A well-thought-out uniform can enhance an organization’s brand and professionalism. In fact, three out of four consumers surveyed agree that they trust employees in uniform more than they trust employees not in uniform¹. Uniforms can also help employees do their jobs comfortably and effectively with 71% of employees surveyed reporting that they prefer to wear a uniform².

But What About Uniform Cleaning?

Washing, drying and ironing uniforms can be time consuming for employees and can result in not-so-uniform outcomes. Fading, wrinkles, missing buttons, tears or stains can turn your professional look into less-than-professional results. And when you’re dealing with safety garments such as flame resistant (FR) or high visibility gear, incorrect uniform cleaning or repairs can lead to safety issues.

What’s the Solution?

A rental program that includes uniform laundry service eliminates the need for employee laundering and the costs associated with employer-provided, on-premise uniform cleaning.

Industrial laundry service helps businesses maintain a professional team appearance, but there are many other benefits, including:

1. Convenience – A uniform rental program from Vestis™ includes pickup of soiled garments from your location and delivery of clean uniforms. Employees are prepared to do their jobs in clean, pressed workwear. They’re also not sacrificing personal time to do laundry or find a clean uniform and they’re also not spending money on work clothes. This is a big benefit to many – particularly those who work in dirty environments that necessitate excessive laundering or jobs that require costly garments such as outerwear or safety gear. Employers also have the peace of mind knowing that jobs can be completed as scheduled without worries about clean uniform inventory. Over half of customers surveyed agree a Vestis uniform rental program (which includes uniform laundry service) frees up their time for other tasks³.

2. Confidence – Customers appreciate a neat, professional appearance and often feel better about working with businesses that care about their image. In fact, 69% of customers surveyed say Vestis rental uniforms make a professional impression on customers⁴ and 60% of prospects surveyed feel that uniforms will make workers look better trained and prouder of their company⁵. This can be especially true in retail, healthcare, food services and auto dealerships, to name a few. But that confidence, can be quickly eradicated by an unkempt, dirty uniform. With a uniform laundry service, employers and employees alike can feel confident knowing that their uniforms are clean, ironed and free of stains, tears or missing buttons.

3. Industry Expertise – When it comes to industrial laundry, different industries have distinct needs. Often their uniform cleaning demands specific sanitizing wash processes, water temperatures and detergents to maintain the integrity, functionality and look of their uniforms. Consider healthcare workers who need to be concerned about reducing the spread of healthcare associated infections (HAIs). Normal home laundering may not do enough. A uniform laundering service from Vestis uses infection prevention technology for textile management that minimizes exposure to potential infection risks.

4. Compliance – Safety uniforms such as FR and high visibility uniforms require specific uniform cleaning with unique wash formulas and temperatures to maintain inherent safety properties. Additionally, a rental program from Vestis also inspects and repairs uniforms using FR-approved materials to help maintain compliance.

5. Cost Effectiveness – Let’s face it, doing laundry is expensive when you consider the cost of detergents, water usage and machines. When employees handle their laundry it’s an added expense. A uniform laundering program saves them money with 60% of customers surveyed reporting that Vestis rental uniforms are an important employee benefit⁶.

When employers take care of uniform cleaning on site, they not only need to consider the expense of machines and supplies, but the added cost of employing staff to manage the laundering process. There are also the expenses associated with maintaining, repairing and replacing broken or outdated technology. It can add up quickly.

6. Sustainability – Think about the employee who realizes they are out of work shirts and quickly throws a shirt or two in the washing machine. That’s a waste of water and electricity. Now consider the rows of washing machines that companies have on site. Are they the best use of resources? Do they use energy efficient technology?

Vestis has industrial laundering down to a science. We use energy efficient machines, smart water management, specially formulated detergents, automation and processes that help reduce our carbon footprint. Plus, our wash formulas are designed to maintain the integrity of garments so that they don’t need to be replaced as often from wear and tear.

The Value of Uniform Laundry Service

Your uniforms represent your company. Be proud of them and how they look every day without the hassles of managing your own laundry program or burdening employees. Regardless of your industry or the size of your company, Vestis has uniform solutions that include uniform laundry services and delivery by a dedicated representative.

We’re here for you. To get more information on how a uniform and industrial laundry program works and the benefits for your business, please contact us today.

¹“National Online Survey of Consumers.” Among consumers with an opinion, % who agree with the statement. Conducted by Fabrizio Ward, funded by TRSA, March 2015

²“The Dickies Uniform Effect Survey.” Conducted by Harris Interactive, funded by Dickies, November 2012.

³Study conducted by Big Village, funded by Vestis, 2022

⁴Study conducted by Big Village, funded by Vestis, 2022

⁵Study conducted by Weintraub Associates

⁶Study conducted by Big Village, funded by Vestis, 2022