Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Laundry Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively searching for a detail-oriented and highly motivated Laundry Assistant to become a vital part of our operations team. In this role, you are the backbone of our presentation and hygiene standards, responsible for processing all linens, towels, and uniforms with the utmost care and efficiency. The ideal candidate is a proactive individual who takes pride in their work, understands the importance of cleanliness, and can work effectively both independently and as part of a larger team. You will ensure a constant supply of fresh, clean linen is available to support our daily operations, directly impacting guest satisfaction and overall business success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Housekeeping Attendant
Retail or Stock Associate
General Laborer / Entry-Level position with no prior experience

Advancement To:

Laundry Supervisor / Team Lead
Housekeeping Supervisor
Facilities Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Housekeeping Room Attendant
Maintenance Assistant
Uniform Room Attendant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Accurately sort all soiled linens, towels, and garments by color, fabric type, and level of soil to ensure proper washing procedures and prevent fabric damage or color bleeding.
Operate and monitor high-capacity commercial washing and drying equipment, including loading and unloading items and selecting the appropriate cycles, water temperatures, and settings.
Precisely measure and administer cleaning agents, detergents, bleaches, and softeners according to established formulas and safety protocols.
Meticulously inspect all laundered items for stains, tears, or other damage post-wash and pre-folding, setting aside items that require special treatment or repair.
Expertly treat and remove stains from various fabrics using appropriate spotting techniques and chemical solutions, ensuring the longevity and appearance of the linen.
Skillfully operate commercial pressing and folding machinery, or fold items by hand to meet strict presentation and storage standards.
Maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory of all linen, terry, and uniforms, tracking items sent to and returned from all departments.
Systematically count and bundle clean linens into designated quantities for distribution, ensuring all departments receive their required pars.
Organize and stock linen closets and storage areas in a neat and orderly fashion, ensuring easy access and rotation of stock (first-in, first-out).
Adhere strictly to all health, safety, and sanitation guidelines, including the proper handling of soiled items and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Perform routine cleaning and basic preventative maintenance on laundry machinery and equipment to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Immediately report any equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or shortages of supplies to the Laundry Supervisor or Maintenance Department.
Handle and process guest laundry requests with care and confidentiality, ensuring items are returned promptly and in pristine condition.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment within the laundry facility at all times.
Assist in receiving and recording new linen deliveries, verifying quantities against purchase orders.
Manage the processing of specialty items, such as drapes, blankets, and staff uniforms, following specific care instructions.
Rotate between various stations within the laundry department, including sorting, washing, drying, pressing, and folding, as directed by the supervisor.
Log and document processed volumes and discarded items to assist management with operational analysis and budget planning.
Safely transport heavy carts of soiled and clean linen to and from various locations within the facility.
Collaborate with the housekeeping and other departments to anticipate linen needs and manage fluctuating demands during peak periods.

Secondary Functions

Provide support to the Housekeeping department with room stripping or cart stocking during periods of high occupancy or staff shortages.
Assist in conducting periodic linen inventory counts for accounting and purchasing purposes.
Deliver clean, folded linens and uniforms directly to various departments or guest areas as needed.
Participate in departmental meetings and training sessions focused on safety, new procedures, and quality improvement.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Operation of commercial-grade washers, dryers, and pressers.
Knowledge of different fabric types and their specific laundering requirements.
Proficiency in stain identification and chemical treatment techniques.
Ability to perform basic math for counting, inventory tracking, and chemical measurement.
Understanding of OSHA standards and workplace safety protocols, particularly regarding chemical handling.
Linen inventory management and control.
Ability to perform minor troubleshooting and maintenance on laundry equipment.
Skill in folding and stacking linens to specific company standards for storage and presentation.
Knowledge of infection control principles, especially in a healthcare or hospitality setting.
Efficiently loading and unloading heavy laundry carts and machinery.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
Strong time management and organizational skills to meet tight deadlines.
Physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods and lift heavy loads (up to 50 lbs).
Reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.
Ability to work effectively independently with minimal supervision.
Teamwork and communication skills to coordinate with other departments.
Adaptability and flexibility to handle changing workloads and priorities.
Problem-solving skills to address issues like equipment faults or difficult stains.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Relevant Fields of Study:

Hospitality
General Studies

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years. On-the-job training is provided.

Preferred: 6+ months of experience in a commercial laundry facility, hotel, hospital, or similar environment is highly desirable.