What typically determines the flow rate of linens through the laundry process?

The flow rate of linens through the laundry process is most significantly determined by the folding stage. Once linens have been washed and dried, the manner in which they are folded influences how quickly they can be processed for storage or distribution. Efficient folding techniques and equipment can help manage the volume of linens, allowing more items to be folded in a shorter time. If the folding process is not streamlined, it can create a bottleneck, slowing down the overall flow rate of linens.

Sorting, drying, and washing are certainly critical elements of the laundry process, but they each occur before the linens reach the folding stage. While sorting ensures that linens are organized and ready for washing, the drying phase is essential for removing moisture before handling. However, both of these phases do not directly impact the rate at which linens are processed post-wash. Thus, folding is the pivotal stage that affects how quickly linens can be returned to service after the entire laundering process.