It is no secret, but the maintenance of sheets and towels used during massages and treatments involving oil can quickly become a hassle. Indeed, the appearance of oil stains, a persistent rancid odor, or a heaviness or damp feeling even after the sheets have dried is the daily reality for massage therapists and other health and wellness specialists.

Obviously, all textiles have an average lifespan, but it is possible to extend it by adopting certain best practices when purchasing and caring for them. That’s why we present to you our 5 tested and approved tips to maximize the lifespan of your sheets and towels.

1. CHOOSING THE RIGHT FABRIC AND COLOR

This point may seem obvious, but choosing a quality fabric and an easy-to-maintain color will significantly increase the lifespan of your textiles. Therefore, prioritize a fabric with a tight weave and a solid color that is easy to care for, such as beige, blue, or black. Also, consider selecting a fabric that will remain soft after multiple washes to maintain the essential comfort for your customers.

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT MASSAGE OIL

The choice of oil used can also make a big difference. Indeed, the lighter and more penetrating the oil chosen, the less risk you have of staining your sheets. Therefore, avoid greasy oils that have a higher density.

3. WASH QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY

Don't forget to treat your oil-stained sheets and towels quickly. The longer you wait, the deeper the oil penetrates the fabric fibers, making it harder to remove.

Recommended procedure:Pre-treatment: Soak dirty fabrics in warm soapy water for 30 to 60 minutes.

Washing:Use an effective laundry detergent, such as the professional degreasing detergent ProTextile+Bio, and for stubborn stains, add the concentrated stain remover Florisa. Do not overload the washer to ensure effective cleaning.

Washing temperature: When washing your sheets and towels, it is important to pay special attention to the washing temperature. When machine washing, it is important to opt for a high water temperature. Indeed, this will effectively dissolve the greasy molecules in the fabrics. On the contrary, cold water will trap them in the weave, which will accelerate the degradation process of your textiles and promote the appearance of oil stains and a characteristic odor.

Whenever possible, prioritize washing sheets using hot water. However, choose a cold wash cycle for towels. Adjust the method based on the amount of oil on your fabrics. 

Rinse:A double rinse is recommended to remove any oil or soap residues. Repeat if necessary if stains persist. 

4. DRYING: SAFETY FIRST

Drying is an important and sometimes risky step if not done properly. Did you know that textiles still soaked with oil can pose a fire hazard if placed in the dryer?

We recommend drying your sheets in the open air, with ventilation or a dehumidifier. If you absolutely must use the dryer, be cautious:

• Do not tumble dry textiles that still contain gel, cream, or oil.
• Before each dryer cycle, clean the filter and wash it regularly with soapy water.
• Avoid using fabric softener sheets, which can clog the filters.
• After drying, remove the sheets immediately to prevent any heat buildup. 

To learn more about the risks associated with the dryer and download ourcheat sheet , read our Blog article: prevent-fire-safety-tips-for-using-your-dryer

5. USE THE RIGHT CLEANING PRODUCTS

To successfully remove as much oil as possible from your fabrics, make sure to use a degreasing detergent with every wash. This type of detergent, specially designed for washing machines, combined with the action of hot water, will eliminate the majority of stubborn oil deposits.

Additionally, to ensure you remove as much oil as possible, use a stain remover containing sodium carbonate and enzymes on the most heavily soaked areas of your sheets. Indeed, by applying a stain remover before each wash, you will prevent excessive oil buildup in the sheets and significantly extend their lifespan.

In conclusion, it is impossible to completely free yourself from the buildup of oil on your sheets and towels. However, by ensuring you have an effective and consistent cleaning routine, you will greatly extend the lifespan of your textiles.

Discover our specialized cleaning products:

 ProTextile+ Bio Degreasing Detergent

Florisa Concentrated Stain Remover

6. BONUS: HOW TO FOLD FITTED SHEETS TO MAKE STORAGE EASIER

 We know that folding a fitted sheet is always tricky. The set isn’t flat, it stacks poorly, and it looks less neat.  But we have found the optimal way to fold these tricky sheets for you! 

Method to follow:

• Hold the fitted sheet in front of you, with the elastic side facing you.
• Hold the inside of the top corners with both hands.
• Place the right corner over the left corner and hold the top of the sheet with your right hand.
• Do exactly the same with the two corners on the other side of the fitted sheet
• Fold these two corners into the other two, bringing the four corners to the same side.
• Place the sheet, smooth it out, and fold it as often as you like.