Laundry Room Rule #2: Keep It Well Lit

Whether you have a laundry room for tenants or for your business, the four rules for making that laundry room a success are:

1.       Keep it clean

2.       Keep the room well lit

3.       Keep the room safe

4.       Keep the machines working

Recently I was tasked to do some maintenance on the washer and dryer at this location.

If you watch the video below, what rule above did the landlords break?

If you guessed rule #2 you are correct!

Unfortunately the flashlight on my cell phone was broken.

I was required to complete the service call, so in order for me to see, I turned on the camera flash and took pictures. I kept one eye closed to not ruin my night vision.

The camera flashed and I would walk to a spot that I saw in the flash.

I would then take another picture and advance towards the machines again until I got to them.

By the time I got to the machines I saw the light switch on a pull string. I pulled it but the light didn't work!

Fortunately the only task I was required to do for these machines was put a new sticker on them to let people know the new phone number to call if the machines needed repair.

I turned around and left.

The pictures below are the ones that I took using the flash to see.

There was no light in the stairway. This is the wall going downstairs:

The bottom of the steps without flash:

Bottom of the steps with flash:

Here is the corner of the door where the machines are:

This is the laundry room without lights:

Me approaching the washer:

Now you might be asking why I still went downstairs with no lights and once I was downstairs and had no light why I still tried to do my job. I do admit it was something out of a horror movie where the one actor knows they shouldn't do something, but they do it anyways and get killed by the bad guy.

It did cross my mind and I wondered what or who else I might find down there. The sense of adventure got me. 

It all comes out in...the WASHTub!

Ev

A Heck of  A Nice Guy

4 rules for a successful Laundry Room: #1 Keep It Clean

 

4 rules for a successful Laundry Room: Keep It Clean

 Whether you have a laundry room for tenants or for your business, 

the four rules for making that laundry room a success are:

1.       Keep it clean

2.       Keep the room well lit

3.       Keep the room safe

4.       Keep the machines working

This one is easy. Would you rather wash your clothes in a laundry room that has human excrement on the floor, or a room that smelled nice and when you touched the equipment you didn't have scum on your fingers? The pictures below are from a real laundry room I was sent to do a repair in. Feces and urine on the floor. Even a dead rat! I don't need to keep going why the laundry room needs to be cleaned after looking at these pictures do I?

Ev
A Heck of A Nice Guy 

Restting DAS on Maytag Washers and Dryers

 

Have you ever seen "DAS" or "das" show up on your display board on your Maytag washers or dryers?
Here is how you get rid of that thanks to the WASH Commercial Laundry technician staff:

Ev

RESETTING DAS MODE ON MAYTAG CONTROL BOARDS

MHN33, MAT20, MLx22, MDx20, MDx28 

1. Power machine OFF, then back ON: “Sync” appears, then disappears
2. Press buttons in this sequence:
• MHN33 – Delicates / PowerWash / Delicates / Normal / PowerWash + Delicates
• MAT20 – Delicates / PowerWash / Delicates / Mixed / PowerWash + Delicates
• MLx22 – Delicates / PowerWash / Delicates / Normal / PowerWash + Delicates
• MDx20/28 – Delicates / Whites&Colors / Delicates / Perm Press / Delicates + Whites&Colors
3. “HHHHHHHH” will appear
4. Press buttons in this sequence:
• MHN33 – Delicates / Delicates / Delicates / PowerWash + Delicates
• MAT20 – PowerWash / PowerWash / PowerWash / PowerWash + Delicates
• MLx22 – Delicates / Delicates / Delicates / PowerWash + Delicates
• MDx20/28 – Delicates / Delicates / Delicates / Delicates / Delicates + Whites&Colors
5. “RES” will appear if successful
6. Power OFF, then power ON
7. Unit has been reset to factory default settings

MHN30, MAH22, MVW18 (using buttons on left)
1. Power machine OFF, then back ON: “Sync” appears, then disappears
2. Press bottom row buttons in this sequence: right/left/right/middle/left + right
3. “HHHHHHHH” will appear
4. Press bottom row buttons in this sequence: left/left/left/left + right
5. “RES” will appear if successful
6. Power OFF, then power ON
7. Unit has been reset to factory default settings

Method #1 for other models:
1. Open service switch (OMIT for MFRxxPDATS)
2. Disconnect power from machine (unplug)
3. Restore power
4. Hold DELICATES button until board flashes
5. Open door/lid
6. Close service switch
 ***The next sequence must be done within 6 seconds***
Washers and stack dryers - use the lower-case buttons, single dryers only have 3 buttons
7. Press buttons in this order: left/middle/left/middle/left/right
8. Remove power from machine (unplug)
9. Restore power and release service switch;
if done correctly the “dAS” will be gone and the board will ready to program as normal

MLG dryers
1. Put unit into programming mode
2. Go to Factory Settings
3. Enter password using buttons in this sequence: left/middle/left/middle/right/middle/left
4. Program board as needed; make sure to select correct configuration (example: gas, non-reversing)

Method #2 for other models:
1. Open service switch
2. Remove wire from coin vault switch
3. Close lid/door
4. Remove the coin drop (do not disconnect from the board)
5. Remove power from machine for 6 seconds
6. Restore power
7. Hold the DELICATES button until board flashes
8. Block coin optic for 1 second or more
9. Unblock the coin optic
10.Open lid/door
11.Closed service switch
***The next sequence must be done within 6 seconds***
Washers and stack dryers - use the lower-case buttons, single dryers only have 3 buttons
12.Press buttons in this order: Left/middle/left/middle/left/right
13.Remove power from the machine
14.Restore power;
if done correctly the “dAS” will be gone and the board will be ready to program as normal

Everet's Laundry Newsletter June 2022

June 2022 is here. If you missed some articles from my blog, Just click on a link. Here are three ideas for you this month:

You might not ever need or want to buy something from me, however this recent interaction I had proves why...
why-we-need-human-salespeople

Why should you read my blog on occassion?
Here is the answer!
why-read-this-blog.html 

This is an article from a few years ago from my past career. If you have someone that is interested in working for you, they might request an informational interview, or you can offer an informational interview. Either way it is sort of a "try before you buy" or "interview before the interview."
I can be a good way to keep a line of prospects for future openings:
informational-interviewing

Ev
A Heck of A Nice Guy

 

 

 

The Gettysburg Address

Without America, none of us would be here.
I love my country!
Ev
A Heck of a Patriotic Guy

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
 
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Everet's Laundry Newsletter May 2022

 

You might be asking yourself,
"Why is Everet sending out the May newsletter when it is mid-June?"
When I went to work on the June newsletter the May one was still in the que. Ooops!

Just click on the link to read an article.

Thanks for looking.

Enjoy!

Everet
A Heck of A Nice Guy

Featured Articles this month:

If you have Wascomat Crossover washers and want to know how to reset errors other than pulling the electrical plug try these:

Wascomat-crossover-error-reset-shortcuts

 

Dryers not heating consistently?
Did you do this?

Dryers-not-heating-clean-sail-switches

Ever have the little boxes of soap get stuck in your vending machine? My thanks to fellow owner Larry for letting me interview him about how he solved this issue:

Soap-fetching-stick

Maytag Dryer Default Codes

If you have older Maytag dryers, have you ever seen something come up on the display other than the price and minuets remaining? If you have, here is what they mean and how to get rid of them. Presenting the Maytag dryer default codes!
Ev
A Heck of A Nice Guy 

Why Read This Blog?

 

Why should you read this blog?
Instead of just writing an answer, I’ve asked my friend the motorsports journalist, Steve “The Wrench” Ratchett (SR) to do an interview of me.

Steve Ratchett (SR): So why an interview?
Everet (EK): If you write a blog it is always a good idea to tell readers once in awhile why they are coming to your blog. What is it they will read about. I’ve done those articles a few times. This is just a different way of doing that.

why-laundry-tips-on-this-blog
why-i-write-this-blog

SR: So what will readers learn from your blog?
EK: I’m trying to be a resource for anyone in the laundry business that owns or manages laundry rooms and laundromats. I’m passing on knowledge I’ve learned from my years in the business and my experience owning and running many laundromat facilities. I pass on tips about maintenance, marketing, hiring, and other issues. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I hope to point people in the right direction.

SR: Why?
EK: When I was looking to get in the business and even afterwards,
no one told me ANYTHING.
I said I wouldn’t be that way for people looking to get into or are already in the laundry business.
Plus I have to live up to my brand “A Heck of A Nice Guy” that I’ve used for the last 25 years.

SR: You have articles on Sales and Marketing, and Hiring on here too. Why?
EK: Former careers I spent a lot of time in. That knowledge still has value. Why not promote it and write about it. Not everyone in the laundry business knows how to hire people, market their stores or products. Hopefully these older articles help.

SR: You also have articles on history and jokes too. Why?
EK: Writing is fun! I used to be a journalist and sometimes I dabble in silly or serious topics for fun. Once a quarter I allow myself to write something not related to my careers. If this were strictly a work related blog I wouldn't do that. IF readers find them interesting that is fine. 
The jokes are there because who can’t use a good clean joke sometimes?
I used to publish a joke column on the last day of every month. I haven’t written a joke column for many years. Maybe I’ll revive it.

SR: With the “groaner” and “dad” jokes you tell maybe you shouldn’t.
EK: Lets let the readers decide that.

SR: This blog has technical articles for old machines. Shouldn't you just have articles about the new machines you are selling in your current position?
EK: There are a lot of new owners taking over stores and inheriting equipment.
Many of these owners haven't worked on older equipment so if I can pass along a few tips that saves them the cost of a repair tech and get a machine up and running faster so they can make money with it, then I've done my job. Plus sometimes we experienced owners can forget things too if we don't have to deal with them all the time. Plus when people tell me a tip I learn form them too!

It is easy to be a "trunk salesperson" and just sell the latest and greatest and say to a customer "here you go" and take off. There are enough of those salespeople out there. In my career I've always made it a point to be a positive difference in the lives and businesses of my customers. A customer may not ever buy something from me, or agree with my advice, however my goal is for them to say,
"that Everet is a Heck of A Nice Guy."

SR: I'm sensing that phrase is more than a saying but more of a brand for you.
EK: It is indeed my brand that I've had for 25 years, and a reminder for me how to act and treat people and customers.

SR: So how about one of those jokes to end the interview?
EK: Okay. How come cannibals don't eat clowns?

Ev
A Heck of A Nice Guy

 

This is from Planet Laundry:
mint-continues-to-encourage
There isn't a coin shortage.
What this article hasn't explained, although it touches on, is that when the banks were closed during covid, or only open via drive thru, they didn't accept coins to change into dollars.
If people couldn't spend them they threw them into a container at home.
That drained change machines all over, and are still doing that in many areas.
People don't want to carry around a bunch of change.
One of my laundromats gained quarters because customers told me it was the only place they COULD spend change.
Plus many banks:
a. don't accept coin
b. accept coin only if you have an account at that bank
c. charge a premium for taking coin whether you have an account or not
I would argue based on the above three points that the banking industry caused this mess, or at least a big part of it. The trend of people not carrying cash is one part. The banks actions were another.
Just my two cents worth on this topic.
Thanks Bob Nieman for this article.
Ev
A Heck of A Nice Guy 

Mint Continues to Encourage the Public to ‘Get Coins Moving’

by Bob Nieman | Apr 5, 2022 |

The United States Mint continues to ask the public for its help in getting coins moving – through the use of exact change when making purchases or by turning them in for cash at coin-recycling kiosks.

You also may be able to redeem coins for cash at financial institutions, but first contact local branches about their coin redemption policies, as they may vary, according to a recent news release from the Mint.

The Mint is making this request because coins are not circulating through the economy as quickly as they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cash transactions have decreased significantly since 2019, as more and more individuals have turned to performing their transactions electronically, which means that sometimes coins are not readily available where they are most needed.

“This is not a coin supply problem,” the Mint stressed. “It is a circulation problem. There are many people who rely exclusively on cash and currency to pay for goods and services. There are also many businesses that rely on cash and currency for their day-to-day operations. These people and businesses feel a significant impact from the unavailability of coins.”

Since the coin circulation problem first emerged in 2020, the Mint has asked for the public’s help in solving this problem, through communications from the Mint and as a member of the U.S. Coin Task Force. The Mint has issued press releases, distributed public service announcements, conducted social media campaigns and amplified its content via the U.S. Coin Task Force website.

Everet's Laundry Newsletter April 2022

Almost each week I publish an article on my blog about some aspect of laundry room maintenance, or laundromat ownership.
It might be hiring, maintenance tips, marketing, or general knowledge. Each month I send out this simple email with links to articles I think laundry room operators and owners will find useful.
Just click on the link to read an article.

Enjoy!

Everet
A Heck of A Nice Guy

Featured Articles this month:

Funny Application Answers:
funny-application-answers

 Have a Maytag MFR Washer that says "service needed?" Try this:
Resetting-Maytag MFR-Cycle-Counter

Maytag MNH30s giving you fits?
Try these tips:
Fixing-Maytag-mhn30-common-errors

Vandals break your toilet tank? Try this!
fix-for-broken-toilet-tank-lid