care tips for innkeepers

Join InnStyle and Sealy Mattress Company at the PAII Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show

With the new year just around the corner, are you ready to start it off on a high note?

All of us here at InnStyle are busy preparing to attend the PAII Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show, which will be held at the Hilton Riverside Hotel in New Orleans, La., from January 5 – 8, 2015.

So, Why Should You Attend this Conference?

Not only does the conference showcase current industry trends and best practices — it also gives you the opportunity to build new relationships with vendors and other innkeepers alike. Come join us in the Big Easy for special events, mixers, and a wide breadth of educational sessions from aspiring to master innkeepers.

Continue reading Join InnStyle and Sealy Mattress Company at the PAII Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show →

Beware of Chlorine Bleach & Fabric Softener

Do not use Chlorine Bleach on your sheeting or towels as it will cause fading and discoloration. It breaks down and permanently weakens the cotton fibers. It is important to ensure that your linens do not come in contact with face creams or toothpaste as these may leave stains on your towels or sheets. All stains need to be treated properly before they are put into the washer and dryer. If a stain is not caught before it hits the washer and dryer, the stain will set. Try to use makeup remover towels to remove makeup such as our InnStyle makeup remover towels or Facial Wipes (you will save many towels, washcloths and pillowcases if using these). When washing your linens, use an oxygen-based product or a product without a brightener and fragrance to wash the linens. Brighteners in washing detergents can leave white spots. Oxygen based products are safe for use on almost all washable fabrics including color fabrics. When using an oxygen-based product, the chemical ingredient oxidizes to help remove soil and organic matter brightening the fabric and removing stains without taking out the color of the fabric.

Fabric softener is also Not Recommended!! Fabric softener is designed to coat fibers in oils, waxes and fragrances that might make the fabric feel soft but the build-up of chemicals can damage the fabric and make it less absorbent. In addition, fabric softeners clog the pores of cottons including Egyptian cotton . This applies to any sheeting or toweling. It prevents the cotton from breathing and it decreases the luster and gloss of the appearance. High quality Cottons including Egyptian cotton linens do not need to be treated with fabric softener. The Cotton will become softer naturally, without fabric softener, after repeated washings and dryings.

The InnStyle staff would be happy to go over proper care of our fine linens with you. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Mattress Care

All mattresses should have protection. It will give you optimal return on your mattress investment plus insure your mattress warranty. Your guests will appreciate the cleanliness & protection of a cover when using the bed. It is important to have zippered waterproof encasements for mattress and box spring for protection from dust mites, bedbugs & protection against spills, etc. These covers should be zippered (which will not need removing). You should then protect your mattress with a mattress pad for comfort. These can be washed and dried before dressing the bed for next use. It would be wise to have a few extra mattress pads for emergency situations.

Vacuuming is the only recommended cleaning method. If covered with a waterproof mattress cover, you should not have any stains directly on the mattress. If there is liquid on the mattress, we recommend using a towel to blot the liquid. Apply gentle pressure to absorb the liquid. Do not press the liquid into the mattress. If you must clean a stain, use mild soap with cold water and apply lightly! Don’t ever soak a mattress or foundation and don’t use dry cleaning fluid of any type on your mattress — these chemicals could damage some of the comfort and upholstery materials.

For general care, always flip and rotate the mattress. A two-sided mattress should be flipped and rotated regularly. Mattress can be flipped in Summer & again in Winter. You could then do the rotating of the mattress in Spring & Fall. Single sided mattresses should also be rotated-although you do not flip, obviously. Again, you can choose time of year and schedule all flips and rotations on a calendar.

You should also rotate your box spring once a year.

Always use a bed frame with a rigid center support that supports the head, foot, sides and center of the mattress and box spring. If using bed slats with a mattress and box spring, use at least three rigid, no-slag slats.

InnStyle can supply your Inn or Bed and Breakfast with mattresses at wholesale pricing. Contact your InnStyle representative or call Toll Free: 1-800-877-INNS (4667) to receive Personal Service at Wholesale Pricing.