Keeping Your Hotel Bath Towel Looking New
While it is tempting to take a hotel towel as a souvenir, doing so can be considered improper etiquette. In addition, taking hotel towels can waste resources and undermine the hospitality industry’s sustainability efforts.
The perfect hotel bath towel is soft, fluffy and absorbent. However, not all towels are created equal.
Absorbent
As soon as hotel guests step out of their tub or shower, they’re greeted with soft, plush towels that are quick to dry. The secret to these luxurious towels is in the fabric that they’re made of. The best bath towels are crafted with premium materials to ensure longevity and quality. From the fabrication to the weight and construction, there are several factors that affect the absorbency, softness, and durability of hotel bath towels.
Towels with a high GSM rating are more durable and absorbent than those that have a lower GSM count. Towels with a higher GSM count are thicker and feel softer to the touch, giving them that luxury hotel feeling you’re craving.
The cotton that hotels use is also important to the absorbency of their bath towels. Towels that are woven with a single ply or a cotton/polyester blend are less durable and tend to be heavier than those made of a double ply. Look for a towel hotel bath towel that is 100% combed Supima cotton to guarantee long-lasting softness and superior absorbency.
Taking hotel towels from your room is not only unwelcome, but it can damage them and contribute to laundry problems in the future. Many hotels have implemented policies that discourage guests from taking towels, which not only protects their reputation but also reduces waste and conserves water and energy.
Durable
Hotels need quality towels to last. That’s why they often choose premium towels constructed with superior fabrics and finishes. Choosing quality towels made to last also helps hotels save money in the long run by reducing towel replacement costs.
The first factor to consider when buying hotel-quality towels is the material. High-quality cotton is the best choice, but it’s important to remember that not all cotton is created equal. Different varieties of cotton have their own distinct feel and absorbency properties. Towels made with ring-spun Turkish cotton feel especially soft and fluffy.
Another key feature to consider is the towel’s thread count. Generally, higher thread counts lead to more durable towels. Higher thread counts also make it easier to detect a stitched edge or other flaws on the fabric.
In addition to choosing high-quality materials, hotels also use a variety of laundry processes to ensure that their towels last. For example, they may use hot water washing techniques that help eliminate stains and prevent wear and tear. They may also wash their towels with specialized detergents that maintain whiteness and resist shrinkage.
By following these tips, hotels are able to create plush and luxurious towels that leave a lasting impression on guests. In turn, guests respect the hotel’s towel rules and avoid taking their own towels from their rooms.
Soft
Hotel guests want premium cotton towels that feel soft against the skin and have a luxuriously cozy feeling to them. Towels that feel scratchy or rough to the touch are not as appealing and are much less absorbent.
To get that plush, high-quality look and feel, hotels look for a towel with a high GSM. This refers to the towel’s density and is an indication of its quality and durability.
The type of cotton used can also make a difference. Many hotel-style towels use ring-spun cotton, which is made using a technique that increases both durability and softness. Other popular choices for hotel towels include Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton (similar to the US-grown variety), and Turkish cotton. These towels have long, strong fibers that add to their softness and are able to absorb moisture quickly.
Finally, the way that towels are laundered can also have an impact on their softness. Many hotels use a commercial-grade washing machine that can handle the higher water temperatures needed to properly clean and sanitize towels. They also avoid fabric softeners, which can coat the cotton with a thin layer of oil that repels water and reduces absorbency.
Towels should be washed after every three to four uses to keep them fresh and sanitary, and should be washed separately from other laundry items to prevent lint transfer. Following these simple steps can help achieve that hotel-quality softness at home.
Clean
Most guests appreciate the clean and inviting feeling of a hotel bathroom. But how do hotels keep their towels looking and feeling like new, even after countless washes?
The first step is washing the linens thoroughly. Commercial laundry machines disposable bed sheets for travel and high-quality detergents ensure a deep, thorough cleaning that leaves towels smelling fresh. Towels are also washed separately from other laundry items to avoid lint transfer.
Next, hotel employees use gentle wash techniques to extend the life of their high-quality towels. Soap residues can stiffen fibers, and over time, they can cause towels to lose their softness. Using mild detergents, gentle cycles, and skipping fabric softeners can help minimize residue buildup.
Lastly, hotels utilize effective disinfecting methods to keep their towels clean and free from bacteria and germs. Towels are in constant contact with the skin and body fluids of hotel guests, creating a perfect breeding ground for harmful microorganisms. Effective disinfection and proper rinsing can eliminate these pathogens and prevent cross-contamination.
As the owner of a hospitality business, you know that quality bath towels are essential to your guest’s comfort and satisfaction. That’s why you want to provide your guests with premium towel sets that deliver the look, feel, and functionality of a hotel. Invest in high-quality towels, and your guests will be sure to return. Plus, high-quality towels are a great way to reduce your hotel’s environmental footprint.
