Replace Your Rental Property Linens and Save the Planet
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Time to read 4 min
While FIX Linens strives to produce products that provide durability and sustainability for their hosts, it is inevitable that at some point your linens will wear out their welcome. How often should you replace your property’s linens, and more importantly, how can you use your superhost powers to transform those worn out sheets and pillowcases into something that may just help save the planet?
Made to Last?
The time between linen purchase and replacement depends greatly upon the make-up of your linens. Because of their naturally strong fibers, 100% cotton or linen sheets and duvet covers can last twice as long as those constructed of man-made fabrics such as polyester. Opting for high quality sheets, duvet sets and pillowcases can result in hosts replacing less often while at the same time insuring their guests are cozy and comfortable.
Down and Dirty
Because of their constant use and laundering, STR linens may need to be replaced more often than those used within domestic households. Proper care of your linens can make a huge difference in how much use and wear you can get out of your sheets sets and duvet covers before replacement. It is important to inspect your linens before and after each wash for tears, stains or fraying. Sheets with any imperfections should be replaced no matter their age. That being said, below captures the industry standards for replacement:
- Pillows- yearly
- Pillowcases- every 6 months
- Sheets sets- 6 months to a year
- Duvet covers- 6 months to a year
- Duvet insert- every 3 years
Remember, these guidelines are simply that. Your rate of replacement may be more or less than the industry standard depending on your property's usage and turnover.
Buy Some Time
While hosts can't control fabric wear and tear, there are some ways property owners can extend the life of their linens.
- Purchase multiple linen sets. Most pro hosts recommend 2-3 sets per bed. This cuts down on the daily wear and tear of bedding sets and can extend the time between replacement.
- Invest in quality pillow covers. Not only are these a feature that provide an extra layer of hygiene, they also can help extend the life of your pillows.
- Follow recommended care instructions and familiarize yourself with how best to address common stains. This knowledge can be the difference between replacement and “repair”.
- Create a schedule for linen replacement. This guide allows you to budget replacement costs and also gives you the flexibility to stagger linen replacement for cost effectiveness so you aren’t replacing all linens in all properties or for all beds at once. Familiarize yourself with volume discounts and make sure you take this into account when planning a replacement schedule.
What's Next?
Once your linens have rounded out their lifespan within your property, it is time to prepare them for a higher purpose. According to SMART Resources, the experts on textile recycling, only 15% of used textiles in the United States are recycled or reused whereas 95% of these textiles can be repurposed in some way. When replacing linens, there are many environmentally friendly options that prevent those used linens from ending up in land-fills.
Repurpose
For the creative- minded host, there are countless ways to repurpose or upcycle your used sheets. From organic flower-bed weed barriers, to picnic/beach blankets and dust rags; your imagination is the only limit to the possibilities. If you are more of a left-brained individual, get in touch with a local artist, school, or youth organization. Many times they are in the market for used linens to use for various art or community service projects.
Reuse & Recycle
Donation is probably the simplest way to deal with your worn out linens. Look into the following outlets that will graciously accept your used bedding.
- Homeless shelters- many local homeless shelters will accept linens that are still in good usable shape- especially during winter months.
- Animals shelters- be a friend to Fido If your linens are a little more worn, animal shelters will take used sheets, towels and blankets.
- Local non-profits- check with non-profit organizations in your area who may be aware of specific needs in your community or who run charity shops where the money raised goes directly to the local people and economy. Check out Project Green Drop which will do local pick-ups and partners with nationally known nonprofits such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and the American Red Cross.
- Dropping your used linens off at donations centers such as Goodwill or Volunteers of America store fronts, donation centers or collection boxes will ensure that your linens are reused or recycled in some way. Linens and clothing that cannot be sold at large charity based store fronts are sold to rag graders- thus making use of most textile based donations.
Key Take Aways
Invest in quality linens that last longer. The linen market can experience the same issues as “fast fashion”. Spending more on linens that will stand the test of time is a win, win, win for your overall bottom line, your guests’ comfort and the health and sustainability of our planet.
Take care of your linens. Following guidelines for laundering and stain removal is essential to the life of your linens.
Dispose of linens in a way that you can brag about. Sustainability actions can be positive listing additions for many guests.
Want to learn more about FIX Linens' high quality linens and our commitment to sustainability? Visit us at fixlinens.com.
Written by: Cary Ballard - Freelance Writer for FIX Linens