Ozone Laundry Systems: A Waterless Approach to Commercial Laundry

Commercial laundry operations use significant amounts of water, energy, and cleaning chemicals. For facilities processing large volumes of linens, uniforms, towels, or other textiles, even small changes in the wash process can have an impact on day-to-day operations.

Ozone laundry systems offer an alternative approach. Instead of relying solely on traditional washing methods, ozone is introduced into the wash process to help clean and sanitize while reducing the need for water and chemicals.

For hotels, healthcare facilities, multi-housing properties, and industrial operations, ozone washing systems may be worth considering as part of a larger commercial laundry strategy.

What Are Ozone Laundry Systems?

Ozone laundry systems use ozone (O₃) as part of the washing process. Ozone is a form of oxygen that can be introduced into the wash water to help break down soils, oils, and other contaminants.

Unlike the idea of a completely water-free laundry process, the term waterless washing machine is better understood as describing a system that can significantly reduce the amount of water required compared with conventional washing methods.

How Can Ozone Reduce Water and Chemical Use?

One of the main advantages of ozone laundry systems is their ability to reduce the amount of water and chemicals required during commercial laundry cycles. Because ozone can support the cleaning process, facilities may be able to achieve the required level of cleaning with less water and fewer traditional laundry chemicals than conventional washing processes.

Less Water per Wash
Traditional commercial laundry can require substantial amounts of water, particularly when processing large volumes of towels, linens, uniforms, and other textiles. Ozone technology can reduce the amount of water needed during the wash process.

For high-volume facilities, reducing water consumption can affect more than just the wash cycle itself. Using less water can also reduce the amount of water that needs to be heated, moved through the laundry system, and discharged after washing.

Reduced Chemical Use
Ozone can also reduce the reliance on some traditional chemical products used during washing. By helping break down soils and contaminants in the wash process, ozone may allow a facility to use less of certain detergents or other cleaning chemicals.

What About Energy?
Water savings can contribute to energy savings because less water may need to be heated. Ozone systems can also operate effectively at lower wash temperatures, which may further reduce the energy required to heat water.

The actual reduction in water, chemical, or energy use will depend on the facility’s existing equipment, laundry loads, wash programs, operating schedule, and system design. That is why proper system selection and installation matter. A commercial laundry specialist can evaluate the complete laundry operation and determine how an ozone system could fit into the facility’s existing workflow rather than simply adding an ozone unit without considering the rest of the system.

Which Facilities Can Benefit From Ozone Washing Systems?

Ozone technology can be considered in a range of commercial and institutional laundry environments.

Hotels and Hospitality →
Hotels may process large quantities of sheets, towels, pillowcases, uniforms, and other linens. An ozone system may be considered when a property is looking for ways to improve the efficiency of its on-site laundry operation.

Healthcare and Care Facilities →
Healthcare, senior-living, and supportive-living facilities have specific laundry requirements and often process linens and garments on a regular schedule. For these operations, equipment selection needs to account for laundry volume, textile types, workflow, available utilities, and installation conditions. Ozone may be one option to evaluate as part of a broader commercial laundry solution.

Multi-Housing Properties →
Apartment and condominium properties with shared laundry facilities also need equipment that can handle regular use while fitting the building’s available space, utilities, and operating requirements.

Industrial Operations →
Industrial facilities may have different laundry needs, including uniforms, work garments, towels, and other textiles. The right approach depends on the operation’s laundry volume and workflow. Ozone technology can be evaluated alongside other industrial laundry systems when planning or upgrading a facility.

Ozone Systems Are Part of a Larger Laundry Solution

An ozone system is only one part of a commercial laundry operation. Before selecting a system, facility managers and owners should consider:

• Current laundry volume
• Types of textiles being washed
• Existing washers and other equipment
• Available water, electrical, and other utilities
• Laundry room layout
• Operating schedule
• Existing wash processes
• Installation requirements
• Ongoing service and maintenance needs

These factors help determine whether an ozone system makes sense for a particular facility and how it should fit into the existing laundry workflow. For facilities planning a new or upgraded laundry room, ozone can also be considered during the equipment planning stage, rather than added as an afterthought.

Why Equipment Selection and Support Matter

Choosing a commercial laundry system involves more than selecting a piece of equipment from a catalogue. The system needs to work within the facility’s physical space, utilities, laundry volume, and workflow. Installation also needs to be considered from the beginning, along with the service and support required after the system is operating.

That’s where Coronet Equipment’s role goes beyond equipment sales.

Coronet Equipment Ltd. works with commercial, institutional, industrial, multi-housing, and specialized facilities across Alberta and Western Canada. The company helps customers evaluate their requirements, select appropriate commercial laundry solutions, and plan for installation and ongoing support.

The appropriate equipment will depend on the facility’s laundry volume, available utilities, workflow, and operating requirements. A site-specific discussion can help determine whether ozone technology is appropriate and what other equipment considerations should be addressed.

Considering an Ozone Laundry System?

Ozone laundry systems can provide an alternative approach to commercial laundry by using ozone during the wash process and potentially reducing water, energy, and chemical requirements. For facilities considering an upgrade, the important question is not simply whether ozone technology works. It is whether the system fits the facility’s actual laundry operation.

Contact Coronet Equipment to discuss your commercial laundry requirements and determine what type of system may be appropriate for your facility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are ozone laundry systems completely waterless?
While “waterless” is often used to describe the reduced-water approach associated with ozone laundry systems, they still use water; however, they may reduce the amount required compared with conventional washing processes.

What types of facilities use ozone laundry systems?
Ozone systems can be considered for hotels, healthcare and care facilities, multi-housing properties, industrial operations, and other organizations operating commercial or on-premise laundry facilities.

Can an ozone system be added to an existing commercial laundry operation?
Potentially, depending on the existing equipment, utilities, layout, workflow, and installation conditions. A facility-specific assessment is important before selecting a system.

Can ozone reduce commercial laundry water use?
Ozone laundry systems are designed to reduce water use as part of the wash process, but the actual reduction will depend on the facility and how its laundry operation is configured.

Does Coronet only sell ozone laundry equipment?
Coronet’s role extends beyond equipment sales. The company provides equipment selection, installation/support, and ongoing technical and service expertise for commercial and industrial laundry operations.