Customers using professional laundry services always expect exceptional care and meticulous handling from start to finish. But what happens when the experience falls short? Maybe your whites aren't as bright as they used to be, or your clothes come back with more wrinkles than when you sent them in, the turnaround time is getting longer, or worse—your favorite pieces are coming back damaged.
If any of this sounds familiar, it might be time to rethink who’s handling your laundry. Whether you're managing your household laundry, operating a business that relies on clean and crisp linens, or running a hotel where every towel and bed sheet must be spotless, your laundry service is at the forefront of it all.
This article is all about helping you identify when it’s time to make that switch. We break down the top five signs your laundry service provider might not be living up to the standard.
1. Persistent Stains and Poor Cleaning Quality
One of the most glaring signs that it's time to switch your laundry service provider is the presence of persistent stains. If your clothes return with the same stains they had when you sent them or worse, with new stains – that's a red flag. Laundry experts are supposed to effectively remove stains, not double their appearance.
The following signs indicate poor quality laundry:
- Stains don’t come out: If your laundry service can’t handle basic stain removal, that's a clear indication of poor cleaning practices. Stains should be treated before the wash, and failure to do so suggests they’re cutting corners.
- Clothes don’t smell fresh: A lingering odor, even after cleaning, signals they aren't using enough detergent, or worse, their equipment isn't up to par.
- Fabrics feel rough or worn down: Using harsh detergents or improper washing techniques damages delicate fabrics over time. If your bed linens or towels feel rough after washing, your laundry service is likely using the wrong methods for your garments.
- New stains are noticeable after cleaning: Finding new stains after your laundry was cleaned can be even more frustrating. This could indicate mishandling during the washing process or improper sorting of clothes, causing dye transfer or other stains.
- White items are not white anymore: White towels and shirts that come back dingy or discolored are a sure sign the cleaning process is ineffective. A professional laundry service knows how to keep whites looking bright, not dull.
- Your clothes feel sticky or soapy: Leftover soap or detergent residue means the laundry service isn't properly rinsing your clothes. Not only is this unpleasant, but it can also irritate your skin.
2. Frequent Delays in Laundry Drop-offs
If you're constantly asking, "How long does laundry service take?" because your provider is late, it's a sign of unreliability. Delayed deliveries can disrupt your schedule, leaving you without essential items like uniforms, towels, or bed sheets when you need them most.
A reputable laundry service adheres to agreed-upon timeframes. Consistent delays may indicate poor management or understaffing. If you experience any of these signs more than once, it might be time to look for a provider that respects your time.
- Laundry is never delivered on the promised date: If you’re constantly waiting beyond the agreed-upon timeframe, it’s a sign your provider is either understaffed or poorly organized. A reliable service should stick to their schedule, no excuses.
- Drop-offs are often rescheduled or pushed back: Having to deal with constant rescheduling or notifications of delays shows your provider doesn’t have a streamlined process. This lack of reliability can mess up your day-to-day life, especially when you’re counting on clean clothes.
- You’re left scrambling for alternatives: When your laundry provider is frequently late, it forces you to find alternatives, whether that’s using old linens or having to wear less-than-ideal shirts for work. You should never be put in a position where you're unprepared due to someone else's failure to deliver on time.
- No proactive communication about delays: If you have to reach out to your laundry service to find out where your clothes are, that’s a problem. A professional service should communicate delays in advance and offer solutions, not leave you in the dark.
- Delivery issues become a consistent pattern: A one-time delay might be understandable, but if it happens regularly, it indicates a systemic issue. Reliable services value your time and ensure deliveries are made promptly.
3. Damaged Linens, Shirts, and Towels
Your laundry service should handle your belongings with care. If you notice your linens, shirts, or towels are returning damaged perhaps with tears, discoloration, or excessive wear – it’s a significant concern. Such damage results from improper handling, harsh detergents, or outdated equipment.
Typical examples of improper laundry handling include:
- Torn or frayed edges on towels
- Stretched collars or cuffs on shirts
- Shrinking of fabric due to high heat settings
- Towels that feel rough or worn after cleaning
- Shirts returned with missing or broken buttons
- Discoloration of linens due to harsh detergents
- Linens returned with permanent wrinkles or creases
- Stains set into fabrics after improper cleaning attempts
- Patterns or colors on shirts faded after multiple washes
- Pilled fabric from overuse of outdated washing machines
4. Hidden Costs and Unexpected Charges
No one likes being surprised by extra charges, especially when it comes to services like laundry. Hidden costs and unexpected fees are a surefire way to lose trust in your provider. When you agree to use a laundry service, you expect transparency of what you’re paying for. However, some companies sneak in extra charges that leave you feeling like you’ve been taken advantage of. These hidden costs add up quickly, leaving you with a bill much higher than anticipated.
Let’s take a look at some of the common hidden costs you might encounter and how to spot them.
- Additional fees for special detergents: If you’re being charged extra for using a different detergent, like hypoallergenic or eco-friendly options, without being notified up front, it’s a hidden cost. A transparent service should inform you ahead of time and offer clear choices.
- Unexpected charges for handling delicate items: Handling delicate items like linens, silk shirts, or fragile bed linens may require special care, but you should know up front if there’s going to be an additional fee. Surprise charges for these services show a lack of communication.
- Extra charges for oversized items: Some providers charge add-on fees for larger items like towels, blankets, or comforters without disclosing them beforehand. You might send in your bed linens expecting a standard rate, only to find out you’re paying more for the size.
- Unexplained “service fees”: Service fees should be clear from the start, but if you see vague or unexplained charges on your bill labeled as "service fees" or "processing fees," that’s a sign your provider isn’t being transparent about their pricing.
- Higher rates based on ZIP code or location: While it’s reasonable for prices to vary by location, especially in different ZIP codes, you should be informed of these rates ahead of time. If you’re paying more just because of your location without being told, that’s a red flag.
5. Limited Services and Outdated Equipment
In today’s world, laundry services provide more than just basic washing and drying – they offer a range of services that cater to different fabrics and garments. But with outdated equipment, this may not be possible. If your laundry provider isn't keeping up with industry standards, it's time to reconsider your options.
The following are some key signs your laundry service is unable to meet your needs:
- No stain treatment service offered
- No pickup and delivery service is available
- No option for same-day or express services
- Lack of digital payment options or scheduling
- No alterations or repair services for garments
- Unable to handle bulkier items like bedding or towels
- No option for eco-friendly detergents or cleaning methods
- Lack of specialized cleaning for delicate fabrics like silk or wool
- Machines constantly break down or appear old and inefficient
- Outdated washing machines cause wear and tear on your clothes
Switch to Julian’s Dry Cleaners for Premium Care and See the Difference in Every Clean!
Whether you’ve noticed a drop in quality, delays in turnaround time, or other red flags, it’s important to know when it’s time to make a change. Switch to Julian’s Dry Cleaners for premium care and see the difference in every clean!
Our pay-as-you-go service starts at just $2.25 per pound, with no additional fees and FREE pickup and delivery (10 lb. minimum). Or, choose our Express Laundry subscription for as low as $0.62 per pound, with no minimum order and the same free pickup and delivery convenience. Have household items? We handle blankets, comforters, duvets, and more at transparent, affordable rates.
Make the switch today! Call 585-544-1615 to schedule your laundry pickup and delivery.
