How to upgrade older coin laundry equipment for efficiency.

October 30, 2025

Why Upgrading Your Coin Laundry Equipment Isn’t Just Smart—It’s Survival

Older coin laundry machines might still "do the job", but they’re quietly draining your profits, wasting energy, and frustrating customers. The truth? If you’re running 10-year-old washers in a world of contactless payments and $0.45/kWh electricity, you’re already falling behind.

Let’s be blunt—upgrading isn’t a “nice-to-have”. It’s a strategic lever for profit, reputation, and long-term viability. And luckily, you don’t always need to start from scratch.

What’s the real cost of outdated coin laundry equipment?

It’s tempting to squeeze a few more years out of your current setup. But here's what that decision might be costing you:

Excess energy and water usage: Older washers can use up to 50% more water per load.
Breakdowns and downtime: Unplanned outages lead to lost revenue and negative reviews.
Payment friction: Cash-only machines deter modern customers who expect tap-and-go.
Longer wash cycles: Slower throughput means fewer loads per day and unhappy customers.

Even if the machine “still works”, it may be working against your business goals.

How can I tell if it's time to upgrade?

Here's a simple checklist. If you tick off two or more, it's probably time to modernise:

Machines are over 8–10 years old
Customers complain about wait times or machine reliability
You’re spending over 10% of weekly revenue on repairs
Machines don’t accept card or mobile payments
You can’t monitor usage remotely

Pro tip: Ask your staff or regulars. They’ll tell you more than a sales rep ever will.

What are the smartest upgrades for boosting efficiency?

If a full refit sounds expensive, start small. These upgrades deliver high impact with relatively low investment:

1. Swap Out the Timers

Mechanical timers drift over time, causing overfills and wasted water. Digital controls deliver precision—and reduce your water bill without touching the drum.

2. Add Smart Payment Systems

Even retrofitting older machines with card readers or app-based systems (like PayRange or LaundryPay) can dramatically lift usage. Why? Because convenience drives behaviour.

Behavioural nudge alert: Removing payment friction is a classic choice architecture trick. People are more likely to follow through when barriers are low—even if it costs more.

3. Install High-Efficiency Valves and Drains

Small parts, big impact. Replacing valves, pumps or gaskets with modern components can cut water waste by 20–30% per machine.

4. Switch to Ozone-Based Sanitation

Ozone injectors sanitise using cold water and no detergent. They kill more bacteria, reduce cycle time, and improve fabric life—making it a win for both business and customers.

Should I lease or buy new machines?

It depends on your cashflow, but here’s a breakdown:

Option	Pros	Cons
Buy	Lower long-term cost	High upfront expense
Lease	Easier to upgrade every 5–7 years	Locked into contract
Revenue share	No capital required	You lose a cut of every dollar

For owner-operators with a few stores, buying makes sense if you've got the capital. For multi-site or franchise operators, leasing offers speed and scale.

Will my customers even notice the upgrade?

Short answer: Yes. And they’ll vote with their feet.

A Melbourne operator who upgraded just half of their machines reported a 15% increase in weekly revenue—without changing pricing. The reason? More customers came during peak hours because queues moved faster.

🧠 Cialdini's principle of social proof is at play here. When people see others using newer, better machines, they’re more likely to choose your laundromat over the bloke down the road.

What mistakes should I avoid when upgrading?

Avoid the trap of buying “like for like”. This is the silent killer of innovation.

Don’t just replace old washers with new ones of the same type.
Think strategically about what your customers actually want—speed, hygiene, ease of use.
Invest in machines with remote diagnostics and usage tracking. They’ll pay for themselves in fewer service calls and better decision-making.

And always consult an independent technician before committing. Sales reps have a job to do—but your bottom line is yours alone.

Can I upgrade incrementally, or do I need a full overhaul?

Absolutely, you can phase it. Here’s a roadmap that’s worked for others:

Start with payment systems – unlock card and phone-based options first
Update control panels – upgrade timers and interfaces to digital
Replace top-loaders – these are the biggest water hogs
Improve dryers – switch to sensor-drying to avoid overuse
Full-machine replacements – phase these in as older machines die

This staged approach helps manage cash flow, trains your team gradually, and signals improvement to customers without closing the shop.

FAQ

Can I retrofit old machines with new tech?
Yes, many third-party vendors offer retrofit kits for payment systems, control boards, and sensors. It’s a great way to modernise without full replacement.

Are smart machines hard to maintain?
Not really. In fact, machines with built-in diagnostics can alert you before issues get serious—saving repair costs and downtime.

How do I know if the upgrade paid off?
Track usage data pre- and post-upgrade. Smart systems make this easy. You’ll likely see increases in repeat visits, shorter wait times, and reduced utility costs.

Final spin cycle

Upgrading your coin laundry machines isn’t just about shiny new buttons. It’s about efficiency, customer experience, and keeping your business future-proof. And for those keen on keeping their machines running longer, this guide on maximising efficiency and lifespan lays it out clearly.

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