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Hotel linen life cycle: par levels, wash cycles and when to replace bed linen and towels
Bed linen and towels look like simple purchases, yet they weigh heavily on rooms costs. A white paper by Solenis, a supplier of laundry chemicals, estimates that linen replacement makes up nearly a third of laundry operating cost. Getting par levels and replacement right saves money and avoids shortages at peak times.
What par level means
Par is the number of complete sets you hold per bed or per room. One set is on the bed, one is in the laundry, one is on the shelf. Solenis reports that most properties run about three sets per room. Hospitality Net notes that properties holding less than 1.75 times par often run short at peaks.
Calculating sets per room
- Count beds by size and the items per bed: fitted sheet, flat sheet or duvet cover, pillowcases, mattress protector.
- Count towels per guest: bath towel, hand towel, bath mat, plus pool or spa towels if relevant.
- Multiply by your par (often 3), then add a reserve for losses and stains.
- Adjust for laundry turnaround: an external laundry with a 48-hour return needs more stock than an on-site laundry.
How long commercial linen lasts
Solenis gives about 100 to 150 commercial washes for bed linen, which often means 12 to 24 months of service. Actual life depends on fabric, wash temperature and chemistry, and handling. Not all linen tolerates industrial wash temperatures, so check that the product is made for commercial laundering.
Signs a batch should be retired
- Greying or yellowing that does not wash out.
- Thin areas, pilling, frayed hems or broken threads.
- Stains that come back after treatment.
- Towels that no longer absorb well.
Retire by batch rather than piece by piece, so the bed always looks even. Mark the purchase date on each batch.
What to check when buying
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Sheets and duvet covers | Fibre (cotton, polycotton), weave, thread count, shrinkage, suitability for industrial washing |
| Towels | Weight in grams per square metre, size, edge finish |
| Pillows and protectors | Washability, filling, certifications such as OEKO-TEX when the supplier states them |
Cost per use, not purchase price
Divide the price of an item by the number of washes it is expected to survive. A cheaper sheet that lasts half as long costs more per night. Ask suppliers for their tested wash life and compare on that basis.
After retirement
Solenis estimates that a 400-room hotel discards two to three tonnes of linen a year. Old linen can become cleaning rags, be donated, or go to textile recycling.
Where to buy
See bed linen, pillows, protectors and towels in our bedding and linen collection, and laundry and housekeeping equipment in housekeeping. Spas and yachts have their own linen needs: see spa supplies and yacht interior supplies.
