Why Fabric Softener is Not Recommended for Use in the Hospitality Industry

Fabric softener is a conditioner, made of oils, waxes and fragrances, designed to coat fibers with a thin layer of chemicals, making fabric softer to the touch and preventing static cling. In use since the 1930’s, the demand for fabric softener increased dramatically in the 1950’s with the introduction of synthetic fibers and detergents, as well as the modern washing and drying machines. The result of these advances was clean but scratchy fabrics that were less than appealing to wear, or in the case of sheets, sleep between.

Although popular for home use, Fabric softeners may not be a good choice in the hospitality industry. The build-up of chemicals left behind by repeated use of fabric softener can damage the fabric, causing yellowing and reducing the absorbency of towels. Most good quality all-cotton towels do not need to be treated with fabric softener and with repeated washings and dryings, will become softer naturally.

The chemical build-up of fabric softener also clogs the pores of Egyptian cotton sheets, preventing them from breathing, thus decreasing the luster and gloss that customers come to expect when staying at a quality hotel or bed and breakfast. Like towels, sheets will become softer with repeated laundering without the assistance of the clogging, water-repelling residue found in fabric softeners.

One way to expedite the softening process of towels and sheets, without resorting chemical agents, which is often highly scented and thus toxic to many sensitive customers, is to “beat” your laundering despair away – literally. Plastic dryer balls, available to purchase through distributors that provide bed and breakfast supplies, wholesale hotel supplies and hospitality supplies (or in most large chain stores), are a perfect alternative. These balls pummel the fabric while in the drying process, increasing fluffiness and reducing static cling as it tumbles.

Another excellent method to soften clothes without commercial fabric softener is using 1/8-1/4 cup vinegar in the last rinse…it softens and leaves linens fresh without any scent or fragrance as it removes any detergent left in the laundry.

Choose Oxygen-Based Bleach when Laundering Sheets for Hotel and B & B Use

There is no doubt that cotton is the most used textile fiber in the world, especially when it comes to the manufacture of bed sheets. As any inn-keeper or hotel supplies manager knows, guests love slipping into bed when a set of crisp, freshly-laundered cotton sheets await. The ratings given by guests about the cleanliness and quality of your sheets can make or break a business, thus the choice in how to launder sheets for your guests is a vital one. It begs the question, what is the best and most efficient way to keep my sheets clean and bright, with that firm yet soft feeling that my guests demand, while increasing the longevity of my sheet-investment?

The answer is simple: Don’t use Chlorine bleach! Bleaching weakens the cellulosic fibers, actually causing whites to deteriorate and look yellow and dingy (of course it goes without saying what becomes of colored fabric when bleach is introduced). Because of the damage to the fabric over time on a cellular level, the life of the sheets is shortened, thus requiring more frequent replacement than if bleach wasn’t used. Also, conventional bleach products are a harmful respiratory irritant that can cause burns to the skin and is dangerous when used in a bed and breakfast that hosts children and pets (birds can die from the fumes of bleach).

What then can someone responsible for hospitality supplies choose to launder sheets that will maintain the desired look and feel? Oxygen-based bleaches are an excellent alternative. They are chemically different than chlorine bleach and they are safer workers and customers with chemical sensitivities, is gentle to the skin and friendlier to the environment.

Oxygen bleach works very well in removing soil and organic matter and doesn’t damage the fabric, even after repeated use, and is safe for whites and colors. Oxygen bleach comes in power or liquid under many different brand labels and is the preferred choice in commercial sheet care.

Sleeping on Wrinkle Free Sheets

Excerpts from Online Shopper
The New York Times
By MICHELLE SLATALLA
Published: March 22, 2007
E-mail: Slatalla@nytimes.com

“To get to the bottom of the mystery of wrinkle-free fabric that stays wrinkle-free, I phoned Cotton Inc., a trade organization, which researches fiber as part of promoting the interests of cotton growers.

“To get wrinkle-free sheets, the fabric should be finished the same way as for wrinkle-free khakis or wrinkle-free cotton shirts,” said Lee Snyder, the associate director of technology implementation, who has been working on specialized wrinkle-free finishes for Cotton Inc. since 1974.

He said you treat the cotton with resins so that the hydrogen bonds in the fabric stay flat, instead of getting all wrinkled up.

“Does the chemical treatment wear off?” I asked.

“No,” he said. “It should last as long as you’re using the sheet.”

That’s all I needed to hear. Eagerly I rushed to my computer, typed Innstyle.com into the keyword search box and prepared to elevate my bedding to the next level.

“The source for innkeeper supplies and linens since 1952,” the site announced, and the rest of the text on the site — phrases like “innkeepers only” and “wholesale supplier” — made it clear that retail orders weren’t encouraged.

I decided to investigate anyway. That’s how I stumbled upon a product description of 300-thread-count wrinkle-resistant sheet sets, 100 percent combed cotton with a sateen weave, available in four colors (sage, white, blue and cream).

I phoned Susan Sternthal, the site’s co-owner, and told her my story.

“This happens to people all the time,” she said. “I had my own nephew just stay in a hotel. He said, ‘I want those sheets.’ I said, ‘If you don’t tell me the name of the hotel, I won’t know what sheets they used.’ ”

“If I tell you the name of the inn where I stayed, will you sell me the same sheets?” I asked.

Ms. Sternthal said: “We had a retail linen store for 53 years in Pennsylvania, but we closed it last year, and now we’re not looking to sell to the general consumer. I will tell you that now.”

She paused.

I felt a glimmer of hope.

“But we will still take retail phone orders,” she said.

Then she added: “No returns. That’s because my manufacturers aren’t going to take it back unless it’s really damaged.”

Before she could change her mind, I said, “The inn where I stayed was called Cornucopia at Oldfield.”

Ms. Sternthal said, “Let me see what she buys.” She looked up the information. “She buys the 300-count sheets for the twin beds and the 600-count sheets in king size.”

“I slept in a king-size bed,” I said.

“Then the 600,” she said.

“I don’t see them on the site,” I said.

Ms. Sternthal said: “There was a change of who was manufacturing them, and for some of our customers, if the color didn’t match, they had issues. So we still stock some of the 600-count sheets for people who ask. But they aren’t shown on the site.”

I said, “While I have you on the phone, can you tell me what blanket they had on the bed at Cornucopia?”

“She bought the waffle blanket cover, the 60-40 cotton blend,” Ms. Sternthal said.

“I’ll take that, too,” I said.

“I’ll have one of my sales reps call you with retail prices,” she said.”

Our best selling 600 thread count ‘wrinkle free’ sheets are available in limited quantities, but more are on the way. Get your orders in now to be assured of shipment on “innkeepers’ most popular wrinkle free sheet style”. To order , please contact us at 267-354-6020 or toll-free at 1-800-877-INNS (4667).

Wrinkle Free Sheets

The InnStyle 600 Thread Count – 100% combed cotton Wrinkle Free Sheets are back. Limited quantities currently available, but we are taking pre-orders for the next shipment.

Here’s what our Innkeepers are saying about these sheets:
We have been using these sheets since 2008. They have been fantastic, our laundry service, housekeeping, and of course our guests have commented on how nice the sheets are, and where they could buy them. We were very distressed in 2010 when they were discontinued and bought up whatever inventory you had back then.

At that time I thought there are a lot of “Sateen Sheets” that said they were wrinkle resistant I had seen from retailers. The problem with retailers is getting the quantity needed, with each store only carrying a few sets of sheets, but I had to try. I started buying sets of these sheets and taking them home to wash. None of the so called “wrinkle resistant” sheets where in fact wrinkle resistant. If the fabric didn’t show wrinkles the stitching all puckered up in one washing! The quality of every set I tried was very poor. It didn’t matter where I bought them, what the thread count was (400, 500, 600, or 1000!), the stitching puckered or the sheets wrinkled on one washing. The other noticeable difference was how thin all the other sheets were, and again the thread count did not matter, all were very thin.

The Inn Style Wrinkle Resistant sheets always had a nice sturdy weight, never puckered, and kept there sheen. That weight contributes to the quality, wrinkle resistance, and makes these sheets unique among all I have tried. .

I was very happy to see the return of this item. We received a sample pillowcase last week, washed it, then washed it again, ran it through the dryer each time. Each time it came out beautifully. Finally we have our sheets back!!
~Dennis Ynclan
Owner Daytona Ocean Front Rentals & Sales, LLC

Our best selling 600 thread count ‘wrinkle free’ sheets are on the way. Get your orders in now to be assured of shipment on innkeepers’ most popular wrinkle free sheet style. To order , please contact us at 267-354-6020 or toll-free at 1-800-877-INNS (4667).

Why Cotton Sheets?

There is nothing like slipping between cotton sheets. That is because nature has designed the perfect fiber for softness and comfort. The superior characteristics of cotton have been praised for thousands of years, and today cotton is synonymous with quality, comfort and beauty.

Softness – The unique shape and dimensions of cotton fibers naturally
InnStyle 600 Wrinkle Free Sheets
result in softness.
Year Round Comfort – Cotton bed linens keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Launders Beautifully – Cotton releases soil easily so bed linens are clean and smell fresh throughout their wear life, and cotton sheets become even softer through washings and use.

The most popular sheet offered at InnStyle is their InnStyle 600 Wrinkle Free Sheets. They get such positive reviews because they have the comfort and softness of cotton sheets without the need for constant ironing because they don’t wrinkle like all the other cotton sheets. Please give InnStyle a call for more information about these sheets or any other of their hospitality products. InnStyle can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.

Laundry Bags and Amenities are an Important Necessity for Property Managers

The smallest details can help provide guests with better service. That is why it is crucial to make sure you have the often overlooked product accessories to help enhance guest experience. A few items guests may not pay much attention to but would appreciate having include laundry bags and amenities like plastic cups, dental kits, and vanity kits.

Laundry Bags Offered at InnStyle

InnStyle offers different types of laundry bags that will help fit the needs of your property. Four unique types of laundry bags currently offered at InnStyle include the Mesh Laundry Bag, the Water Soluble Laundry Bag, the Plastic Laundry/Valet Bag, and the Drawcord Laundry Bag.

Hospitality Laundry Bag — Mesh Laundry Bag

Laundry Bag Descriptions

The Mesh Laundry Bag is used to collect personal belongings, and laundry can be washed and dried in the bag. The Water Soluble Laundry Bag is designed to collect contaminated and damp linen. It has embossed film for an easy opening along with no sticking. The Plastic Laundry/Valet Bag is a common and standard laundry bag that is designed to fit the needs of most types of properties. The Drawcord Laundry Bag is made with a natural cotton duck material and can hold up to 26 gallons. More information can be found about these laundry bags on their specific product pages in the Linen and Clothing Accessories section.

Other Amenities Offered At InnStyle

Hospitality Plastic Cups — Individually Wrapped Plastic Cups

InnStyle has hospitality amenities such as individually wrapped plastic cups, shower caps, dental kits, shaving kits, vanity kits, various types of razor blades, and many other amenities for your property.

Please give InnStyle a call about their laundry bags and amenities. Their account managers would be happy to speak with you and offer their own product recommendations. InnStyle can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.

Pillow Menu: Pillows for Property Managers

InnStyle is the source for pillows for your inn or hotel. They supply down, down alternative, microfiber, and gel pillows. Pillows are available in many sizes and shapes. If you do not see the pillow you prefer, contact us and let us find the correct one for your needs.

Hospitality Pillow — EnviroLoft Down Alternative Pillow

Give your guests all the comforts of home and more! Select from InnStyle’s pillow menu. Some of the more popular pillows at InnStyle include the InnStyle Primasera™ Pillow and the Enviroloft Down Alternative Pillow. Your guest pillows of choice can be waiting for them when they arrive at your property! If the guest likes the pillows they used in their room at your property, they can purchase them at your gift shop and take them home!

Contact InnStyle for more information on our pillow selections or call us at 1-800-877-4667 for pricing and options.