We’ve got a very good response to our last article which was on what are the important parameters that affect the wash quality of linen.
Below is the link of my previous article-
https://www.linkedin.com/
Today we will discuss on how linen in a hotel is processed and what are the necessary steps and processes involved in washing of bed sheets, pillow covers, duvet covers, bath mats, bath robes, bath towels, face towels, hand towels, F&B linen etc.,
Before knowing the process of washing let us know what parameters the purchase department of a hotel checks before purchasing the linen (bed & bath linen)-
Q. Parameters a hotel purchase department checks before purchasing linen (bed linen & bath linen)?
A. Thread Count(TC)- Bed linen, Grams per Square Meter(GSM)- Bath Linen, Life Cycle of Linen
1. Thread Count (TC):
Thread count is a measure of the number of threads woven into 1 square inch of fabric.
300 TC- It means that the fabric used to make the bedsheet has 300 threads woven horizontally and 300 threads woven vertically per square inch. Essentially it is a parameter which shows us how tightly a fabric is woven. A thread count between 300-500 is a solid range for high quality bedsheets, duvet covers.
Thread Count(TC):
| Thread Count(TC) | ||
| Items | Worst | Best |
| Bedsheet | <200 | 200-600 |
| Duvet Cover | <200 | 200-600 |
| Pillow Cover | <200 | 200-600 |
| *Also depends on the type of fabric we choose | ||
2. Grams per Square Meter (GSM):
GSM is a measurement of towel weight.
High GSM towels are usually better in quality. In general, a cotton bath towel that weighs 400 GSM and above is considered to be good in quality. The fabric in the high GSM towels is woven more densely, and hence it is softer and more absorbent when compared to lower GSM towels
GSM is a measurement of towel weight.
High GSM towels are usually better in quality. In general, a cotton bath towel that weighs 400 GSM and above is considered to be good in quality. The fabric in the high GSM towels is woven more densely, and hence it is softer and more absorbent when compared to lower GSM towels
A minimum of 500 and above GSM towels are advisable for guest towels (hotel bath linen)
Grams Per Square Meter(GSM):
| Grams Per Square Meter(GSM) | ||
| Items | Worst | Best |
| Bath Towels | <200 | 500-700 or more |
| Hand Towels | <200 | 500-700 or more |
| *Also depends on the type of fabric we choose | ||
Advantages & Disadvantages of TC &GSM:
1. The major advantage of higher TC & GSM is that the quality will be very good and the linen will be very soft. We can feel the luxury of it
2. The cost is more for higher TC & GSM linen when compared with lower TC & GSM linen
3. The absorbent power of higher TC & GSM linen is high when compared with lower TC & GSM linen
4. Higher TC & GSM linen will have more durability when compared with lower TC & GSM
5. Lower TC & GSM linen are good for travelling purposes as they are light in weight
If the budget is not a constraint and only service matters then going for higher TC & GSM linen is a best option
3. Life Cycle of Linen:
The general industry standard is somewhere between 120-200 washes also depending on how the washing process is done.
Therefore to reach the desired life expectancy of the linen it is important that we follow the SOPs while processing the linen. If the SOPs are not followed then the linen will be discarded frequently which affects the costing and the overall profitability of the hotel
1. The major advantage of higher TC & GSM is that the quality will be very good and the linen will be very soft. We can feel the luxury of it
2. The cost is more for higher TC & GSM linen when compared with lower TC & GSM linen
3. The absorbent power of higher TC & GSM linen is high when compared with lower TC & GSM linen
4. Higher TC & GSM linen will have more durability when compared with lower TC & GSM
5. Lower TC & GSM linen are good for travelling purposes as they are light in weight
If the budget is not a constraint and only service matters then going for higher TC & GSM linen is a best option
3. Life Cycle of Linen:
The general industry standard is somewhere between 120-200 washes also depending on how the washing process is done.
Therefore to reach the desired life expectancy of the linen it is important that we follow the SOPs while processing the linen. If the SOPs are not followed then the linen will be discarded frequently which affects the costing and the overall profitability of the hotel
After purchasing the linen, the next step is pre-wash.
Q. Is Pre-Wash necessary?
A. Pre-wash of linen is absolutely important as it-
• Softens the linen
• Removes dust, bacteria and any other unknown foreign agents
• Eliminates shrinkage and color fading
Once the linen is pre-washed then the hotel is good to use them
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in washing the linen (white linen)-
1. Segregate the stained linen and non-stained linen
2. Pretreat the stains- Stain removal
3. Wash at a temperature (40-60C) with liquid detergents
(washing consists of three cycles: Prewash, Main Wash, Rinse)
4. Dry them at high temperatures to eliminate bacteria also we should see to it that they we won’t over dry them
5. We should iron them when the linen is still damp to get wrinkle free & crisp finishing
6. Pack and deliver back to the customer
As washing is a daily process we should closely monitor all the parameters which I’ve discussed in my earlier article (water, machinery, chemicals & process)
To maintain the hygiene, quality and health of the linen the above SOP should be definitely followed
A professionally run laundry company can look into all the above processes and parameters and the same cannot be expected from a local dhobi
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