One of the necessities hospitality properties may want to think about is the laundry and cleaning process. Laundering occurs so frequently, especially for linens like towels and sheets. That is why it is important for properties to make sure the process is done efficiently to help preserve the high quality and durability of the linens and avoid laundry mistakes. There are common laundry mistakes that can be avoided to help take better care of the linens.
Common Washing Mistakes
Washing Fabrics
It is a good idea to keep whites and colors separate.
Linens are usually washed individually as whites, lights, and darks to help preserve their brightness and quality. It is also vital that linens with different textures be washed separately such as cotton, polyester, terry, etc. This is because sturdier and textured linens can rub up against smoother more delicate linens and cause pilling.
Washing Linens Too Aggressively
This can cause tearing and other damage to the linens. Linens like towels and sheets can generally be washed on a regular setting as opposed to a heavier cycle. The last thing your property wants is to have to keep reordering new linens earlier than you should because they were being washed on the wrong cycle. There should be washing instructions on the label that states how to launder and dry that specific linen.
Overloading the Washing Machine
Another one of the biggest laundry mistakes is putting too many linens in the washing machine because this can cause damage to the drum and make the machine less effective overall. This will cause products to be less clean and could require them to be washed again, which will waste time and water. It is recommended that washing machine loads be washed at around 80% of their volume. An appropriate wash cycle volume will allow for efficient circulation of the detergent and give the linens the best wash possible.
Too Much Detergent
Using more than the recommended amount of detergent can cause problems for the linens and thewashing machine. It can result in an invisible layer of film forming which traps dirt and hard water minerals that may give the linens a faded look. This can cause guests to experience skin irritations and itchiness. Excessive laundry detergent can also clog hoses and valves and prevent water from properly draining. This may cause mold, mildew, and bacteria to form.
Common Drying Mistakes
Over-drying
It is a good idea to set the dryer to the heat
setting based on the laundering instructions on the linen labels to avoid damaging the products. Problems associated with over-drying can include the formation of yellow stains, shrinking, and a reduction of elasticity.
Keeping Linens in the Dryer after the Cycle is Complete
Letting linens sit in the dryer idly can lead to wrinkles forming and shrinking from the leftover heat. Therefore, linens should be removed as soon as the drying cycle ends. It is a good idea to shake and fold the linens to reduce wrinkling.
Forgetting to Empty the Lint Filter
The lint filter should always be emptied after each drying cycle. One reason is for safety concerns. Lint filters that become too stuffed can cause the dryer to become overheated and pose a fire risk. Blocked airflow, caused by too much lint in the filter, will use more energy, take more time to dry, and cost the property money.
InnStyle Has a Variety of Quality Linens
Common laundry mistakes can be avoided with the proper steps to help improve linen quality. InnStyle offers a “Cleaning Products” section on their website that offers like Laundry Detergent Powder and Linen Stain Remover Powder. There are many different types of linens to choose from which can make the process a bit overwhelming for your staff. InnStyle has a large selection of high-quality linens ranging from sheets to bedspreads to towels and many additional types to help with the needs of your property. The account managers at InnStyle are more than happy to offer customized and personal linen recommendations that will be best for the property. Please give InnStyle a call and speak with one of their account managers at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.