Recommendations for the Wash & Care Of Table Linen

By Direct Linen Textiles International Ltd

Basic Requirements

1. Equipment must be free of sharp edges as they may snag and cause pulls/damage to the linen.
2. If using a washing machine with pre-set programs, use a program with cool down.
3. Washing Equipment must have properly functioning water level and temperature controls.
4. Powder or chemical feed systems must be functioning properly.
5. Detergent must not contain softener.
6. Do not use Chlorine bleach on colours. Only use colour safe oxy bleaches.
7. Drying equipment must have properly functioning temperature and cool-down controls.
8. Lint screens on dryers must be cleaned daily.
9. Standard  operating  procedure  should  include  periodic  inspections  of  the  above  listed requirements.

General Guidelines For 100% Polyester

1. It is good practice to wash all new linen prior to use to remove any manufacturing residual dye and excess finishes which could set protein stains e.g. blood, coffee or tea impossible to remove.
2. In subsequent washes, similar colours or shades may be washed together.
3. All linen must be shaken out to ensure debris (e.g. food and sharp objects) are not loaded into the wash.
4. All polyester table linen should be washed separately from 100% cotton and polycotton blends, as loose fibres from colt polycotton blends can deposit lint onto the polyester linens.
5. Use synthetic wash cycle/process (maximum 50⁰C for normal soiling), cool tumble dry, wane iron if required.
6. For heavily soiled items, wash temperatures can b e increased to a maximum of 60°C but will require a gradual cool down temperature by 5° C increments or less until load is at 45°C as thermal shock may occur if load is cooled down rapidly.
7. Extract time depends on machine design: time in minutes = 1500° C + G force.
8. For white linen insert bleach cycle and antichlor in formula at this stage if required.
9. Load washers up to 80% of rated capacity.
10. Avoid use of any softeners or bacteria scats in the wash as these will mask the absorbency of the fabric.
11. Do not use chlorine bleach on coloured table linen, only use oxygen release bleach.
12. The use of sours will assist the removal of residual chemicals and assist any starching required. Do not use V_A. starch: only use natural starch.
13. For heavily soiled items. Wash temperatures can be increased to a maximum of 60° C but will require a gradual cool down. Step down temperature by 5° C increments or less until load is at 45° C as thermal shock may occur if load is cooled down to rapidly.

Typical Wash Program - 100% Polyester - Semi Industrial Washing Machines

Suggested Drying Procedure

1. Load dryers up to 50°/% capacity.
2. Set heat cycle to fabric temperature of 80° C – 90° C (low setting).
3. Linen must be dry before “cool-down’ cycle starts. Drying time usually varies between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on extraction, load size and temperature
4. These procedures should be followed to obtain optimum flat-dry results
5. All fabric should be unloaded immediately after cycle is completed. Cloths should then be draped across a trolley or folding tabl napkins stacked flat.
6. Allow 24 hour “shelf-time” to enhance flat-dry appearance.
7. Professional results are best obtained by ironing.

Suggested Wash Care Shade Groups