In childcare settings, cleanliness is more than just a daily task – it’s a critical part of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for children, staff and families. From cot sheets and towels to dress-up clothes and smocks, laundry is a part of the constant cycle of care. But without the right commercial-grade equipment, maintaining hygiene compliance can become an uphill battle.
At Richard Jay, we work with childcare centres across Australia to help them meet regulatory standards and deliver peace of mind through reliable, high-performance laundry solutions.
Why laundry hygiene is crucial in childcare
Young children are more vulnerable to illness due to their developing immune systems, and group-care environments can quickly become hotspots for the spread of germs. Shared soft items such as bedding, blankets, bibs and clothing are common sources of contamination if not properly cleaned and disinfected.
This is why the National Quality Framework (NQF) and related state-based guidelines place a strong emphasis on hygiene practices in early childhood education settings – including laundry processes.
Centres are expected to:
- Minimise cross-contamination between clean and soiled items
- Use correct wash temperatures to kill bacteria and viruses
- Maintain clear records of laundry practices and protocols
- Ensure staff can safely operate laundry equipment without risk of injury.
The equipment used in your laundry plays a vital role in meeting these obligations.
Why domestic machines don’t make the cut
Many smaller centres still rely on domestic washers and dryers, but these machines simply aren’t designed for the demands of a busy childcare centre.
Common issues include:
- Inability to reach disinfection temperatures
- Shorter machine lifespans under heavy daily use
- Limited capacity and longer cycles
- Manual controls with no hygiene validation
- Higher water and energy consumption over time.
In contrast, commercial-grade machines are engineered to deliver hygiene-compliant results with greater efficiency and durability – making them a smarter long-term investment.
Key features to look for in childcare laundry equipment
At Richard Jay, we recommend equipment with features tailored to the unique needs of childcare centres, including:
- Hygiene control cycles that reach thermal disinfection temperatures
- Faster cycle times to handle high turnover without delays
- Ergonomic, user-friendly design to keep staff safe and reduce training time
- Energy and water-efficient operations to lower utility costs
- Compact commercial models suited to smaller laundry spaces.
We proudly supply Electrolux Professional equipment that meets these standards, supported by the Richard Jay team’s expert installation, training and servicing across Australia.
Partnering with Richard Jay for compliance and peace of mind
Choosing the right laundry partner means more than just selecting a machine. Richard Jay works closely with childcare providers to:
- Assess space and workflow requirements
- Recommend equipment that meets hygiene standards
- Ensure correct installation and staff onboarding
- Provide ongoing support and servicing to minimise downtime.
By helping you create a compliant, efficient and hygienic laundry process, we support your commitment to quality care and make everyday operations easier for your team.
Let’s get your childcare laundry future-ready
Whether you’re starting a new centre or upgrading your current setup, Richard Jay can help you meet hygiene requirements with confidence.
