Frequently Asked Questions

Hospitality Blankets: Beneficial for Your Property

Hospitality blankets are a perfect option for adding an extra layer of warmth on cold winter nights. They are soft, cozy, durable and can help you feel more comfortable while you sleep. There are many different options and styles that blankets come in, so it is important to make sure your blankets have the right weight, washability, and material to meet your needs. This blog is going to focus on blankets. We will address topics like the different types of blankets, how the laundering process works, and some popular blankets that InnStyle offers.

Different Types of Blankets

Cotton:

Cotton is natural which makes it a popular material for linen
Known for being breathable, soft, and comfortable
Can be warm enough in the winter and cool enough in the summer to help give guests a good night sleep
High-quality hospitality grade cotton is more durable and a better value than retail

Fleece:

A synthetic fabric that keeps guests warm
Good choice for properties in cooler climates
Static electricity is sometimes felt when using these blankets
Less breathable especially compared to cotton blankets
Offered at a more economical price compared to cotton blankets

Down:

Filling is made with feathers that are usually cushioned by fabric like cotton
Provide good insulation without the heavy weight
Offers different levels of warmth that can help during the winter or summer
Can be used as an insert for a duvet cover because they are close in size to a down comforter
Many are very durable and able to resist falling apart due to frequent use
Priced at fair value for the high level of quality it offers

Down Alternative:

Designed to feel comfortable and warm like down blankets but without the feathers
Usually the synthetic filling is made out of materials like cotton, polyester, or rayon
Better option than down blankets for people with allergies and asthma
Easy to care for since these blankets are usually machine washable
Offered at an economical price compared to down blankets

Washing Tips for Blankets

Overall, cotton blankets are known to wash and dry well which gives them the reputation of being easy to care for. The same can be said for polyester blankets and down alternative blankets. You have to be a little more cautious when laundering down blankets. Sometimes, the care instructions on the tag attached to the blanket may state that it is dry-clean only. If that is the case, it will need to be sent to a professional, and they will take care of the process for you. Otherwise, we recommend washing the down blanket on a gentle setting if you are going to launder it yourself.

There is no set formula for knowing how long each of these blankets can last. The life expectancy factors for the blankets will depend on the quality and how your property treats the blankets. Frequency of laundering and the number of guests you host are also factors in the life of your blankets. The greater the number of rooms and the more guests that stay at the property will increase the rotation and laundering cycle for the blankets. Along with that, the number of blankets you have in your rotation is also important. A larger amount of blankets available means that each individual blanket will need to be washed less frequently. This will put less wear-and-tear on your blankets and help them remain in good condition for a longer length of time. Even after the linens have been laundered, it is good to let them sit idle before putting them back on the bed for use. We recommend that cotton rest for a least one day after it has been washed to help ensure the fibers maintain their quality.

Blankets Offered at InnStyle

InnStyle offers hospitality cotton, polyester, down, and down alternative blankets. Some of the blankets we recommend include the following:

Down Alternative Blanket with Mink Binding: This down alternative blanket comes with a microfiber shell that has a silky and resilient feel. It has lightweight warmth for all season comfort and a baffle box construction that keeps the fill in place.

Classic Cotton Blanket: The Classic Cotton Blanket is made from 100% natural ring spun cotton. It has a soft and luxurious feel. It will also keep guests warm without the weight feeling too heavy making it a perfect option as a blanket to be used at all times of the year

Loft Blanket: The Loft Blanket is made with 100% polyester. It was created with non-pilling microfibers. It is durable and lightweight for all-season comfort.

InnStyle Is Here for You

Blankets are necessary for the comfort of your guests, and there are so many different types and styles that can fit your needs. We have a large selection of blankets here at InnStyle that come in many different styles and colors. If you have any questions about what blanket may be best for your property or yourself, please give us a call and speak with one of our account managers. They are happy to help and offer suggestions for you. We can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Our website is https://www.innstyle.com/.

How to Remove Stains-The Innkeeper’s Guide

Stains are a nuisance that no one wants to deal with. They can happen when you least expect it. A scenario could be when you are preparing your inn for the next guests, and you suddenly notice a chocolate stain smeared on your table linen and the remnants of a spilled drink on your living room carpet. You try to act quickly by scrubbing it with a wash rag and soap and water. However, the thought crosses your mind- is there a more effective method for removing those stains? This article will offer some ideas on how to effectively remove different types of stains.

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Hospitality Industry 101: How to Become an Innkeeper

It’s the start of a new year. It often marks a time where people wonder if they should make changes in their life including their career. Are you already working in the hospitality industry or have you thought about joining it? While becoming an innkeeper can be challenging, we hope this blog will help make your preparations easier if this is something you are interested in pursuing. Whether you want to break into the hospitality industry or if you are already in the industry, we will recommend some start-up items that will get you started and keep you going. There is a wide range of products that will be needed to satisfy your guests. This can include food and beverages, entertainment, and linens such as bedding, towels, and napkins.

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How to Fold a Fitted Sheet

Fitted sheet

You pride yourself on having a neat, well-organized linen closet, with all your towels, washcloths, sheets and pillowcases cleanly squared away.

Then it comes time to fold a fitted sheet, and all bets are off.

As housekeeping chores go, this one can feel like a wrestling match, only your opponent is a squid, or a puff of smoke.

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How to Wash a Blanket

woman curled up in blanket at beach house

The nights are cold by the ocean, even in the summertime. Your guests have been strolling along the beach, chilled by the salt air at their backs.

As they walk back to your place, the thought of nestling themselves under a soft thick blanket initiates the warming process in their mind.

Whether you run a bed and breakfast in the mountains or the seaside resort we described above, your guests will appreciate coming home to blankets that are warm, comfortable…and clean.

With that in mind, we’ve put together this guide on how to wash a blanket.

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What is a Coverlet?

Back in 2015, we wrote a blog post on the difference between quilts and coverlets. It was a topic that drew a lot of interest, which is why we’ve decided to return to the subject with this post, where we’re answering the question “What is a coverlet?”

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How Important Is Thread Count When Choosing A Sheet?

There’s a lot of confusion surrounding thread count in the bedding industry, and we’d like to use this blog post as an opportunity to clear up some of that misunderstanding.

First of all, it’s important to understand that bed sheets weren’t always judged by thread count alone. In fact, the high thread count story barely existed prior to the mid-1990s. And yet even today, it’s still the first question most customers ask about bed linens.

Don’t misunderstand: Thread count certainly is an important way to judge the quality — or lack thereof — of a bed sheet. But it’s only one of many factors you should consider when comparing linens. Other important sheeting quality indicators include fiber quality, yarn size, finishing, and the actual construction of the sheets.

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Which Type of Bed Sheets Last the Longest?

Q. How long should my bed sheets last?

This is a question we’re asked frequently by innkeepers who are attempting to keep their costs to a reasonable minimum, and also by customers who only plan to use their bed sheets at home.

No matter who’s doing the asking, though, it’s a wise question to ask. Because bed sheets—especially well-made and comfortable bed sheets—can be costly. And for both hospitality and home use, most experts recommend having a minimum of three sets of sheeting per bed: one on the bed, one in the wash, and one in the closet. In between each use, we recommend laundering and then storing your linens in a well-ventilated space.

But take heart: With proper care, fine bed linens can last for many years, regardless of whether you’re using them exclusively in the home, or in a busy hotel or inn with a heavy guest turnover.

To ensure that your bed sheets will last as long as possible, alternate the use of each set on a weekly basis for home use. For innkeepers, of course, sheets need to be changed each time a guest checks out and a new guest arrives. Depending on the level of turnover, innkeepers will find that the majority of their sheets need to be replaced much sooner than a homeowner will need to replace hers.

For best results when laundering, use a non-chlorine bleach and a gentle liquid detergent not a fabric softener as it will lessen the life of the fabric and add a substance that does not allow the fabric to breathe. Wash on a gentle cycle with warm water, then tumble dry until slightly damp.

Pro tip: Over drying or drying on too hot a setting is the single biggest factor in reducing the life of your sheets. This is why we suggest taking your sheets out while slightly damp. Once smoothed and folded, most sheeting will be less wrinkled. Again, you can touch up with an iron on the hem of the flat sheet and pillowcase hem.

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How to Choose the Right Pillow

The type of pillow we use to sleep on at night doesn’t necessarily seem like the most important thing in the world, does it?

But consider this: The vast majority of us spend a full one-third of our lives in bed, with our heads placed firmly on a pillow. And if you’re using a pillow that’s too hard, too soft, too firm, or too weak, both your neck and your spine will suffer as a result.

In the short term, a low-quality pillow will also lead to a less-than-ideal night’s sleep. That’s why choosing the right pillow—the best pillow—has always been such a difficult and even agonizing decision for innkeepers.

Naturally, the comfort of an innkeeper’s guests is always a top-of-mind concern. But whether you’re running a luxury hotel or your own small household, there are a few other pillow-specific considerations to bear in mind.

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Category: Frequently Asked Questions