As travelers gear up for a busy holiday season, there’s an essential question on many minds: hotel cleanliness. Online reviews often focus heavily on cleanliness—whether it’s the state of the rooms, bathrooms, carpets, or furnishings. But what about the linens? Those crisp, white sheets we see in hotel ads—how clean are they, really?
To understand how hotel linens are cleaned, we turned to Mete Han Ünalan, Director of APlus Textile Washing Facility.
1. Right Temperature, Not Just Hot Water
Many assume high temperatures are the best way to kill germs. However, washing linens at extremely high temperatures doesn’t necessarily guarantee better cleanliness. Instead, the correct temperature and appropriate detergents are what matter most. For instance, hospital linens are washed at different temperatures than hotel linens, a decision made by specialists for optimal results.
2. More Detergent Doesn’t Mean More Cleanliness
There’s a common belief that more detergent means better cleaning. However, overuse of detergent can be both environmentally harmful and make rinsing more challenging. Excess detergent can even leave residues that contact our skin, especially concerning with hotel linens.
3. Minimize Hand Contact
Minimizing direct hand contact with linens is crucial for maintaining hygiene, particularly for items like sheets and towels that guests touch frequently. This need is heightened in today’s environment, where reducing contact is critical. For smaller establishments, achieving this level of control is more challenging. When choosing a hotel, you may want to inquire about their laundry services and the company they use to understand their hygiene standards.
4. Are Linens Technically Monitored?
A significant factor in maintaining linen cleanliness and safety is tracking. Systems like RFID chips or barcoding help hotels manage linens, from knowing where they are in the cleaning process to setting reliable delivery times. This tracking allows hotels to ensure linens are consistently prepared and available, enhancing both efficiency and cleanliness.
By understanding these aspects of linen cleanliness, you can enjoy your stay with added peace of mind.
