Guide
Caring for hotel textiles so they last
Textiles are a large recurring cost, and much of their early failure comes from the laundry, not the guest. These routines help a hotel get more life out of what it buys.
Sort before you wash
Mixing items is the quickest way to shorten their life. Sort by colour first, then by type and weight. Heavy items like bath mats and robes should not be washed with light sheets, since the load pulls and tangles. Separate heavily soiled items, such as spa towels or kitchen cloths, from guest-room linen.
Check pockets and fold out belts and ties. A robe belt tied in a knot in the drum comes out creased and weakens at the fold.
A simple colour code on bins or trolleys, such as one colour for towels and another for bed linen, saves a surprising amount of re-sorting. It also helps new staff get it right from their first week.
Load size and water
An overloaded machine washes poorly. Clothes cannot move, detergent does not rinse out and a sour smell builds. A drum that is far too empty wastes water and energy. Follow the manufacturer's capacity and aim for a drum that is filled but not packed.
If your water is hard, scale builds on fibres, making towels stiff and greyish over time. A water softener or a suitable detergent for hard water helps, and it is worth asking a laundry chemical supplier for guidance based on your water test.
Detergent, softener and bleach
More chemical is not better. Use the dose suggested for your water hardness and soil level. Heavy use of fabric softener leaves a coating on terry fibres that reduces absorbency, which is the first thing guests notice in a towel. Many hotels avoid softener on towels altogether.
Bleach is useful on white cotton, but too much weakens fibre and causes yellowing over time. Follow the care label, and keep bleach out of coloured or blended items. Rinse thoroughly so no residue irritates sensitive skin.
Keep a log of detergent dosing, even if it is a clipboard. When towels turn stiff or grey, the log helps you identify whether a change in dose or supplier lines up with the problem.
Drying and finishing
- Dry until just dry. Over-drying damages cotton fibres and shrinks items.
- Clean lint filters at each shift, since a clogged filter extends drying time.
- Shake towels before drying to separate loops.
- Fold promptly while warm, to avoid deep creases.
- Let items cool before storing, so no moisture is trapped.
Store textiles on slatted or open shelving, off the floor, in a dry place. In humid climates, a dehumidifier or good ventilation in the linen store is worth the cost.
Fold sizes also matter for storage. If towels are folded to a consistent size, shelves hold more and rooms look tidy once they are placed. Agree the fold with housekeeping, and keep a single photo of the standard at the shelf.
Stains and what to do
Treat stains early. Makeup and hair dye marks should be pre-treated before washing, since heat sets many stains. Keep a basic stain guide at the laundry station that lists which product to use for which stain, and train staff to use it. Avoid mixing chemicals and always rinse after treatment.
Record items that fail repeatedly. A towel that carries the same mark after three treatments should leave circulation. Move it to cleaning cloths or retire it.
For stubborn marks, trial the cleaner on a spare cloth first. Colour loss on a test cloth is a better lesson than colour loss on a new bath sheet.
When to retire an item, and how to track it
Signs of age include loss of absorbency, thinning pile, fraying edges and permanent grey tone. Instead of waiting for a complaint, set a simple inspection once a month. Count the pieces retired each quarter and compare that with what you bought. Over a year, you will see how long each textile type really lasts in your hotel, which is more useful than any general figure.
When you reorder, share these findings with your supplier so that the next batch reflects real wear. You can browse the towels or ask about supplies for planning replacements, and samples are available for a wash test.
Questions on this topic
What wash temperature should I use?
Follow the care label and your hygiene policy. Many hotels wash white cotton hot for hygiene and coloured items cooler to protect dye.
Why do my towels feel stiff?
Hard water scale, too much detergent and over-drying are the usual causes. Check dosage and consider softening the water.
How long should hotel towels last?
It varies widely with quality, wash practice and guest use. Track your own retirements to learn the real figure.
Keep reading
- How to choose hotel slippers: materials, sizes and cost
- Terry or waffle slippers: which suits your hotel?
- Disposable or reusable slippers for hotels
- A buying guide to hotel robes
- How to stock an Airbnb bathroom
- Hospital and clinic bathroom amenities: what to consider
- Gym locker room amenities: a practical checklist
Looking for supply? See Hotels & resorts, browse the product range or request samples.