A lot of commercial laundries aren’t rushing to replace equipment right now. New machines cost more, lead times can be unpredictable, and downtime is brutal. So instead of swapping out an ironer, feeder, or conveyor system… facilities are doing the smarter move:

Keep the machine running. Keep production moving.

That shift makes maintenance parts way more important than people realize.

The “Old Machine Era” is basically a strategy now

Older equipment can run for years longer when it’s maintained correctly. But the tradeoff is simple:

If one key wear item fails, the whole line can slow down or stop.

That’s why laundries that stay ahead of maintenance usually win on:

• Uptime
• Output consistency
• Fewer emergency calls
• Less rework and operator frustration

The maintenance supply chain matters more than ever

When facilities depend on older machines, the real lifeline becomes the parts and textiles that keep everything moving smoothly.

The highest-impact items usually aren’t fancy upgrades. They’re the “boring” parts that prevent chaos.

Here are a few of the big ones:

1) Belts (drive + conveyor + feeder)

Belts don’t just “snap” out of nowhere. They stretch, glaze, slip, and start stealing performance quietly.

Watch for:

• Squealing / slipping
• Fraying edges
• Cracking
• Speed inconsistency
• Tracking issues

If your machine feels “off,” belts are one of the first things to check.

2) Guide tape (small part, huge effect)

Guide tape helps reduce friction, keeps tracking stable, and protects the belt surface.

When guide tape is worn out, you can get:

• Drifting/tracking problems
• Uneven wear
• Heat buildup
• Belt damage that snowballs fast

This is one of those parts that’s cheap compared to the downtime it prevents.

3) Ironer padding / covers / textiles

Ironers can still run great for years… but only if the textile system stays in good shape.

When padding or covers are worn, you’ll often see:

• Inconsistent finishing
• Wrinkles that won’t press out
• Heat/pressure inefficiency
• Quality complaints even when “nothing changed”

A lot of the time, the machine isn’t the problem. The wear layer is.

4) Wax + clean cloths (protect the whole system)

Wax/clean cloths aren’t just “extra.” They’re part of the machine’s protection system.

They help reduce friction and keep the surface cleaner, which helps prevent:

• Glazing
• Heat spots
• Buildup
• Premature wear

If you’re running high volume, staying consistent here pays off.

The new goal: Prevent downtime, not just fix breakdowns

The best facilities don’t wait for failure. They plan around wear.

A simple approach:

• Inspect monthly
• Keep core spares on hand
• Replace before the “emergency stage”

It’s cheaper, faster, and keeps production predictable.

If you’re not sure what you need, start with this

If you have a part number, belt size, or machine model — that’s perfect. Even a photo helps.

The goal is simple: keep your equipment running smooth with the right fit and the right materials.

If you want help confirming compatibility or building a maintenance stock list, reach out and we’ll point you in the right direction.