CHICAGO — Smart washers and dryers are reshaping how laundromats operate, pairing real-time data and connectivity with faster cycles, lower utilities, and smoother customer experiences. As advanced controls and IoT-driven features are rolled out, upgrading is quickly becoming less about replacing equipment and more about staying competitive in a technology-forward marketplace.
At American Coin-Op’s invitation, several manufacturers and key distributors weighed in on the topic by answering questions, sharing benefits of their market entries, and gauging the ROI potential for those willing to elevate their equipment choices.
Q: How do you define “smart equipment” in the context of today’s commercial washers and dryers? What new smart features are part of your company’s newest equipment offerings?
Jason Fleck, senior vice president of strategic partnerships for Laundrylux, principal distributor of Electrolux Professional and Wascomat laundry equipment in North America: Smart equipment uses sensors and real-time data to automatically optimize every cycle. Our newest washers use Automatic Savings, a system that weighs each load and adjusts the water levels accordingly — so small loads don’t waste water and large loads get exactly what they need. On the washer side, high-spin extraction is the present and future of laundromats: faster final spin equals drier clothes equals shorter dry times equals more turns per day.
On the dryer side, moisture-sensing tumblers monitor actual load dryness instead of relying on a timer, shutting off the moment it’s done. That prevents overdrying, saves gas, and protects fabrics.
All of this adds up to machines that treat every load differently and deliver consistent results with less waste and more speed.
Mackenzie Swanson, marketing manager, Dexter Laundry: To us, “smart equipment” is all about giving store owners more control, more insight, and more ways to run a smooth, efficient business. Today’s smart commercial washers and dryers can communicate and simplify operations through intuitive controls, real-time data, flexible programming, and the ability to manage a store anytime.
With Dexter’s newest X-Series lineup, we introduced modern touchscreen controls and enhanced cycle customization, while continuing to offer the reporting tools of DexterLive that owners rely on to understand machine performance and make informed decisions while managing their store anytime, anywhere, from any device.
Tyler Willman, regional sales manager, Continental Laundry Solutions, distributor of Girbau Commercial equipment: Smart commercial washers and dryers use advanced sensors, connectivity and software to automate and optimize laundry operations and revenue. They deliver greater efficiency, control and convenience through data-driven programming, remote capabilities and intelligent wash adjustments.
Our GS-Series soft-mount washers with Genius Control receive continuous updates and offer remote programming, detailed performance reporting, and real-time alarms and troubleshooting codes. What truly sets them apart is the industry’s largest (10-inch) hybrid touchscreen — allowing a seamless shift between a self-service (vended) interface and a full-service (attendant) interface. One machine effectively does the work of a vended washer and a commercial laundry washer, complete with advanced programming and automatic chemical injection at the point of sale.
Q: Which technologies — IoT connectivity, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, energy-savings algorithms, etc. — are gaining the most traction among laundromat owners? How do they improve reliability, uptime, or efficiency?
Brad Dunnigan, director, Digital Products, Alliance Laundry Systems, maker of Huebsch and Speed Queen equipment: Real-time energy monitoring that optimizes water heating schedules around time-of-use rates is a game changer in our industry. Utilizing this data, owners are equipped with the information necessary to drive dynamic pricing decisions.
Swanson: The most traction we’re seeing is with IoT connectivity and remote monitoring, as owners want quick visibility into machine status and the ability to make adjustments at any time.
Predictive maintenance is also important. Through DexterLive, owners can track turns, hours of usage, and performance trends, which helps them plan maintenance before it becomes an issue. Energy-efficient features are also becoming more important as utility costs rise. With adjustable water levels, leak detection, and moisture detection systems, Dexter machines help owners reduce waste and costs, while keeping their stores running efficiently.
Willman: IoT connectivity, remote monitoring, customer cycle options and energy optimization features are all in demand. For example, the Genius Wash Load Optimizer lowers utility costs by tailoring chemistry and water use to each load. IoT data helps owners fine-tune operations, improve uptime. and respond more precisely to customer preferences.
Fleck: IoT connectivity and remote monitoring are leading the way. With platforms like Laundry Pulse and Laundry Pay, owners can see machine status, revenue, errors, and usage in real time — and adjust pricing, promotions, and cycle settings remotely.
Energy-focused features are also driving adoption. High-spin extraction reduces dry times and utility costs. Moisture-sensing tumblers stop the cycle the moment clothes are dry. And Automatic Savings technology adjusts water levels based on actual load size to cut waste.
For owners who want even deeper analytics or operational tools, the equipment can integrate with third-party applications to provide expanded controls, metrics, and reporting.
Q: How compatible are new smart machines with existing store management systems or payment platforms? Where might there be challenges when integrating smart equipment into mixed-brand or mixed-age laundromats?
Swanson: Smart machines today are generally very compatible with most store management systems and payment platforms. The key is ensuring the equipment and the connected devices can communicate effectively. Integration can typically be done, but older technology may require a few upgrades to bring the whole store up to date.
Willman: Most major payment platforms are actively working with manufacturers to ensure compatibility.
Fleck: Smart machines today are generally designed to play well with the major payment systems and store-management platforms. Modern equipment supports common interfaces, open protocols, and third-party app integrations, so most owners can plug into their existing setup without major disruption.
Where challenges appear is in mixed-brand or mixed-age laundromats. Older machines may lack modern communication boards, making it harder to get unified reporting or real-time data across all equipment. Different brands often use different logic boards, data formats, or connection methods, which can create a “patchwork” system where features don’t behave consistently.
That’s why many operators prefer to streamline to one or two primary brands. It simplifies integrations, creates uniform customer experiences, and gives owners a single ecosystem for controls, metrics, pricing, and support. Mixed environments can work — but they usually require more adapters, more troubleshooting, more parts on hand, a steeper learning curve, and more time to manage.
Dunnigan: There is a diversity of protocols for communication with laundry equipment. Thus far, payment platforms and store management systems have continued to serve a wide array of manufacturers. However, manufacturer adoption of open API standards would ultimately benefit laundromat owners by providing a simpler method of third-party integration.
Check back Thursday for Part 2, when the reps comment on day-to-day benefits for store owners, how smart tech can support unattended or partially attended stores, and how long it might take to recoup a tech investment.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].
