Preventing Fine Hotel Linens from Fading

As an innkeeper or hotel manager you want to make sure all of your guests are completely satisfied during their visit. This also includes the linens on their bed. That’s why it’s so important to keep your supply of fine hotel linens from fading.

What causes fine hotel linens to fade?

Fading is due to a combination of weather, sunlight, cleaning methods and normal wear and tear. Unfortunately some of these factors you cannot control. In order to prevent fading it’s important to understand how to properly care for your fine hotel linens.

How can you prevent linens from fading?

Washing

Your fine hotel linens will stay looking brand new if you follow the correct care instructions. Washing linens hastens dye loss, so understanding how to properly preserve the dye in the wash will help to keep your linens bright and vibrant for your guests. It’s always important to read the washing and fabric care instructions on the tag found on the edge of linens before washing them the first time. In most cases, manufacturers recommend to wash fine hotel linens in cold water. Washing in too hot of water can damage the fabric and result in more fading. Before washing, sort your laundry into piles of light and dark colors. Use a mild detergent, with no bleach and never use fabric softener. Avoid overloading the machine to prevent breaking the long fibers like those in Egyptian cotton.

Drying

Drying your fine hotel linens in high temperatures will also damage and fade the fabrics, so choose a lower heat setting. Also, if you line-dry your fine hotel linens, avoid any direct sunlight that could cause additional fading. Instead, consider air drying sheets on a rack. It’s usually recommended to air-dry white linens and use a low-heat dryer setting for darker linens.

Remember to equally care for matching linens like sheet sets, pillowcases and table linens. Each piece should be washed together even if they haven’t been used. It’s important to wash matching linens at the same time so they maintain the same quality of color. Although this may not prevent the linens from fading it will make it less noticeable.

Storing

When storing your supply of fine hotel linens make sure they are placed in a flat, dry place and that they are not exposed to any direct sunlight to prevent more fading.

At InnStyle we carry a wide selection of wholesale linens and other supplies for hotels and inns.We have extensive knowledge on our products and their wash-ability and durability. We can send you samples of linens to see, test and touch for your hotel or inn. Make sure to follow the care instructions on any of your purchased linens and feel free to contact us with any  questions.