Prevent Fibre Build-up in Laundry Extract Systems With Regular Laundry Ventilation Cleaning

Copyright (c) 2011 Alison Withers

Laundry Service Providers in hotels. hospitals and care homes have the job of ensuring that fabrics such as bed linen and towels are properly laundered to the highest standards of hygiene.

It is especially important in facilities where there are people whose age or state of health makes them vulnerable to infections.

However, any kind of fabric is likely to shed small particles of dust and fibres and in a large laundry these are usually taken away, along with steam, through the extraction duct system.

The particles are usually trapped in filters before the air travels into the extraction ducts, but a significant proportion can still get through and then build up inside the ducting.

The process will include testing whether the filters are correctly secured and examining the duct work for levels of contamination.

Firstly it reduces the area in of the vents leading to less efficient removal of the hot, moist air, which can affect not only the atmosphere and air quality in the laundry, where people are working but can also add to the energy costs of the system having to work harder. In time it may lead to wear and damage of parts of the system and costly replacement.

Secondly, a build-up of fibres can be a serious fire hazard, and as is the case with kitchen dusctwork, laundry extract systems are particularly vulnerable, particularly because of the large volume of laundry that passes through them to be cleaned.

Nowadays most insurance companies want to see evidence, such as a certificate, that shows that the building and its ventilation and extraction systems are regularly maintained, serviced and cleaned.

It can be worthwhile to have laundry ventilation cleaning done by a specialist cleaning company that will carry out an on-site inspection of the specific system because every installation is different.

Trained specialists will have the expertise to advise on a programme designed for its needs and advise on how to most cost-effectively manage the fire risk associated with a laundry system.

Properly-trained specialists have the knowledge to advise on a programme designed for its needs and advise on how to most cost-effectively manage the fire risk associated with a laundry system. Usually the particles get trapped in filters before the air travels into the extraction ducts, but a significant proportion can still get through and then build up inside the ducting. All contamination would be removed from the entire length of the ventilation system, before tidying up and making good the working area.

A professional company will keep the client informed of every step of the work it has carried out, may also advise of any damage in need of repair and should also provide a certificate on completion of the job that can then provide a formal record of the work and can be supplied to the insurance company.

A regular programme of maintenance, inspection and laundry extract ventilation cleaning can also keep the system functioning as efficiently as possible, keeping operating costs as low as possible as well as ensuring the health and safety of those working there or using the building and their protection from a possible fire hazard.


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The build-up of fibres and dust in laundry extract and ventilation systems can become a fire hazard as well as affecting efficiency. Ali Withers says regular specialist professional ventilation system cleaning can prevent this.