5 Tips for Companies Considering Making the Switch to In-House Laundering Programs

Rising operating costs, stricter hygiene standards and the push for faster turnaround times are driving many companies to revisit how they manage workwear laundering. For industries where workers depend on uniforms or protective garments, like construction, manufacturing, logistics, utilities, food processing, healthcare and emergency services, the consistency and control of an in-house program is becoming more appealing.

This shift isn’t new. Industry insights show a growing preference for on-premises laundering, with one report finding that roughly 97% of an estimated 525,000 global commercial laundry sites already operate under an on-premises model. Leading equipment manufacturers and service providers echo this trend, noting that many businesses are developing their own in-house laundries or shifting back to OPL models to regain quality control and predictability and industry chemical suppliers point to a clear long-term preference emerging for on-premises programs.

If you’re considering bringing laundering in-house, the decision goes far beyond buying a few machines. Below are five practical tips to help you build a program that supports compliance, controls cost and protects your workforce.

1. Start With a Comprehensive Cost & Volume Analysis

The first step is determining whether an on-premises model is financially and operationally sustainable.

A strong analysis should include:

• Garment volume and soil levels – Daily PPE for food processing or energy sectors will differ significantly from weekly uniforms in general manufacturing.
• Hidden cost factors – Utilities, labor, chemistry, water treatment equipment maintenance and facility upgrades affect the full cost-per-garment.
• Cost-per-garment comparison – Compare your projected in-house cost-per-garment with current outsourcing rates, including surcharges and contract minimums.
• 3-5 year ROI models – Multi-year projections help forecast when an in-house programs becomes cost-neutral or cost-saving.

This step sets the foundation for whether an in-house operations is the right long-term strategy for your business.

2. Invest in Industrial-Grade Equipment Designed for High-Demand

Equipment choice significantly influences quality, throughput and compliance.

Look for:

• Programmable cycles to accommodate different garment types, contamination levels and safety requirements.
• High G-force extraction, which shortens drying times and reduces energy use
• Barrier or pass-through washers for FR garments or items exposed to chemicals or contaminants
• Automated chemical dosing and cycle tracking for consistency and reduced waste
• Supporting infrastructure such as proper ventilation, water filtration and redundancy

Well-selected equipment improves reliability and helps maintain the integrity of protective garments over time.

3. Maintain Compliance With PPE and Workwear Standards

Improper laundering can degrade protective garments, from fading hi-vis to weaking flame-resistant properties.

Key practices include:

• Following manufacturer care labels and relevant standards such as NFPA 2112, NFPA 70E and ANSI/ISEA 107
• Avoiding harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures
• Inspecting garments regularly and tracking wash counts
• Keeping documentation for audits and safety verification

Correct laundering helps preserve PPE performance and ensures workers remain protected.

4. Optimize Workflow, Layout and Staffing

A well-designed workflow prevents cross-contamination, reduces bottlenecks and supports consistent output.

Build your program around:

• Dedicated clean and soiled zones, especially for high-risk garments
• Sorting systems, including color-coded bins or RFID/barcode tracking
• Staff training covering sorting, equipment use, contamination control and inspection
• Preventive maintenance schedules and utility monitoring

The more structured the process, the more predictable, and cost-effective, your results will be.

5. Integrate Sustainability and Safety Practices

In-house laundering offers a unique opportunity to align with ESG and worker wellbeing initiatives.

Consider:

• Water recycling and heat recovery systems
• Energy-efficient machines and optimized extraction speeds
• Eco-conscious detergents that perform at lower temperatures
• Clear safety protocols for chemical handling and air quality

Sharing sustainability improvements with customers and employees can further reinforce your organization’s commitment to responsible operations.

Why Garment Selection Matters – Bisley® Performance Workwear

Even the most advanced in-house laundering setup depends on selecting garments built to withstand rigorous washing. Workwear not engineered for industrial laundering can fade quickly, lose shape or fail to meet safety standards after repeated cycles. Bisley® Performance Workwear is designed specifically for these demands, offering durable, colorfast fabrics, reinforced seams and dual-certified NFPA 2112 / NFPA 70E arc-rated protection that remains effective after repeated wash cycles. Longer-lasting garments reduce replacement costs, support sustainability goals and help maintain a consistent, professional appearance.

A Shift With Real Impact

Moving to an in-house laundering program is a strategic decision that requires planning, investment and clear operational processes. While it requires thoughtful planning and upfront investment, companies that implement the right equipment, workflows and garments often gain tighter control over quality, faster turnaround times and more predictable long-term costs. With a well-structured approach, an in-house laundering program can become a valuable extension of your safety, quality and sustainability efforts.

Interested in evaluating your laundering strategy?

Contact us to connect with a workwear specialist who can help assess your needs and recommend durable, industrial-laundry-ready solutions for your team.