In Hospitals- The hospital laundry takes care of hygiene, cleanliness and disinfection. Many hospitals have started using disposables where there is a threat of infection, which are then destroyed by burning. Most of the articles in hospitals are of cotton and dyed (in colours specific to the hospital and department) with dyes that have excellent wash fastness. The daily laundry thus emphasises mainly the cleanliness of cotton materials. Even the ironing and pressing may not be done to perfection. Repair and mending and condemnation of unusable material may or may not form a part of the services required. The quantum of work, especially for bed linen, is much larger for hospitals as compared to hotels. The larger hospitals may have to take care of 1,800-2,000 beds or even more.
In Hotels: Aesthetics and the final finish of the articles are the most important. As compared to hospitals the articles here may be of different fibre contents. Final finishing of laundered goods, i.e., starching, ironing pressing and correct and perfect folding, are emphasised. They also have to care of guests’ laundry when required. The smaller hotels may have link-ups with commercial laundries from outside. The quantum of work, especially for bed linen, is much lesser in hotels. The big hotels may have up to 400-500 rooms.