A communal laundry can add real value to apartment buildings and body corporate properties when it’s done well. Poor layouts, poor machine selection, and unclear directions for using the space often create frustration. Here are some tips on how to set up a reliable communal laundry.
Tips for Setting Up a Great Communal Laundry
Choose the right laundry equipment
Start with the right machine mix. Think about how many people will use the laundry and choose a combination of washers and dryers that can handle peak times. Commercial laundry equipment is best for communal laundries, Commercial machines can handle larger loads, wash laundry faster and use less water than domestic models.
Nina’s Laundrette can provide commercial laundry equipment for communal laundries at no cost the the owners committee. Visit our no cost laundry equipment for body corporates page to learn more.
Think about your layout
Layout matters. Allow enough space between machines for people to move comfortably. Keep clean and dirty laundry areas separate. If you can, include bench space for folding or, at a minimum,m a shelf where residents can leave their washing basket. That way, if their cycle finishes before they return, other residents can place their laundry in their basket and use the accent machine.
Provide clear signage for your communal laundry
Provide clear signage that lets residents know how to operate the machines, when the laundry can be used and where to report problems.
Make hygiene easy
Provide bins for lint and packaging, and keep cleaning wipes or paper towel nearby for spills. If your building has a grounds keeper or maintenance contractor, include cleaning the shared laundry in their cleaning schedule.
Communal Laundry Room Etiquette for Apartments and Body Corporates
Shared spaces need clear rules. Setting expectations for a shared laundry reduces conflict and keeps the space usable for everyone.
Don’t leave your clothes in the washing machine or dryer
Be sure to remove clothes promptly from the washing machine or dryer after the cycle has finished. Leaving a full machine unattended slows everyone down. A simple sign reminding people to set timers can help.
Is it OK to take someone’s unattended laundry out of the machine?
Generally, yes. Your body corporate should have rules for this and display them in the communal laundry.
If you arrive to use the laundry and someone’s laundry is still in the machine, then it’s generally OK to remove their clothes from the machine and respectfully stack them in that person’s laundry basket.
Leave the laundry in the same way you found it
Communal laundries are a shared space, so everyone should do their bit to look after the space, even if your building has a cleaner. Be sure to wipe up any spills (water or detergent) and clean out the lint catcher in the dryer after you have finished using it.
Outsource Your Communal Laundry Room Management to Nina’s Laundrette
Nina’s Laundrette offers a zero-cost communal laundry management model – providing commercial laundry equipment, installation, servicing and customer service at no cost to the owners. That’s a big win for your maintenance budget.
The service is available across Australia and is suitable for properties with 20 units or more.
Nina’s Laundrette sets up the right equipment for your building. No one-size-fits-all. Every setup is tailored to your resident numbers and space. All our machines accept card payments, and we even include a QR code on our machines so that residents can report issues directly to us.
Want to learn more? Visit the Laundry Room Management page on our website to learn how you can outsource the responsibility and cost of providing and maintaining laundry equipment to Nina’s Laundrette.