TIPS FOR PROPER CLEANING AND DISINFECTION OF HOTEL LINENS
The creation of articles to dress a hotel is complex, above all, because of the technical specifications we want them to meet in order to have a long service life, high comfort and to be profitable for our customers. The useful life of the garments is directly related to their laundering, both in number and in all parts of the laundering process. In addition, hotel linen is composed of garments whose fabrics are often in direct contact with the skin of hotel guests. Therefore, a good washing process will keep the garments soft, comfortable and disinfected in a way that will ensure the well-being and safety of the hotel user. We wanted to write some tips that will be useful to our customers in making decisions related to the washing process to demand the maximum hygiene, cleanliness and disinfection of the garments. In the case of bath and bed linen (towels, bathrobes, sheets and pillowcases), two pieces of advice stand out: Washing temperature: a satisfactory disinfection will be achieved at 60ºC and above. Both white 100% cotton garments and their polyester blends withstand this temperature and more. If they are of color, it would not be advisable to exceed 70ºC due to the solidity of some dyes. Application of chlorine (bleach): This oxidant performs a fundamental function in the disinfection of all organic elements (bacteria, fungi, viruses). The higher the temperature of the bath, the more intense its oxidizing action. But it will also oxidize the cellulose and thus produce a degradation of the cotton fibers. This is why the 60*C washing standards should not be extended to the time when chlorine is in the washing machine. The maximum recommended temperature for the application of chlorine should not exceed 40/42ºC, and the necessary rinses should be carried out so as not to leave residues on the garments, since in the drying process they would produce a great oxidizing action. In case of not respecting these recommendations a great sanitizing action would be produced but a premature degradation of the garments. In the case of garments that are not washed daily, such as pillow stuffing, comforters and mattress protectors, they can be treated individually by spraying a bactericidal product containing an absorbent that dissolves the outer layer of the virus, allowing the silver ions to act on the nucleus of the virus, destroying its structure and, therefore, its reproduction. Protection of garments during storage. To protect bedding accessories such as pillows, pillowcases and blankets that are stored in room closets as a courtesy, laminated polypropylene (TNT) "non woven" fabric bags are used.