Care Home Laundry Compliance – A Simple Guide

Care home laundry compliance probably isn’t the first thing people think of when they talk about running a care home — but anyone working in one knows it’s a big deal. Clean laundry keeps residents comfortable and, more importantly, helps stop the spread of infection.

But it’s not just about keeping things fresh. Care homes are expected to follow strict hygiene rules, especially when it comes to laundry. That’s where care home laundry compliance comes in — and getting it right matters for inspections, safety, and peace of mind.

What Does Care Home Laundry Compliance Actually Mean?

In simple terms, it’s about having safe, consistent laundry processes that meet hygiene standards and support infection control. That means using the right chemicals, handling laundry properly, and making sure staff know what they’re doing.

If your laundry setup isn’t up to scratch, it could count against you during a CQC inspection — especially under Regulation 12, which covers safe care and treatment. It’s all about reducing risk, and laundry plays a quiet but important role.

You don’t need a huge budget or a massive laundry room. What matters is having the right systems in place and showing that you’re using them properly.

So, What Do You Need to Have in Place?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what inspectors typically expect when it comes to laundry compliance:

• Dirty and clean laundry are handled separately (no cross-contamination)

• Laundry is washed at the right temperature, especially if it’s soiled

• Detergents and disinfectants are effective and suited for healthcare use

• Laundry chemicals are stored and used safely, following COSHH

• Staff are trained and confident in laundry procedures

• Equipment is maintained and running reliably

If this all sounds like a lot — you’re not alone. But thankfully, there are tools that can make it easier.

Auto dosing: Making Laundry Safer and Simpler

Let’s be honest — measuring out chemicals by hand is hit and miss. It’s easy to use too much or too little, and when hygiene is on the line, that’s a risk most care homes don’t want to take.

That’s where auto dosing systems come in. These systems take care of the dosing for you, releasing exactly the right amount of laundry chemical with every wash. No pouring, no guessing — just consistent results, every time.

They’re also a big plus during inspections. Being able to show you have an accurate, automated system in place ticks a lot of boxes — especially around safety, consistency, and infection control.

You can see more about our laundry chemicals and auto dosing systems here.

Don’t Forget Training and Checks

Even the best systems need people behind them who know how to use them properly. It’s worth making sure everyone involved in laundry (including relief or night staff) knows:

• How to sort and handle dirty laundry safely

• How to use the washing machines and auto dosing systems

• What chemicals are being used, and how to store them

• What to do if there’s a spill or problem

And then — just like any part of care home life — a few regular checks go a long way. That might mean testing dosing levels every now and then, doing a quick visual check on laundry areas, or making sure safety data sheets are easy to find.

Eco-Friendly and Still Compliant

There’s also a growing interest in eco-friendly laundry solutions, and yes — they can absolutely still meet all the hygiene and compliance standards you need.

At Able, we offer sustainable laundry chemicals that are gentle on the environment but tough on bacteria. They work perfectly with our auto dosing systems, so you get the best of both worlds: safe for residents, safe for inspectors — and kinder to the planet.

If you’re interested in reviewing your laundry system, book a free laundry site survey below and we’ll discuss how we can ensure your laundry results meets the quality of the other cogs in your home.

Care Home Laundry Compliance FAQ’s