Giat La Sang laundromat, nestled in alley 417 Nguyen Trai, possesses a distinct tranquility. There are no calls or conversations; the most noticeable sounds are the hum of motors and the beep signaling the end of each wash cycle. Residents in the area are accustomed to the sight of employees working silently, greeting customers with smiles, and communicating through written request forms. All staff members here are deaf or hard of hearing.

The shop in an alley in Hanoi. Photo: LG

Ms. Luong Thi Kieu Thuy, the owner of the shop, gradually lost her hearing from 10 years old. While studying sign language, she observed that many deaf individuals struggled to find employment or could only secure precarious jobs with unstable incomes. Driven by a desire to create stable employment for herself and others in similar circumstances, she opened the first Giat La Sang facility in 2020. Today, the model has expanded to five shops across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dong Nai, handling over 20,000 wash cycles daily and providing stable income for dozens of deaf and hard of hearing workers.

Since october, the two facilities in Hanoi have become more efficient with the addition of new industrial washing and drying equipment from LG. LG provided a 13 kg washing machine and a gas-powered industrial dryer with a 10,2 kg capacity. This upgrade shortens processing times, increases the volume of clothes handled, and reduces pressure during peak hours. The entire installation, operation guidance, and periodic maintenance were supported by the supplier's technical team, ensuring stable operations for the laundromat.

Employees only need to perform basic operations because the equipment features an automatic detergent and softener dispensing mechanism. The 10-degree tilted drum ensures a more thorough clean and saves water. Meanwhile, the gas dryer provides rapid heating and quick drying times.

Staff serving customers at the shop. Photo: LG

Ms. Le Thu Ngan, an employee who has worked at the shop for nearly five years, stated that many large orders, such as comforters, previously had to be turned away because the old machines lacked sufficient capacity. "Now, each load can handle double the amount compared to before. Customers receive their items on time, and we feel more at ease," she shared via sign language.

Reflecting on the changes after the equipment upgrade, Mr. Duy Linh, the quality assurance staff member for the northern region, noted that the new machines significantly reduced the shop's workload. Clothes returned to customers are dry, clean, fragrant, and maintain their shape well. With less time spent processing each load, employees now have more time to focus on service and optimize the customer experience.

"We can also monitor the washing and drying process of multiple machines simultaneously through a smartphone application, allowing us to accurately estimate the quantity of items received and the return time for customers. More laundry means better income for our staff," Mr. Linh said.

Staff using a washing machine from LG. Photo: LG

Beyond serving customers, a portion of the shop's profits is allocated to opening new facilities and supporting life skills classes for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Giat La Sang serves as a vocational training model for vulnerable people seeking sustainable opportunities in urban life.

For small-scale laundromats, the crucial factor lies not in complex systems, but in stable, economical, and user-friendly equipment. Thanks to appropriate solutions, the shop can maintain consistent service levels and expand its operations without placing significant pressure on its operators, most of whom are deaf or hard of hearing.

Staff arranging clothes after washing and drying. Photo: LG

In the small space of the laundromat, each rotation of the machines not only reflects the rhythm of work but also marks a step forward for those who live in silence, confidently taking charge of their lives. The shop has become a place where deaf and hard of hearing workers are recognized and given the opportunity to live by their own efforts.

Hoai Phuong