The secret to long-lasting hospitality linens doesn’t just lie in how you care for them—it starts with what you choose from the very beginning. It all begins with our durable, high-quality linens and towels, designed specifically to handle the demands of the hospitality industry. By investing in well-crafted, tightly woven fabrics with higher thread counts, you’re already extending the lifespan of your inventory. At CBT Hospitality Supplies, we prioritize both softness and strength, ensuring your linens not only impress guests with their feel, but also hold up beautifully over time and repeated washes.
Wash Smart, Not Harsh
How you care for your linens in the laundry room has a big impact on how long they’ll last. Washing smart means being gentle while still getting the job done. Start with a mild, pH-neutral detergent to protect fabric fibers, and skip harsh chemicals or overuse of bleach that can cause premature wear. If you use fabric softeners, do so sparingly—build-up can actually reduce absorbency in towels and make linens feel stiff over time.
Equally important is how you load your machines. Overcrowding might seem efficient, but it can lead to uneven cleaning, excessive friction, and extra stress on your linens. Linens need space to move freely in both washers and dryers so they can be cleaned thoroughly and treated gently. Giving your linens the room and the right products they need helps preserve their softness, color, and structure wash after wash.
Dry with Care
Drying is just as important as washing when it comes to extending the life of your linens. Excessive heat and over-drying can cause fibers to break down more quickly, leading to thinning, fraying edges, or that stiff, over-baked feel—especially in towels. Instead, aim for a gentle, medium heat setting and always remove items as soon as they’re dry to prevent heat damage and wrinkling.
Whenever possible, shake out your linens before placing them in the dryer. This helps prevent twisting and allows for more even airflow throughout the load. If your property allows for it, line-drying can also be a great option to reduce wear and tear from machines altogether while preserving fabric integrity.
Another tip? Keep lint traps and dryer vents clean. Clogged filters can overheat your dryer, shorten machine lifespan, and even leave residue on your linens. By taking a little extra care in your drying routine, you’ll keep your linens looking and feeling like new saving your money on replacements and keeping guests wrapped in comfort.
Store Smart & Inspect Often
Even when your linens aren’t in use, how you store them can affect their longevity. Always make sure linens are completely dry before folding and storing to prevent mildew, discoloration, or musty odors. Use cool, dry, and well-ventilated storage areas, and opt for breathable containers or shelves instead of sealed plastic bins. Keeping linens neatly folded and separated by type also helps minimize creasing and tangling, making daily turnover quicker and easier.
But don’t stop at storage—routine inspections are key. Make it a habit to check linens regularly for signs of wear like frayed edges, thinning fabric, or stains that didn’t come out in the wash. Early detection allows you to either remove items before they impact guest satisfaction or set them aside for repurposing as cleaning rags or back-up stock. Staying proactive with inspections keeps your linen inventory in top shape and ensures that only your best-quality items reach your guests.
