How to keep your facility cool in the summer heat 

By Barry Victor, owner and president of PROS Parts 

Dry cleaning facilities often operate in hot environments due to the use of heat-intensive machines like steam presses, dryers, and boilers. During summer, managing this heat is crucial for several reasons. 

How Dry Cleaners Keep Cool in Summer 

HVAC Systems (Air Conditioning) 

Many facilities invest in robust HVAC systems to regulate indoor temperatures. These systems cool the air, manage humidity, and maintain a safe, comfortable environment for workers and machinery. 

Ventilation and Exhaust Systems 

Exhaust fans and ventilation ducts remove hot air, steam, and fumes. This helps keep temperatures down and maintains air quality. 

Insulated or Reflective Roofs 

Roof coatings or insulation can reduce heat absorption from the sun, especially in large industrial buildings. 

Zoning Equipment Use 

Scheduling high-heat operations (like pressing or steaming) during cooler parts of the day helps manage indoor temperatures. 

Portable Cooling Units or Fans 

In smaller operations or areas with spot heating (like near a press), localized fans or portable A/C units may be used to provide relief. 

Why Temperature Control Is Important 

Worker Health and Safety 

High heat can cause fatigue, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. OSHA regulations require employers to provide a safe working environment, including temperature control where needed. 

Equipment Efficiency and Longevity 

Overheating can damage dry cleaning machinery and reduce efficiency. Boilers and steam equipment, in particular, may suffer or shut down under extreme heat. 

Quality of Cleaning 

Heat and humidity affect how garments are cleaned and finished. For instance, too much humidity can prevent clothes from drying properly or cause wrinkles during pressing. 

Chemical Stability 

Dry cleaning solvents (like perchloroethylene or hydrocarbon-based cleaners) can become unstable or emit more fumes in high heat, posing safety and compliance issues. 

Summary

Dry cleaners rely on air conditioning, ventilation, and smart scheduling to combat summer heat. This isn’t just for comfort, it’s essential for safety, operational efficiency, and maintaining quality standards. 

PROS Parts is here for you in the summer heat, and throughout the year for your equipment parts needs. Contact us or visit our website.  

About Barry Victor
Barry founded PROS Parts in the spring of 1988. Before starting PROS, Barry worked in the sales and engineering departments of Vic Manufacturing, one of the largest manufacturers of dry cleaning equipment in the U.S. At Vic, Barry launched a parts sales division that supported dry cleaning equipment imported from Italy and Germany. In its early years, PROS manufactured dry cleaning machinery and then evolved into an industrial and commercial laundry equipment and drycleaning operations parts supplier. Barry lives in Plymouth, MN with his wife. He has two sons, a stepson, a stepdaughter and his dog, Sora. 

Barry can be reached at 763-231-7379 or barryv@prosparts.com.