How Much Does a Commercial Laundry Service Cost in the UK?

If you have been quoted for a commercial laundry service in the UK and are not sure whether the number is fair, you are in the right place. Pricing in this industry is not always transparent — it depends on your volume, what you are washing, how often you need collection, and what service level you need.

This guide breaks down commercial laundry service costs in a way that lets you compare quotes properly and make a decision with confidence.

How commercial laundry service cost is usually calculated

Most commercial laundry providers quote in one of three ways:

The per-kg rate is the most useful number for comparison. When you get quotes from different providers, always ask for a per-kg figure — it is the only way to compare apples with apples.

What affects the cost of a commercial laundry service?

Three things move the price more than anything else: volume, linen type, and turnaround time.

Volume

Bigger volumes attract better rates. A 100-room hotel processing 500kg of linen per week will pay considerably less per kg than a 15-room B&B sending 80kg. If you are close to a volume threshold, it is worth asking your provider whether a small increase in commitment unlocks a lower rate.

Linen type

White hotel bedding requires different processing to chef whites or healthcare gowns. Heavily soiled or hygiene-critical items cost more to process. Healthcare laundry that must comply with HTM 01-04 thermal disinfection standards, for example, involves more controlled processing steps — and that is reflected in the price.

Turnaround time

Standard turnaround is typically 24–48 hours. If you need same-day or next-morning returns — common in busy hotels during peak season — you may pay a premium. Build this into your calculations if you run a high-occupancy operation.

Collection frequency

Daily collections cost more than twice-weekly ones. But if you are running low par stock, you may need daily service to avoid running out of clean linen. Getting your hotel laundry service collection schedule right can meaningfully reduce your overall weekly cost.

Is a commercial laundry service cheaper than doing it in-house?

For most businesses, yes — once you count the real cost of in-house laundry. The washing machine and dryer are visible costs. The hidden ones add up fast:

• Staff time — loading, unloading, folding, sorting, delivering to rooms
• Energy — commercial washing machines and tumble dryers run on significant electricity and gas
• Water and drainage — a commercial washer uses 50–100 litres per cycle
• Detergents and chemicals — COSHH-compliant handling, storage, and correct dosing
• Maintenance and replacement — commercial machines need regular servicing and have a finite lifespan
• Linen replacement — poor washing shortens linen life; professional laundering extends it

A reasonable estimate for a 30-room hotel is that running laundry in-house costs 20–40% more than a well-priced outsourced contract, once all the above factors are included. The exact figure depends heavily on your local energy tariffs and staffing costs.

That said, every business is different. The only way to know for certain is to run the numbers for your own operation. A good commercial laundry provider will do this calculation with you before you commit.

How costs differ by sector

The type of business you run shapes what you pay and what you need from a contract:

Hotels and accommodation

Bed linen, towels, and pillow cases are high-volume, relatively standard items. Most hotel operators are on fixed weekly contracts with per-kg pricing. Linen hire is popular among smaller properties that want to avoid capital investment in stock. Read more about hotel laundry service pricing models.

Restaurants and catering

Tablecloths, napkins, chef whites, and kitchen cloths vary more in soil level — heavy food staining takes more processing. Restaurant laundry service contracts typically factor in heavier soiling and tighter turnaround expectations for front-of-house linen.

Workwear and uniforms

Individual tracking is the norm for workwear laundry service contracts — each garment is tagged and returned to the correct person. This adds cost versus bulk linen, but avoids disputes and ensures compliance in food-handling or hazardous environments.

Healthcare

The most regulated category. Healthcare linen must meet HTM 01-04 thermal disinfection requirements, and the laundry facility itself must operate under a RABC (Risk Analysis and Biocontamination Control) system — the EN 14065 standard. These processes cost more to run, but they are non-negotiable for patient safety.

Getting a fair quote: five things to check

When you are comparing providers, these are the questions that reveal the real cost:

1. Is there a minimum order quantity? Some providers have a weekly minimum — if you drop below it, you still pay.
2. Are collection and delivery included? Some headline rates exclude transport. Clarify this upfront.
3. What is the contract term? A 12-month rolling contract gives you flexibility; some providers lock you in for 3–5 years.
4. How is linen loss or damage handled? Ask for the provider’s policy on damaged items and how they are credited.
5. What does the SLA say about turnaround? Get the promised turnaround time in writing — especially if you are running low par stock.

What CanDo charges — and how to find out your number

CanDo Laundry Services does not publish a standard rate card, because the right price depends on your volume, location, linen mix, and service requirements. What we do offer is a free assessment where we look at your current setup — whether you are running in-house laundry or with another provider — and give you a like-for-like comparison.

If you are paying too much, we will tell you. If your current setup is actually competitive, we will tell you that too. The goal is to help you make a well-informed decision, not to sell you a contract you do not need.