Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Laundry Wash Attendant

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a reliable and energetic Laundry Wash Attendant to manage our laundry operations with precision and care. The ideal candidate is a proactive individual who takes pride in their work, ensuring a constant supply of fresh, clean linens for our clients or guests. You will be responsible for the entire laundry lifecycle, from sorting soiled items to operating commercial-grade equipment and preparing finished articles for distribution. This role is crucial for maintaining our standards of cleanliness and hygiene and requires a keen eye for detail, physical stamina, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Housekeeping Aide
General Laborer
Retail or Customer Service Associate

Advancement To:

Lead Laundry Attendant
Laundry Supervisor
Housekeeping Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Housekeeper
Linen Porter / Runner
Uniform Attendant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Meticulously sort all incoming soiled linens, towels, and garments by color, fabric type, and level of soil to ensure proper washing procedures and prevent color bleeding or fabric damage.
Pre-treat stains on fabrics using appropriate spotting and soaking techniques, identifying various types of stains to apply the correct chemical solutions for effective removal.
Safely and efficiently operate large-capacity, commercial-grade washing machines and dryers, correctly programming cycles, water temperatures, and drying times based on fabric requirements.
Accurately measure and dispense detergents, softeners, and other cleaning agents in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and company standards to ensure optimal cleaning and cost-efficiency.
Load and unload washers and dryers carefully, ensuring machines are not overloaded to allow for effective cleaning and to prevent equipment strain or damage.
Promptly fold, stack, and press all clean laundry, including sheets, towels, napkins, and uniforms, according to established quality standards for a neat and professional presentation.
Inspect all finished laundry items for cleanliness, quality, and any remaining stains or damages, re-routing items for re-washing or repair as necessary.
Maintain an organized and efficient workflow to process high volumes of laundry while consistently meeting tight deadlines and operational targets.
Adhere strictly to all safety and sanitation policies, including the proper handling of chemicals and bio-hazardous materials, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Perform routine cleaning and basic preventative maintenance on laundry equipment, such as cleaning lint filters and wiping down machine surfaces, to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Keep the laundry facility, including work stations, storage areas, and floors, clean, organized, and free of hazards to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
Receive and process customer drop-offs for wash-and-fold services, accurately weighing laundry and providing customers with pricing and pick-up time information.
Assemble and wrap completed customer orders, ensuring all items are accounted for and presented neatly for customer pickup.
Manage the inventory of clean linens, rotating stock and ensuring all departments or storage closets are supplied with the required par levels.
Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members regarding equipment malfunctions, supply shortages, or any issues affecting laundry production.
Operate a point-of-sale (POS) system or logbook to accurately track incoming and outgoing laundry orders, process payments, and maintain customer records.
Handle guest or client complaints and inquiries regarding laundry services with a professional and customer-focused attitude, aiming for swift resolution.
Assist in conducting periodic linen inventory counts to track usage, loss, and damage, reporting findings to the management team.
Follow specific instructions for delicate or special-care items to prevent damage and ensure they are laundered according to their unique requirements.
Consistently lift and transport heavy bags of soiled or clean laundry, often weighing up to 50 pounds, between sorting areas, machines, and storage.

Secondary Functions

Assist with the distribution of clean linens and uniforms to various departments or storage locations throughout the facility.
Maintain an accurate log of machine usage and report any operational issues or needs for professional repair to the maintenance department.
Support new team members by providing on-the-job guidance and demonstrating proper laundry procedures and safety protocols.
Monitor and restock laundry supplies, such as detergents, fabric softeners, and laundry bags, notifying a supervisor when inventory levels are low.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Operation of Commercial Washers & Dryers
Stain Identification and Treatment Techniques
Knowledge of Laundry Chemicals and Fabric Care
High-Volume Folding and Pressing
Basic Equipment Maintenance
Inventory and Supply Management
Point of Sale (POS) System Operation
Adherence to Health and Safety Standards (OSHA)

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail
Time Management and Organizational Skills
Physical Stamina and Strength
Reliability and Punctuality
Ability to Work Independently
Problem-Solving Abilities
Strong Work Ethic
Customer Service Orientation

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Relevant Fields of Study:

Hospitality
Customer Service

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of experience in a laundry, housekeeping, or general labor role.

Preferred:

1+ years of experience working in a high-volume commercial laundry environment, such as a hotel, hospital, or industrial laundry facility.