Laundry Equipment Best Practices for Firehouses & Emergency Services

Firehouses and other emergency service organizations can face laundry challenges unlike any other industry. Uniforms, turnout gear, and other items used by first responders are exposed to high levels of dirt, sweat, and all sorts of other hazardous contaminants. Cleaning these materials properly is not just a matter of appearance. It is absolutely essential for health, safety, and performance on the job. At Coronet Equipment, we understand the demands of emergency services and the importance of reliable laundry solutions that can protect your team’s assets and extend the life of your gear.

Emergency Services’ Unique Messes

Depending on the department or branch of service, first responders can face very dangerous and difficult situations. Whether they are working at the site of a car accident or a housefire, the result is usually a range of debris, contaminants, and other unsavory materials to clean off of their clothes. Some tougher stains, such as blood or oil, may require very powerful detergent or machines to try and remove it. Our technicians can provide the best machines and tools for the job to get things done.

The Importance of Specialized Laundry Care

As an example, let’s look at one of the primary emergency services: A firehouse. Unlike typical commercial laundry, firehouses must clean items designed to be protective, durable, and fire-resistant. Improper washing methods or the use of overly harsh chemicals can compromise the fabric integrity and reduce the effectiveness of gear. This makes specialized laundry equipment and proper care techniques essential. High-performance washers and dryers built for heavy-duty, high-volume use ensure contaminants are removed while maintaining fabric strength.

For fire and EMS teams, laundry isn’t about convenience. It’s also about safety. Contaminated gear can retain carcinogens like asbestos, harmful chemicals, and even pathogens. All of these are things that put first responders at great risk outside of a dangerous environment. Investing in laundry systems tailored for these challenges helps to protect both personnel and the community they serve.

Best Practices for Firehouse Laundry

When it comes to maintaining turnout gear and uniforms, following consistent procedures is key. The right equipment paired with the right practices reduces wear and ensures cleanliness after every call.

Here are a few essential best practices:

• Ensure you’ve got the right machine for the job: Standard washers and dryers cannot handle the size, weight, or safety requirements of turnout gear. As every situation is unique, use an industrial strength machine that is best suited to your location. Coronet has plenty of experience with providing first responders with industrial washers and dryers, as well as installation services and maintenance.
  
• Schedule routine maintenance: Ensuring that equipment is serviced regularly by trained technicians prevents breakdowns and guarantees consistent performance. This is vital in hard working jobs like firefighting, where the teams can sometimes be called out every day back to back and need fresh clothes right away.
  
• Choose the right detergents: Specialized cleaning agents designed for protective fabrics ensure contaminants are removed without damaging fibers. Ask us for more details on choosing the right detergent for your machines.
  

Partnering With Experts

Selecting and maintaining laundry equipment is not a one-size-fits-all process. Emergency services benefit from working with companies that understand the specific needs of first responders. At Coronet Equipment, we provide access to top-quality laundry machines built to handle the unique demands of different industries such as firehouses and EMS departments. Just as important are our trained technicians, who are available to service and maintain your machines, ensuring they stay in peak condition and efficiency year after year.

Along with machines and maintenance, Coronet can also provide you with replacement parts from whichever manufacturer or brand you may need. Our extensive inventories and connections can help you get your washers and dryers back to work again with minimal downtime or hassle.

Protecting Gear, Protecting People

The laundry room may not be the first place people think of when considering emergency readiness, but it plays a vital role in keeping first responders and those they serve safe. Properly maintained gear can extend its usable life and ensure it is functional when lives are on the line. By following the best practices and partnering with trusted experts like Coronet Equipment, firehouses and other emergency services can be confident their teams are protected and prepared.

Contact us today to get the ball rolling on a great partnership that can help to extend the lives of your team and the gear they wear.