Laundry Chute Maintenance Checklist

When was the last time you checked your laundry chute? Do you know when it needs to be cleaned or repaired? Read on to find out more about maintaining your laundry chute.

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Laundry Chute Linen Chutes

Get ready to be amazed by these amazing linen laundry chutes!

These linen laundry chutes are so cool that we had to share them with you. They're made from 100% stainless steel, which makes them very durable and eco-friendly. Laundry chutes are corrosion-resistant and will last the lifetime of the house or building.

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How did linen chute come about?

The first linen chute was invented in 1856 by John H. Linnell who patented his invention in England. He named it the Linnell Chute. It consisted of a series of vertical tubes connected by horizontal pipes. In the early 1900s, the Linnell Chutes were used in hospitals and schools. They were made of wood and metal and could hold up to 100 pounds of clothing.
Improvements to the linen chute were invented in 1885 by William H. Kapella. He named it the ‘Kapella Laundry Chute’. It consisted of a series of interlocking metal tubes which were used to carry dirty laundry down from the top floor to the basement. In the early 1900s, the chute was improved upon by adding a safety device to prevent people from falling through the chute. This was achieved by installing a wooden ladder on the outside of the chute. Safety become very important to the laundry chute linen chute idea.

These laundry chute linens are perfect for any home or business owner who needs to keep their laundry clean and organized.

The first thing you need to know about laundry chute linen chutes is that they are made from aluminized or stainless steel and are available in standard sizes or can be custom designed. This means that they will last longer than other materials, and they won't fade as easily.
If you're looking for something more durable than wood or plastic, then laundry chute linen chutes are perfect for you. These linen chutes are available in different sizes, so you'll find one that fits your needs perfectly.  

So what other benefits does having a laundry chute have?

Linen chutes are used to send dirty linen from an upper floor to the area where the linen will be washed. This saves people from having to carry downstairs and the potential risk of tripping or falling downstairs. In hotels and care homes, a lift or escalator should not be used to transport dirty linen that's used for guests or food as there is a risk of cross-contamination, especially with recent viruses. A laundry chute removes this risk.

They come with a convenient handle for opening and closing the door

Our laundry chutes come with a normal handy handle or can be flush. In hotels and care homes or houses with three or more floors, they will be self-closing so you won't have to worry about leaving the door open. They are made out of high-quality stainless steel material that will last for years. So, what are you waiting for? Go grab some laundry chute linen chutes today!

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These laundry chute linen sets are perfect for any home or office

We can supply laundry baskets to go with any laundry chute. A laundry chute linen chute set will make your laundry room look like it was designed by HGTV.
If you're looking for something more unique, check out our laundry chute linen sets. We've got everything from laundry chute linen sets to laundry chute linen baskets. You'll find everything you need to keep your laundry organized and clean.

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They come with a sturdy metal frame and plastic liner

You will find that our laundry chutes are extremely easy to install and use. The male/female connections simply slide together neatly and tightly.
Our laundry chute linens come in several sizes. A 250mm diameter is normally used where space is tight, usually if the floor joists are close together. A 300mm laundry chute is the preferred size for a domestic house larger houses or small hotels will install a 350mm or 400mm chute. Larger hotels and care homes are from 500mm to 900mm in diameter.

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Contact us today about linen chutes and ensure your laundry chute stays safe and compliant. For servicing, repairs, or if you would like a laundry chute installed, the number to call is 01563 555881, or you can email us at info@easylinelaundry.com.

Laundry Chute Door Design Tips

Laundry Chute Door Ideas

Laundry chutes are great for moving heavy loads of laundry, but they also allow the user to clear their feet of dirty linen and clothes whilst they carry on tidying up in a timely manner.

However, it's important to know how to design a laundry chute door so that it works properly.
We have 4 different types of domestic doors which can also have the self-closing feature. Please click here for the brochure.

Here are some tips to help you with this process

The position of the door will be decided by where the chute will end below. Preferably, a laundry chute should be installed above or as close to the laundry room as possible. Ideally, this should be straight up and down although this may not always be possible so you will be required to offset the chute at an angle. This should not be more than 45 °.

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Laundry Chute Size - Choosing the diameter

Once you've determined what type of door you would like, its now time to decide where the chute will go. Is there a room, or cupboard above the utility or washing machine area? If not directly above how far away is it (clothes don't fall sideways) Is it a wooden or concrete floor? If wooden how wide are the floor joists? Are there services run in the floor? You should consult your architect or builder to decide what size of chute is required. We can supply 250mm, 300mm 350mm and 400mm diameters. A 250mm is generally only installed if the space is limited between floor joists. A 300mm chute is our preferred size for a domestic family home. 350mm and 400mm is normally installed in care homes or small hotels. If you're moving a lot of laundry, consider purchasing a larger door and chute diameter. This will allow you to move more laundry at once.

Laundry Chute Door location - Choosing the door location and position

First, decide where the door will be positioned and how it will sit. Will you have the door horizontally or vertically on the wall? Make sure that the laundry chute door has enough clearance to allow the door to open. Position the door so it's not too high that you will struggle to lift the laundry and not too low that you are straining yourself. We recommend the door is 1m from the finished floor level to the middle of the door. Next, consider whether you want the door to open left, right, up or down. Our laundry chute doors for homes can be mounted in any direction and also be moved if you wish to change. Our commercial doors can only be hung left or right and will have to be decided when placing an order. This will determine where the hinges should go.

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Install the Door Properly

Make sure that the door is installed properly before using it. The door should be level and flush with the wall. The door will have holes drilled so you can secure it to the structure to make a tight seal. This is also part of the fire risk assessment. There is a round spigot 10mm smaller than the chute size, this fits inside the chute. The door is then secured to the wall if vertically or onto a frame which surrounds the chute horizontally.

Laundry Chute Fire Door

All our doors are 1hr fire-rated which are suitable for domestic use only. Please note that this product is designed to meet the requirements of BS EN 14181:2007.
Our commercial doors are 90min or 2hr fire-rated and meet the requirements of BS 1703:2005, NFPA 82
Features domestic:
• Flush, beaded or surface mount
• Child and vulnerable adult friendly
• White Powder Coated Finish
Features commercial:
• Surface mount
• 4 digit changeable password control panel to allow usage by authorised users and only one door open at a time.
• Stainless steel finish
Benefits:
• The door meets the requirements of BS EN14181:2007
• The doors are suitable for domestic and commercial
• The doors are manufactured to fit any size of the chute


Contact us today and ensure your laundry chute stays safe and compliant. For servicing, repairs, or if you would like a laundry chute installed, the number to call is 01563 555881, or you can email us at info@easylinelaundry.com.


The Laundry Chute System - How It Works

Buying and installing a laundry chute system is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Read this article to see why!

Laundry chutes are great for moving dirty clothes from an upper level of the house to a lower level, preferably near the washing machine. 

Why Should You Have A Laundry Chute System?
There are several reasons why you should install a laundry chute system in your home. First, it will limit dirty clothes building up in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways. Second, it will stop the need to carry dirty laundry downstairs which in itself is a major hazard. Third, it will save you time because you can send the laundry downstairs out of the way whilst you do the rest of your chores. Fourth, it adds value to your home as it's built-in so there for the life of the house. Fifth, it will prevent clutter from building up in your house. Sixth, it will make your life easier. Seventh, it will improve your home’s curb appeal. Ninth, it will make your home safer.

The first reason why you should install a laundry chute system is that it will limit dirty clothes laying around and will decrease the chance of falling downstairs. 700 people in England and Wales alone die falling down stairs with a further 43,000 hospitalised. (Google) When you have multiple people living in your home, having a laundry chute system will help clear dirty clothes quickly and save the need for laundry baskets. 

How Do I Know When My Laundry Chute Needs Repairing?
If you notice any issues with your laundry chute, such as the door not closing properly, then you should contact a professional immediately. You should check your laundry chute every few months to ensure that it is still functioning properly.
The first thing you should do if you notice any problems with your laundry chute is to call a professional to inspect it. A professional will be able to tell you whether or not there is anything wrong with your laundry chute. It may be something simple like a new handle or hinge but a laundry chute door is the most important safety mechanism of a chute. If there is something wrong with your laundry chute, then you should fix it right away. If you leave it alone, then it could cause serious damage to your home. You can contact a professional, here.

How Much Does A Laundry Chuting System Cost?
It costs anywhere between £500-£1,000 to build a laundry chute system in a typical two-storey home. This includes the cost of materials, labour (depending on where you live), and designing it. However, there are several ways to save money when building a laundry chute system. First, you can install it yourself. This can be a kit or specifically tailored to your home. These systems come complete with everything you need to install them into your home.
The first step in installing a laundry chute is to determine where it will go. You should consider where the washing machine or dryer is as well as any cupboards already built in that area. If you choose to place the chute next to the washing machine, you will need to cut a hole in the floor. Once you have determined where you want the laundry chute to end, you should consider what is above the washing machine. Is there a bathroom, cupboard or space you can box a chute in? Next, you should decide which door to choose (we have four different types of doors, all 1hr minimum fire rated and lockable). After deciding on the door, you then need to decide how the chute will start and end. A normal laundry chute would start with the door vertical on a wall preferably in the hallway so everyone can access it. The door would go inside a 90° elbow around 1m from the floor and then drop down to the washing area below. If the space above is limited you can have the laundry chute door horizontal on top of the chute dropping string down and boxing in around 800mm from the floor. Finally, you will need to decide how the chute will end. A typical chute would end above head height preferably inside a cupboard or press. You can then have a shelf just under around head height with a basket on it. 2 or 3 shelves below which would allow you to separate the whites and colours. 

How Can I Install A Laundry Chute Properly?
If you decide to build a laundry chute, you should first determine where you plan to place the chute. You should also consider how much space you have available. 
The next step is to choose the size of the chute you would like to install. There are four sizes 250mm, 300mm, 350mm and 400mm for domestic houses. Hotels and care homes require a larger diameter which can be found on our commercial page.  

How Do I Clean The Laundry Chute?
Our laundry chutes are stainless steel grade 316L which are smooth throughout and will not require cleaning in normal domestic use. This grade of steel will never corrode or disintegrate in a domestic house. Below is a chute with 3 x 45 ° elbows as the chute had to offset to reach the utility room.
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Laundry Chute Maintenance Checklist

When was the last time you checked your laundry chute? Do you know when it needs to be cleaned or repaired? Read on to find out more about maintaining your laundry chute.

Laundry chutes are an important part of any home, apartments or a hotel, especially in where space is limited. They're also a potential hazard for children and pets, so it's important to keep them clean, safe and carry out maintenance on them.

Prior to maintenace
Never attempt to enter the chute or lean in without permission from the owner of the building. Only visual checks should be carried out without permission. A risk assessment should be drawn up and agreed by all relevant parties prior to any maintenance. This should include all doors to be locked with the keys handed to the person or supervisor carrying out the maintenance. If the doors are automatic and interlocking they should be isolated and only have manual access. 

Is the chute clear of debris?
If there's anything blocking the bottom of your laundry chute, it could cause damage to clothes and is also a potential fire risk and even lead to injury. Make sure that everything inside the chute is removed before using it. Also, make sure that no objects are hanging down into the chute.
If you notice anything unusual in your laundry chute, such as a large amount of debris, report it imediately. 

Do the doors open and close properly?
You should check the door handle, hinges and self closure if fitted every six months to ensure they're not loose and working to the manufacturers specifications. If they are, tighten them or seek profesional help. If any screws aren't visible or turning, They may have threaded, check the screws are tight and not turning. The laundry chute door is an integral part of a laundry chute as far as fire safety is concerned. If the door doesn't close properly there is no fire break between floors.
If you notice anything wrong with your laundry chute, such as the door is not completely closing, the door is not level or if there's debris blocking the opening and you can't repair yourself, contact the people you purchased from or seek profesional guidance. 

Does the chute have a handle?
A laundry chute without a handle isn't safe and is a number one priority when looking at maintenance. The door won't close properly without a handle so could be a fire risk.
If you live in an apartment building or work in a hotel, chances are you've seen at least one laundry chute. These handy devices allow you to drop your clothes into a lower floor without having to climb stairs or carry heavy loads. However, if you haven't used yours in a while, it might be time to check whether all parts are working properly. 

Is the chute free of obstructions?
A clogged or obstructed chute will cause a potential fire risk. The fire damper or door closer could be obstructed which would not allow it to close in the event of a fire. It's also possible for the chute to become damaged. If you notice any signs of damage, contact your laundry chute supplier or a professional immediately as this is yet another maintenance issue.
If you notice anything unusual in your laundry chute, such as a large object blocking the opening, call your landlord immediately. You could be fined if you fail to report the problem. In addition, you should check the chute every day to ensure that there aren't any items inside that could cause injury or a fire risk.

Does the chute have a damper or fire closer?
The end of the chute should have some kind of shut off should a fire occur in that area. There will be a fusible link holding these fire stops. They should be inspected every 6 months and we would recommend thay are changed for new every year.

Is there a sprinkler system fitted?
A sprinkler system should be inspeted once a year by a qualified third party but if you notice anything different or obvious damage you should report to the building owner or you supervisor.

Call Today
Contact us today and ensure your laundry chute stays safe and compliant. For servicing, repairs, or if you would like a laundry chute installing, the number to call is 01563 555881, or you can email us at info@easylinelaundry.com.

Laundry Suckers Review - What's The Truth About Them?

We have tested out the best laundry suckers on the market today and found out what they really do. Find out if they're worth buying or not!


Laundry Suckers are small devices that fit onto your wall (or inside a cabinet), near your washing machine. They transport clothes needing to be cleaned by a laundry vacuum system, they make very little noise as this happens. The device was invented by Drew Henry. A Laundry Jet is basically a vacuum that sucks clothes from any part of the house to where you would like to wash them.

Is There Any Proof That They Work?

In our tests we found that the majority of them work, the popular 'Laundry Jet' can in some cases struggle with potential installation problems, but once these are fixed they work great. Some people claim that the 'Laundry Jet Plus' unit works better than the 'Laundry Jet Swift' unit. If you would like to find out whether they work or not, then watch our reviews on the main Laundry Sucker (Laundry Jet) page.


Do They Really Save You Time?

It seems like everyone has heard of these products before, but how much do they actually save you time? Well, we've done the research and here's what we found. Have you ever wondered if you absolutely have to separate colours from whites? A recent Twitter poll indicates that 48 per cent of people don't. The laundry sucker has ports that help you to organise your washing into piles that might otherwise become a messy chore without the organisational benefits 'Laundry Jet' can provide.


Does It Matter Which One You Buy?

There are two main types of laundry suckers available; one is called 'Laundry Swift', and the other 'Laundry Plus'. Both types work by transporting laundry from one (a multi-storey house) room to another room. The 'Laundry Plus' unit can store more ports, but the 'Laundry Swift' can look more aesthetically pleasing, with an acrylic finish. Both have the benefit of the Return Unit, sending back your clothes to a dedicated area after they are cleaned and dried.


Here Are Some Popular Q and A's About Them

Q - What if my children insert shoes or toys into the Laundry Jet ports?


A- Laundry Jet ports can be installed at any height to restrict access from very small children that might misuse the ports and we recommend 1200mm. The system is designed with a hard 90° elbow behind each port. If a toy or other item tries to enter the port, it must pass through a hard 90° elbow to enter the system. The rest of the system is made up of slow 90° and 45° elbows to allow a smooth flow through the pipework to be delivered to the laundry room. As with any appliance, you must always follow proper instructions and procedures when operating the Laundry Jet.


Q - How do I get 6″ pipe in my 4″ walls?


A- This is the most common misconception we encounter regarding the installation. The laundry Jet uses 6.25″ (159mm) SDR35 pipe and most standard walls are 100mm. The most common installation puts Ports in the bedroom on a wall with a length of pipe running up into the attic, downstairs in a cupboard, or in a pipe chase and boxed in. For multiple floors or where there is no closet or attic space, the pipe is generally boxed in to hide it. On new build developments, the pipe paths can easily be designed into the plans.


Q - Can the Laundry Jet be retrofitted into an existing home?


A- Retrofitting the laundry jet into an existing home is a straightforward process.  All pipe runs are through the attic and then drop into existing cupboard space or into suitable existing sub walls. They can also be run on the surface and boxed in. See installation instructions for more information.


Q - Can Laundry Jet send clothing upwards? My living area is downstairs, and my washing machine is upstairs.


A- Yes, the Laundry Jet can send clothing in any direction from multiple locations. The laundry Jet does not require gravity.


Q - Can I send clean laundry back with the Laundry Jet?


A- Yes, please check out the return unit in the product section of our site


Q - I have a one-story bungalow.  Can Laundry Jet still work for me?


A- The laundry Jet was first invented with single-story homes and apartments in mind as without a second floor you can’t use gravity as is used in a traditional laundry chute. As the laundry jet uses a powerful vacuum it can move clothes in any direction over large distances. If you have your Laundry room on the same floor, a higher or lower floor with several locations it will transport your laundry, with no problem.


Q - I want to install a laundry Jet in a care home or hotel. Does it only work for residential homes?


A- Laundry Jet commercial units are designed to handle heavy-duty applications. These systems allow the transport of laundry over long distances (300m) as well as the ability to incorporate multiple Jet Pack devices for delivery to various laundry processing locations as needed for multiple large numbers of separate rooms. Contact us at info@easylinelaundrychutes.com to discuss commercial installation requirements for your powered laundry chute.


Q - My home has several floors. Can we still install the Laundry Jet?


A- Yes, the Laundry Jet can work with multi and single-story homes no matter the floor location of the laundry room. In a residential application, laundry can be transported up to 60m to the laundry room in almost any configuration for easy port access.


Q - Does the Laundry Jet make a lot of noise?


A- The Laundry Jet wall-mounted unit will make some wind noise when in use, (approx. 77 dB) similar to a vacuum cleaner, but you can vent the diffuser on the side of the unit outside or back up to the attic to reduce noise if needs be. The standard jet pack has an air diffuser to reduce wind and noise. The Laundry Jet ports do not make any significant noise in the bedrooms, more of a gentle whisper.


Q - What happens if my clothing does actually get stuck in the laundry system?


A- The laundry jet system is designed to keep items that will not pass through the entire system from successfully entering the ports as the throat is a little narrower than the pipe. If an item does get caught it simply restricts the suction in the system to any port located behind the blockage. Because of this, it is easy to locate and remove blockages if one does occur. Blockages that get past this point can be removed by snaking the system from the nearest port. (Simple standard pipe-unblocking snake device is available online or at most DIY stores). However, in 99% of the cases, blockages can be cleared more easily by providing back pressure to the nearest port while the system is engaged, doubling the directional push force. (A standard leaf blower is recommended). As mentioned before this is very unlikely as proven by our years of in-field testing and user experience but takes only minutes to clear if it does occur. Finally, it is good practice to install Y fittings with clean-out ports on the main trunkline for mid-system access (usually attic or crawl space accessible).


Q - If I want to, how do I clean my Laundry Jet System?


A- As the system is for transporting already dirty clothing, they will all be washed on the other side. However, if something badly soiled smears the inside of the pipe the regular cleaning method of running a 6” foam ball wrapped in a simple Clorox wipe or similar through the system a few times from each port is the standard cleaning practice. You can also snake the system with other accessories and there is access from clean-out ports for more extensive cleaning if needed.


Q - How many laundry ports can we install?


A- The Laundry Jet Plus has the option of up to 8 ports and the top of the range Laundry Jet Swift can handle up to 4 ports. Both with a maximum of 60m of pipe.


Q - My laundry room is in my garage. Can I install the Laundry Jet there?


A- Yes, the Laundry Jet can be installed wherever you do your laundry as long as there is access and a power outlet.


Q - Does the Laundry Jet consume a lot of electricity?


A- No. the usual maximum timer setting of 20 seconds ensures all dirty clothes arrive in the laundry room in even the largest home but is used intermittently when people undress or change bedding etc. In normal use the Laundry Jet will just be taking a few items at a time as you discard them so will never be running for extended periods.


Q - Can the Laundry Jet separate dark and light clothing?


A- Not unless you install two units.


Q - Can I install the Laundry Jet myself?


A- Yes, this product was designed with medium experience to advanced DIY’ers in mind. We have a 90-minute online course for all installers so they can become “certified” which includes video, manuals and a final exam. Our warranty is dependent on the successful completion of this course.


Conclusion

If you're looking for a new way to transport your clothes safely, then laundry suckers might be right for you. They're easy to use and effective at transporting clothes quickly. So, if you're looking for a way to save money and time, then laundry suckers are definitely worth trying out.

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