Resources

Extending linen life

Bed linens

All linens will have a certain lifespan, though exactly how long they last will largely depend on your laundry practices. The good news is, WASHCO have some handy hacks to share that will help you get the most out of your investment for longer.

How long can linen last?

  • 150 washes = industry standard
  • 200 washes = with considerable care
  • 400 washes = with care and no chemicals

What can I do to extend the life of my linens?

Good control of your wash chemistry

Using the right detergent and chemicals in your laundry process is paramount to minimising damage to your linens. One of the easiest ways to do this is to enlist the help of a laundry specialist who can implement an auto-dosing system, which will release only the precise levels needed for different cycle types. Not only will this ensure your linens receive the best treatment, but it prevents any waste too – it’s a win-win!

We advise clients to not be reliant on bleach as, while it can remove stains, it can also cause irreversible damage if overused. In addition, if you are using an alkali wash boost, only use it to obtain sufficient alkalinity in the wash to remove soiling. If you use too much, it can shorten the life of your linens.

For more advice on detergents and chemicals, check out our guide here.

Circulate your linen

Letting items properly rest between uses is an effective way to extend their life. This is because pulling sheets and towels out of the dryer or ironer and immediately sending them back out for use will put too much stress on the fibres over time.

When taking stock into account and assessing costs, remember to consider how linens are impacted by washing. If 150 washes is the industry standard, ensure you have enough supplies in circulation and a schedule that will enable you to make this last as long as possible.

Fault-free equipment

Equipment defects can cause damage to your linens, including holes and tears. By implementing a regular servicing plan with your commercial laundry supplier, you’re helping to prolong not only the life of the equipment itself, but your linens too.

Here at WASHCO, we offer an all-inclusive rental package that covers machines, annual servicing, parts and repairs. We take on the responsibility of keeping your machines in perfect working order, giving you complete peace of mind. Find out more about the benefits of renting your commercial laundry equipment here.

Staff training

As part of your staff training, we recommend ensuring your team know which are the right linens to use for the job. For example, towels shouldn’t be used for cleaning chemicals off bathroom surfaces, nor should napkins or tea cloths be used as kitchen wipes or for knife polishing. Simple additions to your training programme can go a long way in extending the life of your linens.

To find out more about how WASHCO can support you with transforming your laundry processes, get in touch with our expert team on 08000 546 546 or email info@washco.co.uk.

 

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