing Machine, Trolleys, Auto-Dozing Systems etc)
Many hotels prefer Stefab’s AX & FX Range Washer Extractors because they offer robust construction and smart controls ideal for high turnover operations.
Hospitals & Healthcare
Hygiene and cross-contamination control are non-negotiable. Healthcare laundries require:
- Infection Barrier Washer Extractors
- Finishing Equipment for doctor coats, other items etc
- Folders / Feeders / Stackers (for larger properties)
- Auxiliary Equipment (Stain Removing Machine, Scrub Station, Trolleys, Auto-Dozing Systems etc)
Stefab’s Infection Barrier Washers are specifically designed to keep soiled and clean areas completely separated, a requirement in hospitals.
Commercial Laundries
These businesses operate continuously and depend on machines with long life cycles and low downtime. Their setups often include multiple washers, larger-capacity dryers, and automated finishing equipment, fully automatic flat-work lanes along with multiple auxiliary equipment.
The main objective here is to achieve the lowest cost per cycle and making the entire system extremely lean when it comes to manpower, footprint, TAT etc.
Stefab excels in executing projects from design consultancy to complete turnkey delivery while making sure to optimize use of land, water, energy and manpower.
3. Understand Each Machine’s Role
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main equipment in any professional laundry:
Stefab Washer Extractors
They wash linens, garments etc and extract water using a high G-force thus reducing drying time.
Look for:
- Programmable smart controls
- Multiple heating modes (steam, electric, gas, Thermic Fluid)
- Durability standards like stated life of the equipment
The AX Range includes exclusive technology like MyHMI smart controls that allow operators to customize wash programs for different fabric types.
Tumble Dryers
Essential for quick and uniform drying.
Look for:
- Humidity Sensor-based drying
The DR Range uses advanced drying technology to prevent fabric damage and reduce energy use as well as has a self-cleaning lint screen where lint is cleaned after every wash cycle.
Flatwork Ironers, Folders, Feeders & Stackers
Used for sheets, duvet covers and table linen in hotels and hospitals.
Look for:
Folders, Feeders & Stackers
Stefab has exclusive high end automatic bed sheet folder, feeder & stacker with an option to run on single lane as well as two lane. These reduce manual labour and speed up finishing for high-volume operations.
4. Don’t Guess Machine Capacity - Use Data!
Machine capacity depends on:
Instead of using generic “room count → capacity” formulas, Stefab bases machine recommendations on kilo-based load analysis, which is the global industry standard.
Stefab designs systems capable of handling anywhere from 100 kg to 10,000+ kg per shift, depending on the business scale ensuring optimal performance without oversizing or under sizing equipment.
5. Prioritize Energy & Water Efficiency
Laundry operations consume significant resources. Modern machines can drastically reduce operational cost.
Stefab’s energy-efficient features include:
- Chestech heating options for reduced fuel cost
- MyHMI controls for IoT connectivity & automation
- BigBeat for high beating action using advanced basket design
- Efficient thermal insulation
- DrySense dryers for controlled, cost-effective drying
These features help businesses lower their costs.
6. After-Sales Service Matters More Than You Think
Even the best machines need periodic service. Downtime directly affects guest experience and operational flow.
Stefab’s Super Service Support (SSS) ensures:
- Large spare-parts inventory
- Nationwide service engineers
- Preventive maintenance programs
This gives businesses peace of mind and ensures machines run smoothly for years.
7. Layout, Space & Workflow Planning
Good laundry design increases efficiency and reduces labour hours.
Machine placement must ensure smooth movement from:
Sorting → Washing → Drying → Ironing → Folding → Dispatch
Stefab supports customers with:
- Utility requirement guidance
- Airflow, drainage & energy planning
This helps businesses avoid costly redesigns later.
Choosing industrial laundry equipment is not just about buying machines; it’s about building a system that supports your business for years. With a clear load assessment, the right machine mix, and a reliable service partner, your laundry can operate efficiently and cost-effectively.
With more than five decades of expertise, Stefab helps businesses design and build complete laundry solutions tailored to their actual needs ensuring reliability, hygiene, and performance every day.
