Hospital Laundry Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare industry, the role of hospital laundry workers is often overlooked but it is no less crucial.

As the industry expands, so does the need for diligent individuals who can ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of hospital linens, playing a vital role in patient care and infection control.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a hospital laundry worker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this position,
• A hiring manager seeking to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes operations of a hospital,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable hospital laundry worker job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Hospital Laundry Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Hospital Laundry Workers carry out a wide array of tasks to ensure that hospitals have a steady supply of clean linens.

They are vital to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in a healthcare setting.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Sorting, washing, drying, and folding hospital linens such as bedsheets, towels, gowns, and surgical drapes
• Operating industrial laundry machines and dryers
• Inspecting linens for stains or damages and removing items that do not meet quality standards
• Packing clean laundry items for specific departments or wards
• Ensuring the laundry area is clean and organized
• Adhering to infection control procedures and guidelines
• Maintaining inventory of laundry supplies
• Documenting the quantity of linens processed each day
• Performing routine maintenance and cleaning of laundry equipment
• Complying with all safety and health regulations

 

Hospital Laundry Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a diligent Hospital Laundry Worker to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for the washing, drying, ironing, folding and distributing of hospital linens.

The Hospital Laundry Worker should adhere to health and safety standards, ensuring all linens are cleaned and sanitized to the highest standard.

 

Responsibilities

• Collect, sort, and process linens according to established procedures
• Operate washing and drying equipment, following all safety procedures
• Iron and fold clean linens
• Maintain an inventory of clean linens and distribute them as required
• Keep the laundry area clean and organized
• Report any equipment malfunctions or maintenance issues
• Adhere to health and safety regulations
• Ensure all linens meet quality standards

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Laundry Worker, preferable in a healthcare setting
• Knowledge of laundry procedures and equipment
• Understanding of health and safety regulations
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift heavy loads
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Training and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Hospital Laundry Worker
• Work Environment: Hospital laundry room, requires heavy lifting and standing for long periods of time.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Laundry Supervisor or Housekeeping Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $24,960 minimum to $35,500 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Hospital Laundry Worker Do?

Hospital Laundry Workers are key support staff in healthcare facilities, responsible primarily for managing and maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.

Their primary task involves washing, drying, folding, and distributing linens and clothes used in the hospital.

This may include bed sheets, blankets, towels, patient gowns, surgical linens, and staff uniforms.

They operate and maintain laundry equipment such as commercial washing machines, dryers, and iron presses.

They may also be responsible for checking and mending any torn or damaged items and removing stains.

They adhere strictly to hygiene and disinfection standards to ensure all hospital laundry is free from bacteria and other potential contaminants.

This includes properly segregating soiled linens and ensuring they are handled and cleaned appropriately to prevent cross-contamination.

Hospital Laundry Workers also manage inventory and keep track of linen supplies, reordering as necessary.

They are often expected to perform their duties promptly to ensure a continuous supply of clean linens and garments throughout the hospital.

While their work may be behind the scenes, they play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients and healthcare staff.

 

Hospital Laundry Worker Qualifications and Skills

Hospital Laundry Workers require a distinct set of skills and qualifications to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of linens in a hospital setting, including:

• Physical stamina and strength to handle heavy laundry equipment, stand for extended periods, lift and transport heavy linen loads.
• Knowledge of standard procedures for laundering and sanitizing hospital linens to maintain a safe and sterile environment.
• Understanding of how to use and maintain industrial laundry equipment, such as washing machines, dryers, and ironing machines.
• Ability to adhere to strict safety procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling potentially biohazardous linens.
• Attention to detail to ensure all linens are clean, intact, properly folded, and stored in the correct areas.
• Basic numeracy and record-keeping skills to track the quantity of linens cleaned and to manage inventory.
• Good organizational skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively as part of a team and communicate with other hospital staff as needed.

 

Hospital Laundry Worker Experience Requirements

Hospital Laundry Workers often start their career with no experience, as the role is considered entry-level and on-the-job training is typically provided.

Still, some employers may prefer candidates with at least a few months to a year of experience in a laundry or janitorial setting.

Prospective Hospital Laundry Workers may gain valuable experience through part-time or volunteer roles in commercial laundries, hotels, or healthcare facilities.

This experience should acquaint them with the proper handling and sorting of different types of linen, operation of commercial laundry equipment, and compliance with cleanliness and hygiene regulations.

Those with more than 2 years of experience are expected to be proficient in laundry operations and may have had exposure to specialized hospital procedures such as handling contaminated linen.

Hospital Laundry Workers with more than 5 years of experience often have developed skills in inventory management, quality control, and equipment maintenance.

They may also have gained some supervisory experience, making them suitable for leadership roles within the laundry department.

 

Hospital Laundry Worker Education and Training Requirements

A Hospital Laundry Worker usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent.

This role requires training on job-specific tasks, such as how to correctly and safely operate laundry equipment, which is usually provided on-the-job by the employer.

Most importantly, they must be trained in infection control and safety procedures due to the sensitive nature of hospital laundry.

Some hospitals may require Laundry Workers to complete a certificate program in infection control or a related field.

Hospital Laundry Workers must be able to identify various textiles and fabrics, as well as understand cleaning procedures and chemical usage.

Therefore, knowledge in these areas gained through vocational training or work experience can be beneficial.

In addition, they must be physically fit to handle heavy loads of laundry, stand for long periods, and work in hot conditions.

Some hospitals might also require laundry workers to have a valid driver’s license if their duties include delivering clean laundry to different departments.

While not usually required, a certificate in laundry operations or a related field can enhance a candidate’s skills and employability.

 

Hospital Laundry Worker Salary Expectations

A Hospital Laundry Worker can expect to earn an average salary of $26,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific hospital or healthcare organization for which they work.

 

Hospital Laundry Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Hospital Laundry Worker need?

A Hospital Laundry Worker needs to possess physical stamina and strength as the job involves considerable manual labor like lifting heavy loads of laundry.

They also need to possess attention to detail to ensure that all linen is properly cleaned, sorted, and returned to the relevant hospital areas.

Familiarity with different types of fabrics and the appropriate washing techniques is also important.

Good organizational skills and ability to work in a team are also required.

 

Do Hospital Laundry Workers need any specific qualifications?

While Hospital Laundry Workers do not need a degree, a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred.

They usually receive on-the-job training to familiarize them with the specific procedures of the hospital laundry room.

Knowledge about health and safety regulations can be an advantage, as well as previous experience in a laundry setting.

 

What should you look for in a Hospital Laundry Worker resume?

The applicant’s resume should showcase their experience in similar roles, particularly in a healthcare setting, as this would indicate their familiarity with health and safety regulations.

Look for proven physical stamina and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Any formal training or certification in laundry operations or housekeeping would be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Hospital Laundry Worker?

A good Hospital Laundry Worker is diligent, organized, and able to work efficiently under pressure.

They understand the importance of their role in maintaining hygiene standards in the hospital and are committed to doing their job thoroughly.

Good physical stamina, reliability, and attention to detail are also key qualities for a Hospital Laundry Worker.

 

Is it difficult to hire Hospital Laundry Workers?

The hiring process can be challenging due to the physical demands and somewhat repetitive nature of the work.

However, emphasizing the essential role of a Hospital Laundry Worker in maintaining a clean and safe hospital environment, and providing a supportive work environment can help attract suitable candidates.

 

Conclusion

So, there we have it.

Today, we’ve unmasked the true essence of being a hospital laundry worker.

And guess what?

It’s not just about washing and folding linens.

It’s about maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, one load at a time.

With our ready-to-use hospital laundry worker job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next move towards creating spot-on job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every load of laundry is a part of the bigger health picture.

Let’s maintain that cleanliness. Together.

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