Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Laundry Clerk

🎯 Role Definition

As a Laundry Clerk, you are the cornerstone of our commitment to cleanliness and presentation. You will be responsible for the seamless operation of our laundry facility, ensuring that all linens, towels, uniforms, and textiles are processed to the highest standards of hygiene and quality. This role demands a proactive and meticulous individual who understands the critical impact of fresh, clean linens on the overall guest experience and brand reputation. You'll work within a dynamic team to manage high volumes of laundry, maintain equipment, and uphold rigorous safety and sanitation protocols, playing a key part in our operational success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Housekeeping Attendant
General Laborer
Warehouse Associate

Advancement To:

Laundry Supervisor
Housekeeping Lead
Facilities Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Linen Porter
Houseperson
Public Area Attendant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Meticulously sort all incoming soiled linens, terry, and uniforms by color, fabric type, and degree of soil to ensure appropriate and safe washing procedures are followed.
Skillfully operate high-capacity commercial washing machines and dryers, precisely programming cycles based on fabric requirements to maximize cleaning effectiveness and prevent damage.
Inspect all textiles for stains prior to and after washing, applying appropriate pre-spotting and stain-removal techniques to restore items to a pristine condition.
Expertly operate and feed linens through commercial-grade ironers, presses, and folding machines to produce a crisp, professional finish.
Neatly and accurately fold, stack, and store all clean linens and towels according to organizational standards, ensuring they are ready for distribution.
Maintain a precise and up-to-date inventory of all linen stock, including tracking items sent out and returned, to prevent shortages and manage supply levels.
Conduct regular quality control inspections on cleaned items, identifying and segregating any textiles that are worn, torn, or permanently stained for repair or replacement.
Prepare and organize linen carts for various departments based on daily requisitions, ensuring timely and accurate distribution to support operational needs.
Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and organization within the laundry facility, including cleaning lint filters, wiping down machines, and keeping floors clear of hazards.
Strictly adhere to all health, safety, and sanitation guidelines, including the proper handling and storage of laundry chemicals and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Promptly identify and report any equipment malfunctions, maintenance needs, or safety concerns to the supervisor to ensure swift resolution and prevent operational delays.
Manage and process all lost and found items discovered within soiled linens, carefully documenting and turning them over to the appropriate department per company policy.
Accurately weigh and record laundry loads and processing times to contribute to productivity tracking and operational efficiency reports.
Safely handle, dispense, and replenish all cleaning chemicals from bulk containers to machine reservoirs, following strict safety protocols.
Assist in loading and unloading laundry from delivery trucks and internal transport carts, demonstrating proper lifting techniques.
Perform minor sewing and mending tasks on items like uniforms or linens to extend their usable life and reduce replacement costs.
Respond efficiently to urgent or special requests from other departments for specific linen needs, demonstrating flexibility and a service-oriented mindset.
Implement a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system for linen storage to ensure proper rotation of stock, promoting even wear and longevity.
Document and report any significant discrepancies in linen counts between departments and the laundry facility to help identify potential loss or workflow issues.
Collaborate closely with the housekeeping team to anticipate and meet daily linen demands based on occupancy levels and special events.
Follow established procedures for handling and laundering textiles potentially exposed to bio-hazardous materials, ensuring full compliance with health regulations.
Participate in regular deep-cleaning schedules for all laundry equipment, drains, and the overall facility to maintain a sanitary environment.

Secondary Functions

Assist with periodic physical inventory counts of all linen and terry items, reporting on usage trends and discard rates.
Provide feedback on laundry workflow efficiency and suggest improvements for chemical, water, or energy conservation.
Collaborate with Housekeeping and department managers to forecast linen needs for upcoming holidays, special events, or high-occupancy periods.
Participate actively in departmental meetings and mandatory safety training sessions to stay current on all company policies and procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Operation of Commercial Laundry Equipment (e.g., washers, dryers, ironers, folders)
Knowledge of Laundry Chemicals and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Stain Identification and Treatment Techniques
Linen Inventory Management and Tracking
Basic Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Understanding of Fabric Care, Sorting Principles, and Weight Loads
Proficiency in High-Volume Folding and Pressing Techniques
Adherence to Health, Sanitation, and Safety Standards (OSHA)
Physical Stamina and Strength (ability to lift, push, and stand for extended periods)
Basic Sewing and Mending Skills
Data Entry for Logging and Reporting Productivity

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail and Quality Focus
Strong Time Management and Organizational Skills
Ability to Work Independently with Minimal Supervision
High Degree of Reliability and a Strong Work Ethic
Adaptability and Flexibility in a Fast-Paced Environment
Clear Verbal Communication and Teamwork Skills
Proactive Problem-Solving Abilities
Ability to Follow Multi-Step Directions Consistently

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training certification in hospitality or facilities operations.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Hospitality
General Studies

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of experience in a laundry, housekeeping, or related role.

Preferred:

At least 6 months of prior experience working in a high-volume commercial or hotel laundry environment is highly desirable.