Troubleshooting Techniques for Laundering Your Hospitality Linen

At Garnier Thiebaut USA, we are dedicated to providing top-quality linens designed to withstand the test of time. Our expertise lies in creating linens that are not only high quality but also durable. As much as we ensure that our GT USA linens are up to the challenge of any laundry, there are still some best practices we recommend to ensure the longevity of your linens. In this month's edition of The Cut, we will be focusing on the important topic of maintaining and caring for bedding, terry, and table linens. We will be addressing common questions that our partners have asked us over the years. Join us as we explore simple yet effective ways to keep your linens in pristine condition, making them perfect for warm and inviting stays.

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How to Prevent Fading

One of the most common inquiries we receive with regard to linens is: what causes the fading from the fabric after washing it? At Garnier Thiebaut USA, all our products are VAT dyed using heat to lock in vibrancy and prevent fading over time. Despite this, fabrics may lose or change color if they are not cared for properly, or the product on par is not a right fit for its use.

Here are some of our insights when it comes to fading:

• Dark-colored cotton or polycotton tablecloths fade faster due to higher colorant content, leaving excess colorant on the fabric's surface.
• Lighter-colored cotton tablecloths fade less because they absorb colorant without excess.
• Polyester retains color better due to its specific dyeing process at higher temperatures.
• Polycotton, a cotton-polyester blend, undergoes double dyeing but fades less than cotton and more than 100% polyester.
• Warp and weft-dyed dark-colored cotton products fade less than fully dyed ones but more than polyester.
• Detergents with optical brightening agents (OBA) can mask color fading, so it's advisable to use OBA-free detergents when washing colored tablecloths to prevent this issue.

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Combating Holes

There is nothing more disappointing than encountering a hole in one of your linens. While Garnier Thiebaut USA employs several techniques to prevent susceptibility to tear, laundering processes at scale can be unforgiving and harsh when wash and care instructions are not strictly followed.

Here are some examples of what can and has gone awry for our partners in the past:

• Utensils like knives or forks accidentally end up in the laundry.
• Automated feeding systems with mechanical arms contribute to tearing if handled aggressively.
• Moths damage linens when they aren't washed frequently, especially in in-room dining settings.
• Chemical holes are caused by incorrect chemicals or improper dosages in commercial laundry processes.
• Excessive bleach may cause thinning or burning of the fabric.
• Inadequate chlorine rinsing causes fabric burns.

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Maintaining the Shape

When it comes to tablecloths, Garnier Thiebaut USA offers a wide selection of designs in squares, rectangles, and rounds to suit your venue's requirements. However, if linens are not taken care of properly during washing and drying cycles, they may lose their original shape.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when it comes to maintaining the shape of your table linen:

• Stretching tablecloth products on a roll ironer post-wash can cause shape alterations.
• Feeding and pressing fabric in a twisted position can disrupt the intended shape.
• Feed fabric with the warp side on the ironer to compensate for shrinkage during washing and drying.
• For round tablecloths, using a calendar machine in both weft and warp directions helps even out stretching and maintain a round shape.
• In cases where round tablecloths made from natural materials shrink after washing, they are initially cut and sewn as oval cloths to later achieve the desired round size.
• Deviations in shrinkage expectations may result in retaining the oval shape.

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To Prevent Pilling and Peeling

Garnier Thiebaut USA provides a diverse selection of linens made from various fabrics, including pure linen, cotton, poly cotton, and polyester. It's essential to note that in order to maintain the appearance of your linens it's crucial not to mix different types of fabrics when washing them. This helps maintain the quality of the fabric fibers. Another common issue our partners often inquire about is the occurrence of pilling in the fabric and how to best prevent it.

Let's explore some important points to consider in order to protect the quality of fabric:

• Overloading the washing machine or using a low water level can result in pilling.
• Pilling can occur when fibers are too short or when there is insufficient yarn twist.
• To reduce pilling, consider using cotton thread in the warp and polyester in the weft to create a cotton-rich fabric.
• This is more effective than using an intimate blend of cotton and polyester where the yarn itself consists of both materials.

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White Fabric Not Staying White

Hospitality partners are often curious as to why their white linens lose their original brightness over time. With years of experience in the hospitality industry, Garnier Thiebaut USA has developed effective strategies to maintain the whiteness of linens for an extended period. Without proper care, linens may gradually take on different colors.

Let's delve into possible reasons for discoloration and ways to save your white linens:

• White fabric turning yellow often occurs due to inadequate detergent rinsing or the presence of chlorine, which can be worsened by excessive detergent use even when the fabric isn't soiled.
• Some gas dryers can contribute to yellowing, making steam dryers a viable alternative.
• White fabrics can also turn blue or pink as a result of improper bleach neutralization or the interaction between bleach, iron, and brighteners.
• A green hue can emerge from not neutralized bleach or metallic elements in the water supply.
• To maintain the whiteness of fabrics, consider factors like bleach strength, and detergent suitability for soil type, and ensure the detergent formula matches the fabric type and soil level during washing.

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We hope you've gained valuable insights into the world of hospitality linen care. By following these straightforward tips, you'll not only extend the life of your on-hand Garnier-Thiebaut USA linen but also elevate the overall quality of your guests' experience. Remember, the smallest details, like a freshly laundered towel or a neatly pressed tablecloth can make the biggest impact.

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Thank you to all our partners who have helped us troubleshoot these guidelines. We welcome you to browse through our expansive collection of hospitality products as featured in our catalog.

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