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One washing machine, simultaneous wash cycles: a game-changer or a risky bet for laundries?

Marzio Nava

In the domestic laundry world, Candy - the iconic Italian brand recently acquired by the Chinese group Haier - has sparked a quiet revolution with the launch of washing machines capable of handling multiple loads simultaneously, thanks to separate drums and independent wash cycles.

This innovation delivers a practical solution for those seeking to save time or simply avoid waiting for one cycle to end before starting the next. A smart and efficient response to the demands of today’s fast-paced lifestyles. Yet an obvious question emerges: could this concept also be applied to professional laundries? In theory, multiple drums could mean higher productivity, greater flexibility, and reduced downtime. For example, a hotel could wash sheets, towels, and tablecloths simultaneously, without mixing items, achieving maximum efficiency at the push of a button.

Yet behind the dream of a “multitasking superwashing machine” lie concerns heavier than a mountain of wet linen. The ultimate dilemma arises: what happens if a module fails? What if a motor stops or the machine suffers another type of malfunction? In professional laundries, where every minute of downtime translates into lost time and potentia revenue, this is far from a trivial question. It would be required a modular design, with independent drums: each with its own motor, valves, and sensors. Undeniably a more complex system, but also more resilient.

This brings us to another challenge: maintenance. More drums mean more components, more electronics, and therefore more potential points of failure. Higher efficiency brings with it the challenges and costs of added complexity. Then there’s the energy consumption factor, a particularly delicate consideration. A multi-wash machine would naturally demand more power, yet with smart design - incorporating heat recovery, precise water control, and optimized cycles - it could potentially consume less energy than multiple single machines. Conversely, if operated at partial loads, it risks turning into an energyintensive giant. In short, the challenge is not merely technical but also strategic.

Is it worth investing in a single, hypertechnological machine, or is it more practical to rely on multiple simpler machines that are easier to maintain and replace? The answer lies somewhere in between: modularity, efficiency, and artificial intelligence must work in syntony to ensure that complexity remains both sustainable and truly functional. Today, the idea of a “multitasking” professional washing machine remains more of an experiment than a practical reality. Yet it is worth considering, if only for the discussion it sparks and the reflections it inspires.

As Alessandro Manzoni wrote in his ode "Il cinque maggio", composed after the death of Napoleon Bonaparte: “to posterity the arduous judgment”.

DETERGO MAGAZINE # NOVEMBRE 2025

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