How to Care for Commercial Sheets

Want to know how to care for commercial sheets? Supplying crisp, clean sheets is an inexpensive way of showing your guests, residents or workers appreciation and by following the tips below, your sheets can look better for longer.

Quality first

Firstly, the quality of the sheets you select is important – especially where they need to withstand the rigors of being used and washed more frequently.  Sheets designed specifically for commercial use may be made from fabric that feels soft and smooth while being crisper and heavier.  It will probably comprise a thicker weave/thread in order to withstand frequent laundering.  

When selecting sheets, also take into consideration the composition. While a 100% cotton sheet may sound luxurious, it may not always be ideal. A poly/cotton blend increases strength and lifespan, is more wrinkle resistant and quicker to dry – making your laundry routine easier.  Other options include linen, microfiber and bamboo, but be sure to consider the impact on housekeeping.

Washing

Before use, we recommend washing commercial sheets on a gentle wash, at a temperature between 30-40 degrees. This helps to remove residual oils from the manufacturing process. Striking the balance between good hygiene and gentle care is important to ensure longevity and cleanliness of your sheets. A hot wash is often optimal for hygiene, but this can cause fibres to weaken – decreasing the strength of the sheets. Because all Vendella’s sheeting is sanforised (pre-shrunk) washing at 70 degrees won’t create any further shrinkage.  Consistent hot washes will however weaken the yarn and reduce the lifespan. Therefore, a hot wash is a yes when extreme hygiene is essential – think Care Homes, Aged Care & Hospital,  but may not be necessary all the time for other accommodation providers.

It is important not to overcrowd the machines.  Allowing enough space and washing on a full cycle with a full rinse ensures that plenty of water can rinse through the sheets, helping to prevent build up and reduce chemical deposits on the fibres.  To avoid excessive creasing and musty smells, remove as soon as possible from the machine to line or tumble dry.

In commercial environments where sheeting is used and washed frequently, we recommend using a gentle, eucalyptus-based or mild washing detergent free from optical brighteners, to protect and retain colour of the fibres.  Always dissolve detergent fully before adding sheets to the wash.  The products below are options which are readily available :

https://ecostore.com/nz/eucalyptus-laundry-liquid-5l-54/

https://earthwise.co.nz/earthwise-laundry-powder-orange-eucalyptus/

Stain Management

Stains and marks on sheeting is a common problem, especially with white sheets.  Treating stains as soon as possible is key to removal.  Soak sheets in plain water for 30 minutes.  Thereafter spot treat with a stain removal product.  Wash the sheets as soon as possible after applying the spot treatment. If the mark remains, repeat the spot treatment process before the sheet dries. 

https://www.vanish.co.nz/products/pre-treaters/vanish-preen-gold-pro-oxiaction-trigger/

https://www.vanish.co.nz/products/pre-treaters/

Drying + Ironing

Line drying is a great option if possible for white sheeting, as sunlight is a natural disinfectant and helps to brighten whites. Alternatively tumble dry on a low-medium heat. Make sure to do small loads to avoid overcrowding and creasing. This is the easiest and fastest way to fully dry sheets – especially when processing in bulk.

A top tip is to fold the sheets while they are still warm out of the dryer. This helps to smooth out any wrinkles and can save time in ironing.  While ironing creates a luxurious smooth look, it definitely isn’t necessary. Ensure the iron is on a cotton setting and steam as appropriate.

Finally, ensure sheeting is completely dry before storing in a dry place.

Replacement

While a good care routine for sheeting helps to increase life-span, the greatest tip to keeping linen looking great is to know when to replace it!  The quality and cleanliness of the bedding is one of the most important factors for guests, so maintaining a high standard is essential to avoid bad reviews. It is difficult to suggest a general lifespan, but visible stains and other signs of wear such as yellowing, fading, pilling, loose fibres and thinning are a good indication that replacement is necessary.  

Overall, it is always best to first refer to the care label on your commercial sheets. Depending on the material, specific fibres may be more sensitive to heat and detergents – eg silk, linen and bamboo. These are general tips, designed for the care of Vendella’s commercial sheet range.