New to STR, do cleaners do laundry onsite? If so, which washer & dryer are best?

Question

Long story long, I'm currently setting up 2 STR properties (these would be my first).

1 property is a 4/1.5 with a working washer & dryer

1 property is basically a 2/1 with no washer & dryer

I'm definitely getting a washer & dryer for the one property without them but before I pull the trigger I'm realizing that I should be thinking of buying a washer & dryer for the CLEANERS not the guests so much.

Same for the other property, thinking of maybe upgrading those if it would be cost-effective in the long run for cleaners to do laundry on site.

This is all new to me though so I'm not even sure if that's a wise solution or what's normally done for turnover with regards to laundry.

I do know just having an extra set of sheets, towels, etc will spend up the turnover (already planning on having this) but at the same time if I'm using a service that will have different cleaners in every turn...the laundry needs to get done somehow. When does this happen? How does this happen?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Kimberly C.. So our cleaner does laundry on site but sometimes it does get carried over to the next flip. Back to backs have a time crunch so they will do some of it and finish up when there isn't a back to back.

We have 6 sets of sheets for the queens, 4 for the king and 4 for the twins. Lots of comforters and most importantly is plenty of towels.

Now regarding machines, we have a Maytag set we bought new. 4.5cuft on the washer which I feel is the smallest one you would want. We can do a king easily in it. Matching dryer (7cuft I think).

They have been perfectly reliable no problems. Our last Maytags went for 18 years. No repairs needed except a control board for the dryer. I gave them away after I finished the new laundry room.

Check out this blog - https://blog.yaleappliance.com/

Yale Appliance is one of the largest dealers in the Boston area and they have all the stats for just about every brand of appliance repair rates.

One thing you really want is a broad repair system. GE has that. So does Whirlpool (Maytag is owned by Whirlpool).

Michael Baum · Answer

Yeah @Sarah Kensinger, Speed Queen is pretty basic so the full water wash is either a bonus or a negative depending on how you look at it. It is a lot of water.

Personally I think the front loaders was better overall with much less water plus the 1300-1500rpm spin cycle really dries out the laundry.

The Maytag's we have will wash a full load of sheets. They get clean as a whistle and the dry time is about 35-40 minutes. This would be for a load of 4 queen fitted and flat sheets and 8 pillow cases.

A single king comforter is set to rapid wash which is 24 minutes. The dry time for that is closer to an hour. So you end up washing 2 and waiting for the first to finish. Not too big a deal. We have a ton of comforters on the shelf (those Charisma ones from Costco) and I just keep buying new ones for the new colors. :)

JD Martin · Answer

Our cleaners do all laundry on site. They get it started as soon as they get there as they have to clean a 3000 sf house.

As far as brands, always buy American and with the least "features" possible. We provide washers & dryers in all of our long-term rentals as well, and if you buy basic units without fancy doodads from the major US made brands (Whirlpool-Maytag-Amana-Roper, GE (owned by Chinese but made here), Frigidaire (owned by Electrolux), they'll last a long time and be simple to repair.

Cole Sullivan · Answer

Hey Kim,

I'm a real estate agent and investor here in Sacramento with Hardin Realty and Property Management. We manage over 100+ STR/MTR (Sacramento, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Smokies TN)

Having upgraded washers and dryers is a must not only the cleaners, but the guests as well. Ensuring all parties have the ability to wash sheets, towels, clothes, etc. will help things run smoothly. All laundry for the units are done inside the units. Hope that helps!

Feel free to contact me for more information. Thanks - Cole

Kerry Baird · Answer

I bought the highest capacity washer I could find, no impeller.  The bottom plate plastic connector stripped and the plate couldn’t be reattached.  I had to buy new after 2 years.  No LG or Samsung for me.

Sarah Kensinger · Answer

This is a new one...I've personally had Speed Queen for years with no issues and have friends plus a sister-in-law that has used one for 10+ years with absolutely no problems whatsoever! Top loaders have always performed better and with a Speed Queen you have an option of the washer filling up entirely with water, instead of the spray feature that is supposed to be ecofriendly but then doesn't clean well at all. My biggest complaint is that the dryer takes forever to dry, especially a load of towels or a large blanket. On the upside we don't deal with faded clothes etc., due to the high dryer heat. On the other hand, I've had a cheap base model GE at an Airbnb we rented, totally shred a dress I had worn to dinner. To say I wasn't kicked is an understatement...and no I didn't bother the host about it. It was a cheap washer, so it is what it is.

Sarah Kensinger · Answer

The absolute best is a Speed Queen! But they do cost more, and the dryers take longer to dry a load which can hold up the process. So, the other recommendations would be better suited for a STR. You for sure want in agitator so everything is thoroughly cleaned and hopefully spot free by the time the wash is finished.

Kimberly C. · Answer

Thank you everyone for the insight and feedback!Definitely going with a GE so my next question is…agitator or no agitator?

Jon Martin · Answer

Spot on! All of the electronics/CPU stuff is a solution in search of a problem. Mechanical breakdowns are much less common and easier to repair. I buy used machines for my personal home partly for this reason, the other part being that the dimensions are tight in my laundry room and the newer machines tend to be too big for it.

New to STR, do cleaners do laundry onsite? If so, which washer & dryer are best?

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