Buying high-quality sheets and pillowcases is a big investment for any resort. Since these are the first things a guest touches, they need to stay soft and look brand new.
Here are 5 simple factors that determine how long your linens will last.
The Quality of the Cotton & Weave
Not all cotton is the same. To get the most life out of your sheets, look for these two things:
Long Threads (Long-Staple Cotton):
Sheets made with long cotton threads are stronger and don’t “pill” (create those tiny annoying bumps) as easily as cheap, short-thread cotton.
The Right Weave:
Percale weaves are usually stronger and last longer than Sateen. While Sateen is very soft, it can snag more easily.
Watch Out for Harsh Chemicals
The way you wash your sheets can either save them or ruin them.
Avoid Bleach:
Chlorine bleach is very “aggressive.” It eats away at the cotton over time, making it thin and yellow. Use Oxygen-based cleaners instead.
Check the pH Level:
If the water is too acidic or too soapy after the wash, it can “burn” the fabric in the dryer.
Use Enzymes:
Modern detergents use “enzymes” to eat away dirt at lower temperatures, which is much gentler on the fabric.
Don’t Overheat or Overload
Two common mistakes in the laundry room can cut a sheet’s life in half:
Keep it Cool:
Boiling hot water isn’t always necessary and can break down the cotton. Newer soaps work great at warm or even cool temperatures.
Don’t Overstuff the Machine:
If the washer is too full, the sheets rub against each other too hard. This friction causes tears and thinning. Give the laundry room to move!
Be Careful with Ironing and Storage
How your staff handles the sheets after the wash is just as important as the wash itself.
Ironing with Moisture:
Never iron sheets that are bone-dry. They should be slightly damp (about 25%) so the iron doesn’t “scorch” or crush the threads.
Don’t Rub Stains:
If there is a stain, soak it immediately. If you rub it hard, you will damage the weave of the fabric.
The 3-Set Rule (Rotation):
Always have at least three sets of linen for every bed: one on the bed, one in the closet, and one in the wash. This gives the fibers time to “rest” and recover.
Choose the Right Partner
Buying from a supplier who understands your specific needs is the best way to save money. At Resort Supplies, we don’t just sell you sheets—we help you choose the right ones for your climate (like the humidity in the Maldives or the heat in the UAE).
We provide fabrics that are built to stay soft even after 200+ commercial washes.
