Key Factors Affecting Linen Lifespan

Linen is worn out almost every day. Generally speaking, there is a certain standard for the number of times hotel linen should be washed, such as cotton sheets/pillowcases about 130-150 times, blended fabrics (65% polyester, 35% cotton) about 180-220 times, towels about 100-110 times, tablecloths or napkins about 120-130 times.

Actually, as long as people know enough information about linen, know the reasons why the linen is worn out, and make use of them correctly, prolonging the lifespan of the linen will not be difficult.

Washing

When washing linens, if people add detergents, especially bleaching chemicals, when the water in the tunnel washer systems or industrial washer-extractors is insufficient, the detergents will easily concentrate on one part of the linens, causing damage to the linens.

The improper use of bleach is also a common problem. People should choose appropriate products for different stains. Both misusing detergents and overusing detergents can have bad effects. Additionally, using too much detergent will contribute to inadequate washing, damaging fibers, and shortening the lifespan of linens.

Mixed washing of linens should also be avoided, such as linens with zippers and linens that are prone to snagging and pilling.

Machines and Humans

Many factors will do damage to the linens: the burrs on the rotating drums of the tunnel washer, industrial washer extractors, or other equipment that contacts the linen, unstable control and hydraulic system, insufficient smoothness of the press, bad processing technology of the loading conveyors, shuttle conveyors, and conveyor lines and so on.

CLM handles these problems very well. All inner drums, panels, loading buckets, pressing baskets of water extraction presses, etc. are deburred, and all places where the linen passes are rounded. The system can set different pressing methods according to different linens and can control different pressing positions by loading different weights, which can effectively control the damage rate of linens to less than 0.03%.

Sorting process

If the sorting before washing is not done carefully, sharp or hard objects will be mixed in, which will cause damage during washing. If the rinsing time is too short, the mechanical force may cause the linens to be torn. Also, short rinsing time and an inadequate number of rinses result in washing residues, defective washing procedures, and failure to neutralize and remove residual alkali, residual chlorine, etc. This requires the washing equipment to have an advanced control system that can accurately add water, steam, and detergents according to the loading weight of the linen, and control the washing process.

Loading and unloading

In addition, it is common for the linens to be snagged when loading or unloading before washing or after washing, or to be punctured or snagged when being loaded with excessive force or when encountering sharp objects.

Linen quality and storage environment

Finally, the quality of the linens themselves and the storage environment are also important. Cotton fabrics must be stored away from moisture, the warehouse must be well-ventilated, and the edges of the warehouse shelves should be smooth. At the same time, the linen room should be free from insect and rodent infestations.