The Different Types Of Laundry Businesses
Published: 05-08-2025
The commercial laundry industry spans across many industries and business types. From laundrettes to high-end specialist dry cleaning services, the industry offers a variety of services to suit different preferences and requirements.
Here are some of the most common laundry service types that utilise commercial and industrial laundry equipment:
Laundry Service Types:
Self-Service Laundromats / Launderettes
Self-Service laundromats/laundrettes are the most basic and common laundry facility. They are equipped with a range of coin-operated or contactless commercial laundry equipment which anyone can use to wash and dry their clothes. They are ideal for those who prefer to handle their own laundry but lack the space or equipment at home.
Laundrettes are found on local high streets, housing developments, and shared accommodations sites such as student housing.
Laundrettes will use commercial washing machines and tumble dryers because they can handle larger loads, they last longer than domestic machines, and are often quicker and more efficient. On top of this, commercial machines are often stackable so they can be used to get around space constraints.
Dry Cleaners
Dry cleaning is a specialised laundry service that uses liquid solvents instead of water to clean clothes, this is particularly beneficial for delicate fabrics that cannot withstand the rigors of a standard washing machine. This process is effective in removing stains and maintaining the quality of clothes such as suits, dresses, and coats.
All items with a ‘dry clean only’ label should be taken to a dry cleaner to prolong their life and quality. When the clothes are clean, a dry cleaner will then use other specialist equipment alongside a commercial iron to finish it professionally.
Fully Staffed Laundries / Wash-and-Fold Laundry
In full-serviced laundries, customers drop off their dirty laundry and the staff take care of everything – from washing to drying to folding. The cost is typically based on the weight of the laundry and many full-service laundries offer pick-up and delivery options.
Fully staffed laundries can be operated as a back-of-house service in laundrettes, in large hotels, or as a stand-alone entity open for public use.
These laundries rely on durable commercial washing machines and commercial tumble dryers that offer medium to high capacities.
Commercial Laundries
A commercial laundry is a facility where industrial washing machines and industrial tumble dryers are operated by professional employees with no public access.
These cater to business such as hotels, hospitals, and restaurants where there is a constant need for clean linens, uniforms, and other fabrics.
These types of laundries are equipped to handle large volumes of laundry with industrial-grade machines, ensuring efficiency and high standards of cleanliness.
Mobile Laundry Services
The increase of on-demand services has created the mobile laundry service. The ultimate in convenience, these services allow you to schedule a pickup where they come to your doorstep to collect your laundry, and a delivery often within 24 hours.
Speciality Fabric Cleaning
Certain materials such as leather, suede, or silk require special care beyond the abilities of regular laundry services. Speciality fabric cleaning services have the expertise and equipment to handle these materials ensuring they’re treated with the upmost care.
GA Commercial
At GA Commercial we supply a wide range of commercial laundry equipment to businesses just like these listed above and more. We cater to a wide variety of business sectors and needs. If you’re in the market for new commercial laundry equipment for your business or facility, get in contact with our team today.