Industrial Laundry Machine Operator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced industrial world, the role of industrial laundry machine operators is more critical than ever.

As the industrial sector evolves, the demand for skilled individuals who can operate, maintain, and troubleshoot complex laundry machinery grows.

But what does the role of an industrial laundry machine operator really entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to comprehend the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complex world of industrial laundry operations,

You’re at the right place.

Today, we present a customizable industrial laundry machine operator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Industrial Laundry Machine Operator Duties and Responsibilities

Industrial Laundry Machine Operators manage and operate washing and drying machines to wash industrial or household articles, such as cloth garments, suede, leather, furs, blankets, draperies, linens, rugs, and carpets.

They play a crucial role in ensuring clean and well-maintained fabrics and linens for various industries.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines and add specified amounts of detergents or other cleaning agents
• Operate machines to wash and dry articles
• Sort articles before cleaning, separating them by fabric type, color, and cleaning technique required
• Inspect articles for stains and fabrics that require special care
• Check the cleanliness and condition of articles after washing and make adjustments to cleaning process as needed
• Maintain machines by cleaning them, changing filters, or performing other routine maintenance tasks
• Monitor machines during cleaning cycle and report any malfunctions to supervisor
• Manage inventory of cleaning supplies and order more as necessary
• Follow safety procedures and guidelines to prevent accidents or damage to the machines
• Package cleaned articles for return to the customer

 

Industrial Laundry Machine Operator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a highly skilled Industrial Laundry Machine Operator to join our team.

Your primary responsibility will be to operate and monitor washing, dry cleaning, and drying machinery, including loading and unloading laundry.

Our ideal candidate has an eye for detail, good knowledge of fabrics and chemicals, and is committed to providing excellent service to our clients.

 

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor washing, dry cleaning, and drying machinery, including adding chemicals, and cleaning lint traps.
• Identify stained or damaged items and determine status for repair, spot treatment, rewash, or discard.
• Inspect cleanliness of articles removed from the washer, dryer, or dry cleaning machines and place in clean receptacles.
• Load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to perform loading.
• Sort and count articles removed from dryers and fold, wrap, or hang them.
• Examine and sort items into lots to be cleaned, according to color, fabric, weight, size and cleaning technique required.
• Perform maintenance on machines, including troubleshooting problems and calling for repairs.

 

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is preferred.
• Previous experience as a Laundry Machine Operator or similar role.
• Knowledge of laundering techniques and procedures.
• Physical strength and stamina to lift and move heavy items.
• Understanding of machine operations and maintenance.
• Strong attention to detail and respect for cleanliness.
• Ability to work in a team.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Industrial Laundry Machine Operator
• Work Environment: Industrial Laundry facility. This job may require physical exertion, including lifting heavy items and standing for extended periods.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Laundry Supervisor or Laundry Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• 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 an Industrial Laundry Machine Operator Do?

Industrial Laundry Machine Operators primarily work in commercial laundry services that cater to hospitals, hotels, and other large-scale operations.

These professionals are responsible for loading soiled items into washing machines, adding specific amounts of detergent, and setting the machines to the correct washing cycle, including temperature and spin speed.

They must carefully sort the laundry according to color, fabric type, and dirt level.

Once the washing cycle is complete, they transfer the clean laundry to dryers, again ensuring the correct settings for each load.

Industrial Laundry Machine Operators also conduct regular maintenance checks on the machines to ensure they are running smoothly and efficiently.

This includes tasks such as clearing lint traps, inspecting for damage, and reporting any mechanical issues.

Finally, they may also be tasked with folding, packing, and storing clean laundry, ready for distribution.

They must adhere to hygiene and safety standards at all times to ensure the best service for their clients.

 

Industrial Laundry Machine Operator Qualifications and Skills

Industrial Laundry Machine Operators need a combination of technical knowledge, physical abilities and soft skills to ensure smooth and effective operations, including:

• Technical skills to operate, maintain and troubleshoot industrial laundry machines and other related equipment.
• Physical abilities to stand for long periods, lift heavy loads, and perform repetitive tasks.
• Attention to detail to ensure laundry is properly sorted by fabric type and color, correctly loaded into machines, and properly folded or hung after processing.
• Understanding of safety procedures and protocols to ensure a safe working environment, including the correct use of personal protective equipment and handling of chemicals.
• Time management skills to ensure efficient operation of the laundry process, meeting deadlines and ensuring a continuous supply of clean linen.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively as part of a team, communicate with supervisors and co-workers, and assist in training new staff if required.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues that may occur during the laundry process, such as machine malfunctions or quality issues with the laundry.

 

Industrial Laundry Machine Operator Experience Requirements

Entry-level Industrial Laundry Machine Operators typically require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, with some having gained basic experience in a similar role or environment.

A hands-on experience with industrial laundry equipment, even in a trainee role, would be an asset.

This could be obtained through internships, part-time roles, or vocational training programs.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience usually have developed the necessary skills to operate and maintain the machines, manage the linen inventory, and ensure the cleanliness and safety of the laundry area.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field typically have advanced understanding of laundry operations, including knowledge of various textile materials, stain treatments, laundry chemicals, and safety regulations.

Such experienced candidates may also have taken on additional responsibilities such as overseeing the work of junior staff, coordinating with other departments, and managing machine maintenance schedules.

This level of experience may make them eligible for supervisory roles within the industrial laundry domain.

 

Industrial Laundry Machine Operator Education and Training Requirements

Industrial Laundry Machine Operators generally require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Some employers may require previous experience in an industrial laundry setting, but many provide on-the-job training.

During this training, operators learn about the different types of fabrics and their appropriate cleaning methods, how to operate the laundry machines, and safety procedures to prevent injuries or damage to the machinery.

They are also trained to understand the use of various cleaning chemicals and detergents, as well as how to maintain and troubleshoot the laundry machines.

In addition to this, operators need to have a good understanding of quality control procedures to ensure all items are properly cleaned and ready for use.

There is no specific certification required for the role, but acquiring certifications related to safety or equipment operation may be beneficial and demonstrate the operator’s commitment to their profession.

Furthermore, soft skills such as attention to detail, stamina and a good level of physical fitness can also be advantageous for this role, due to the need to handle heavy laundry loads and stand for extended periods.

 

Industrial Laundry Machine Operator Salary Expectations

The average wage for an Industrial Laundry Machine Operator is around $12.02 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the company they work for.

 

Industrial Laundry Machine Operator Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Industrial Laundry Machine Operator need?

Industrial Laundry Machine Operators need to have a good understanding of machine operations and basic maintenance.

They must be detail-oriented to ensure all laundry items are properly cleaned and processed.

Physical stamina is also important as they may need to lift heavy items and stand for long periods.

Operators should also have good time management skills to complete tasks efficiently and within set timeframes.

 

Do Industrial Laundry Machine Operators need any specific qualifications?

Usually, Industrial Laundry Machine Operators don’t require any specific educational qualifications.

However, experience in a similar role can be beneficial.

Some employers provide on-the-job training to help operators understand the functioning and maintenance of the laundry machines.

Knowledge about different fabrics and appropriate cleaning methods can be an added advantage.

 

What should you look for in an Industrial Laundry Machine Operator’s resume?

When looking at a candidate’s resume, check for previous experience in a similar role.

Knowledge of laundry equipment and its maintenance is an important aspect to consider.

Skills like attention to detail, ability to follow instructions, and time management are also valuable.

Look for any training or certificates related to machinery operation or safety protocols.

 

What qualities make a good Industrial Laundry Machine Operator?

A good Industrial Laundry Machine Operator is meticulous and well-organized, ensuring all items are properly processed and returned.

They have good physical stamina and can manage heavy lifting.

Strong problem-solving skills are important, allowing them to troubleshoot any issues with the machines.

They should also be dependable, able to work independently, and maintain a high level of productivity.

 

What are the daily duties of an Industrial Laundry Machine Operator?

On a typical day, an Industrial Laundry Machine Operator sorts and loads laundry into machines, selects appropriate cleaning methods, and performs routine checks on the machines.

They also unload, fold, and store the cleaned items.

In addition to this, they conduct basic maintenance tasks and report any issues with the machinery.

The role may also involve inventory management and maintaining cleanliness in the workspace.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of what it means to be an industrial laundry machine operator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about loading and unloading machines.

It’s about ensuring cleanliness and sanitation, one wash cycle at a time.

With our ready-to-use industrial laundry machine operator job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to make your next move.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating pinpoint-accurate job listings or crafting your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every wash cycle contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s create that sanitized and efficient future. Together.

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