Begin with dry linen kilograms per day, divide by productive operating hours, then check the result against real cycle times, loading efficiency, peak demand and the balance between washing, drying and finishing.
1. Collect the inputs
At minimum, record daily dry weight, textile categories, operating hours, number of shifts, peak-day factor and required turnaround. Hotels should separate room linen, towels and food-and-beverage linen because their processes differ.
2. Estimate required hourly throughput
A basic planning figure is:
Required hourly throughput = daily dry linen weight ÷ productive processing hours.
Productive hours are lower than staffed hours because loading, unloading, sorting, cleaning and changeovers take time. Add a realistic allowance instead of assuming continuous nameplate output.
3. Convert throughput into batches
Compare required hourly throughput with probable cycle time and practical loading. A machine labelled with a nominal kilogram capacity should not be treated as proof of exact hourly output for every textile mix.
| Input | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Dry load weight | Provides the baseline for washer capacity. |
| Cycle time | Determines how many batches can run per hour. |
| Peak factor | Prevents normal-day sizing from failing on high-demand days. |
| Textile mix | Changes loading, programs, drying and finishing routes. |
| Redundancy | Reduces the operational impact of maintenance or failure. |
4. Balance the full process
Washer capacity alone is not a system. Check whether dryers can accept the washer batches at the expected residual moisture, and whether sheets have enough ironing and folding capacity. Also confirm storage, sorting and dispatch space.
5. Prepare the project brief
- Daily dry linen volume and peak-day volume
- Operating hours and shifts
- Textile categories and dimensions
- Available power, water, drainage, heating and ventilation
- Room plan and access dimensions
- Target labour and automation level