Material Planning: Bedding, Linens, and Uniforms

Bedding Bedding encompasses: Sheets Pillowcases Blankets Pillows Bedspreads Dust Ruffles Comforters Mattress covers Duvet covers

Sheets The standard sheet for many years was the T–180, 50/50 cotton/polyester blend T-180 means that there are 180 threads in a square inch (Ideally, 94 in the warp [lengthwise] and 86 in the weft [horizontally]) Cotton/polyester are more durable (up to 3 ½ times), dry faster, but are not as soft as 100% cotton sheets The trend is now toward a higher percentage of cotton fibers in sheets and a higher thread count

Sheets Muslin sheets are carded, not combed and are rougher Any claim that an all cotton sheet has more than 350 threads per square inch is probably suspect Muslin sheets are carded, not combed and are rougher Percale sheets are combed and are much smoother Mercerizing sheets increases their strength Sanforized sheets are preshrunk

Sheets Gray Goods are sheets that do have a finish (mercerized or sanforized) Torn sheets have no hem Finished sheets have top and bottom hems Seconds have imperfections, thus they cost less Top and bottom hems on most hotel sheets are the same so the sheet is more flexible when making the bed Now many hotel beds are triple sheeted

Sheets Par levels for sheets is normally 3 ½ (one set in the guestroom, one set on the shelf for tomorrow, one set soiled to be cleaned in the laundry tomorrow, and one/half set new on the shelf to replace damaged sheets) External laundries often required an extra par Pillowcases have the same par levels as sheets

Blankets Wool is not often used because of its weight Ideally a blanket should be lightweight and warm Nylon, polyester, and acrylic materials are preferred for most blankets Blankets are either woven, needle punched, or made with an electrostatic process

Blankets Thermal blankets create air pockets making them very warm Moisture permeable blankets that can help to get rid of body moisture is preferred All blankets should be fire retardant Some hotels use electric blankets Par levels should be at least one par with an additional 10% in southern climates and 2 ½ par in northern climates

Bedspreads, Duvets, Comforters and Dust Ruffles Bedspreads are not as popular today with guests because many hotels do not wash bedspreads very often There are two main types of bedspreads: Throw spreads Tailored spreads A bedspread may reach the floor, covering the mattress and the box springs, or it may just cover the mattress – these are called “coverlets”

Bedspreads, Duvets, Comforters and Dust Ruffles If coverlets are used then a dust ruffle is added to the bed which covers the box springs The trend is toward the use of a duvet cover which is nothing more than two sheets sewed together with an opening at one end for a comforter The duvet cover can be laundered when the guest checks out and the comforter does not get dirty, so it is placed in a clean duvet cover. A dust ruffle is normally used with a duvet cover. Shams are pillow covers that match the bedspread or duvet cover

Fabrics Materials and Construction The par level for most bedspreads coverlet, comforters and dust ruffles is usually one par plus 10% Again the trend is toward duvet covers which are cleaned with every checkout, so the par would be closer to 3 ½ For comforters goose down is the standard by which all other materials are measured A well made pillow should be fire retardant, stainproof, waterproof, light, resilient, and have no lumps

Mattress Covers Mattress covers provide a padded layer between the guest and the mattress and protects the mattress from stains Mattress covers should be changed when the guest checks out Mattress covers are made from: Quilted pads Felt pads (preferred by hotels) Vinyl (preferred by hospitals)

Bath and Table Linens The average hotel goes through 12 towels per room per year A towel’s pile warp is 100% cotton, the ground warp is 33% cotton and 67% polyester The more pile warp, the more absorbent the towel Towel size is typically one indicator of quality in a hotel

Bath and Table Linens A standard sized towel is 25” x 50” A standard sized face towel is 16” x 27” A standard sized wash cloth is 12” x 12” A standard sized bath mat is 22” x 34” Par for bath linens is the same as bed linens, 3 ½ or with an off premise laundry, 4 ½

Bath and Table Linens Table linens are also known as napery Two dominant types of materials used in table cloths and napkins: Momie cloth (50/50 cotton/poly. blend) Damask which can be divided into: Linen damask (superior in appearance and expense) Cotton damask (needs to be ironed) Cotton/polyester damask (same advantages as momie, but looks better after washing) Par levels depends on the number of covers in the restaurant

Uniforms Employee uniforms may be maintained by: The hotel’s housekeeping/laundry department An outside laundry service The employee Uniforms should allow for freedom of movement Cotton is best for comfort and polyester is best for wear, so many are cotton/poly. blends

Uniforms Four different housekeeping uniforms are needed: GRAs (female) Housekeeping Aide (male) Supervisor (female) Supervisor (male) A par of two for probationary workers and a par of three for full-time employees is needed, an additional two par for future employees and replacements in varying sizes

Uniforms If employees clean their own uniforms, they must be compensated Skirts should be avoided for GRAs since they have to kneel, bend and stoop frequently All uniforms need large pockets Uniforms should be pragmatic and stylish Shoes should be close toed with low heels and the soles should provide traction