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February 13, 2024
Laundering hospitality linen is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail. One of the most overlooked steps is the drying cycle. While it may seem as easy as pressing a button, the process is not nearly that simple.
Absolutely. In fact, it is one of the most common laundry mistakes we encounter. Most people believe a sheet or towel isn’t dry until all dampness is completely removed. In reality, doing this is actually severely overdrying your linens. This can lead to major issues with the quality and lifespan of these products.
Cotton in its optimal “dry” state holds about 7-8% of its weight in water. When cotton products are overdried, the product can feel rough and scratchy due to the loss of this moisture. Overdrying causes the cotton fibers to become brittle and more prone to damage. It also leads to higher shrinkage rates on the finished products.
Following are some recommendations that can help to prevent overdrying:
If products are to be ironed, make certain they are properly conditioned to prevent overdrying. It’s recommended that items contain 30%-40% moisture content before ironing. Adhering to this guideline will help ensure a quality ironed finish, while minimizing linen damage. Moisture content can be managed by the extraction process at the end of the wash process, conditioning time in the dryers, and the time a product is allowed to rest before it is ironed. Flatwork ironer speeds should be adjusted accordingly with a temperature in the range of 300°F to 350°F.
Items exiting the ironer should maintain 2-3% moisture content, as this will allow smooth folds and preserve the life of the fibers, while reducing the creation of lint and static electricity. Items ironed fully dry are prone to fiber damage, excessive accumulation of lint and the creation of high levels of static electricity.
Visit our blog to read more laundry tips and learn more about par levels. You can also contact us to discuss your specific needs with our laundry experts.
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