The Coin Laundry Association is requesting that authorities designate laundromats as providing "essential services" during the COVID-19 outbreak.
These facilities provide a basic public health service by serving millions of families with a safe place to wash and dry their clothes each and every week.
In alignment with Centers for Disease Control recommendations, American families should continue to observe the best levels of cleanliness and hygiene possible, including regular clothes washing, during the pandemic. Access to services is particularly important for laundromat customers who are often among low-income families with few alternatives to the neighborhood laundromat for clothes washing.
The CLA is sharing CDC recommendations with its members regarding enhanced cleaning of hard surfaces and other "high touch" areas within their stores. The industry is committed to providing the cleanest, safest environment possible for its customers.
The commercial-grade washers found in laundromats provide rigorous mechanical action which combined with hot water and proper detergent use effectively flush contaminants from clothing in a manner that far exceeds the capabilities of residential machines. Furthermore, commercial gas-fired dryers operate at higher temperatures sufficient to enhance the cleaning process.
The 30,000 small-business owners of laundromats in the United States stand ready to help families keep their clothes clean during the pandemic. The CLA is ready to work with federal, state and municipal authorities to keep laundromats running during this crucial time.
Article Source: https://planetlaundry.com/laundromats-should-remain-open-during-covid-19-outbreak-providing-essential-service/
