Household & Table Linen Care

Responsible for maintaining the household's sheets, towels, napkins, tablecloths and other household textiles.

Procedures

Bed linens

Wash cotton at 60°C, washed linen at 30–40°C.
Unscented detergent only; no softener on percale.
Line dry where possible.
Press while slightly damp.
Store in complete sets on a cool, dark shelf.

Towels

Wash at 60°C with an oxygen booster for whites.
Never use fabric softener.
Shake before drying to lift the pile.
Tumble on medium; do not iron.
Fold in three, folded edge outward.

Tablecloths

Inspect against the light before washing.
Treat each stain individually first.
White damask at 60°C with oxygen bleach.
Dry to just damp, then press on the right side.
Roll over a padded tube for storage.

Napkins

Soak immediately in cool water.
Treat stains by type before washing.
Wash with the matching cloth.
Press damp, corner to corner.
Fold in three; store in sets of twelve.

Special table linens

Hand wash lace, embroidery and heirloom cloths.
Support the full weight when wet.
Dry flat away from sunlight.
Press on the reverse over padding.
Store rolled in unbleached cotton.

Professional standards

Linen is stored only when completely dry, in a cool, dark, ventilated room.
Nothing is stored in plastic; unbleached cotton bags are used throughout.
Stock is rotated so every set wears evenly.
Stains are treated before drying — never after.
Chlorine bleach is never used; oxygen bleach only, and never on protein fibres.
Worn or thinning items are reported rather than quietly returned to the shelf.

When in doubt, do not wash.

If a garment is expensive, vintage, designer, heavily embellished, made from an unusual fabric, marked dry clean only, or structurally delicate, consult the Wardrobe Manager before proceeding.

Household Standard

“Every garment and household textile should be treated with care, attention to detail and respect for the quality of the materials.”