Linens and towels

Choose for laundering, not for the shop

Holiday linen is washed far more often than linen at home. Choose quality cotton that tolerates frequent hot washes, in simple designs that are easy to match and replace. White linen looks fresh, shows that it is clean, and can be washed together without colours running.

Enough sets to keep up

Plan for one set on each bed, at least one set clean and ready, and one in the laundry. On busy days with back-to-back stays, this is what prevents a turnover from waiting for a dryer. Add spare pillowcases and towels: they are the items that go missing or get stained most often.

Keeping towels white

• Wash whites separately and do not overload the machine.
• Treat make-up and similar stains quickly, before washing.
• Use the right amount of detergent; too much leaves towels stiff and dull.
• Dry thoroughly before folding to avoid any musty smell.
• Retire towels that are grey, frayed or stained, rather than hoping guests will not notice.

Duvets, pillows and protectors

Use mattress and pillow protectors on every bed and wash them regularly. Have duvets and pillows cleaned professionally on a schedule, and replace them when they lose their loft. A spare blanket and an extra pillow in each bedroom wardrobe answer many night-time requests.

Store and present them well

Store clean linen in labelled sets by bed size, in a dry cupboard the guests cannot reach. On arrival, towels neatly folded on each bed or in the bathroom, and beds made tightly and identically each time, show the same care a guest would expect in a good hotel.