Can You Use Domestic Laundry Equipment in a Care Home?

When it comes to running a care home, laundry is more than just a chore — it’s a vital part of infection control and resident wellbeing. A question we often hear is: what’s the difference between domestic vs commercial laundry in care homes? At first glance, using domestic machines might seem like a cost-saving shortcut. But in reality, the choice between domestic vs commercial laundry systems has serious implications for hygiene, compliance, and day-to-day efficiency.

Why Laundry Standards Matter in Care Homes

Care homes handle soiled linen daily, often contaminated with bodily fluids, bacteria, or viruses. As a result, the washing process must go beyond simply “looking clean.” It needs to deliver thermal or chemical disinfection that kills pathogens and meets Department of Health and Social Care guidelines.

Transitioning from domestic to commercial laundry isn’t just about scaling up—it’s about meeting healthcare-grade standards. Domestic machines simply aren’t built for this level of performance or consistency.

Domestic vs Commercial Laundry: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the difference between commercial and domestic laundry equipment can help care home managers make informed, compliant decisions. Here’s how they compare:

1. Disinfection Capabilities

Domestic machines often operate at lower temperatures and lack validated disinfection cycles. In contrast, commercial washers can achieve thermal disinfection (71°C for 3 minutes) or chemical disinfection with auto-dosing systems.

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2. Water Regulations Compliance (WRAS)

Commercial laundry equipment used in care homes must be WRAS-approved Category 5 to prevent backflow contamination. Most domestic machines don’t meet this legal requirement.

3. Capacity and Durability

Domestic washers and dryers are designed for occasional household use. In a care home, they break down more quickly under heavy loads. Commercial machines are built for reliability and faster cycle times, which helps prevent laundry backlogs.

4. Servicing and Maintenance

Care home operators are legally required to maintain equipment under PUWER regulations. Commercial machines are serviceable, auditable, and covered by maintenance contracts. Domestic ones are not.

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What the Guidelines Say

According to the Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 01-04, healthcare laundry processes must achieve full disinfection. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) also looks for evidence of compliant laundry systems during inspections.

Using domestic equipment could lead to:

• Failed inspections
• Infection outbreaks
• Invalidated insurance coverage

So, while domestic machines may be cheaper upfront, the risks and long-term costs are significant.

Signs It’s Time to Upgrade

Still using domestic equipment? Here are a few signs it’s time to consider upgrading:

• Machines can’t maintain 60°C+ for entire cycles
• Growing laundry volumes and delays
• Frequent machine failures
• No validation or disinfection records

Switching to commercial laundry isn’t just a compliance move—it can drastically improve turnaround time and energy efficiency.

What to Look for in a Commercial Setup

When selecting commercial laundry equipment for a care home, consider:

• WRAS Category 5 backflow protection
• Auto-dosing systems for consistency and safety
• Disinfection validation features
• Energy and water efficiency ratings
• Servicing contracts with 24/7 response

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Final Thoughts

While it may be tempting to use domestic laundry machines in a care home, it’s simply not worth the risk. Commercial laundry equipment ensures you meet health regulations, protect residents, and avoid service interruptions. When comparing domestic vs commercial laundry, it’s clear that the stakes are higher in care environments. The wrong choice doesn’t just risk breakdowns — it can lead to failed inspections and unsafe hygiene practices.

Choosing the right laundry setup is a critical decision. It affects everything from infection control to staff efficiency to suitable chemicals.

Need help reviewing your current system? Get in touch for a free consultation.

Clean laundry isn’t just about comfort—it’s a matter of safety. Make sure your care home is equipped for both.

Domestic vs Commercial Laundry FAQs