How Often Should You Replace Hotel Textiles to Maintain Standards and Profitability?

Find out how often to replace towels, bed linen and bathrobes in your hotel. Learn about textile lifecycles and how to balance quality with cost.

How Often Should You Replace Hotel Textiles to Maintain Standards and Profitability?

Every hotelier knows the dilemma: how to maintain a high standard while keeping costs under control? At the heart of this challenge are textiles – towels, bed linen, bathrobes – used daily, laundered frequently and judged by every guest.

Here’s a practical guide for premium hotels and apartments: how often should you replace your textiles to uphold a quality image without incurring unnecessary losses?

1. Hotel Towels – how long can they look like new?

Towels wear out the fastest. Their lifespan depends on:

• Washing frequency (often daily)

• Temperature and detergent used

• Rotation between rooms

Average lifespan:

• 4–5★ hotels: 70–100 washes (≈6–12 months at full occupancy)

• Apartments: 12–18 months

Tip: invest in high-density towels (500–600 g/m²) – they retain softness and a premium look longer.

2. Bed Linen – aesthetics that must last

Guests won’t tolerate bedding that’s discoloured, pilled or “hospital-like.” Even when clean, it must look fresh and crisp.

Average lifespan:

• GOTS-certified cotton sateen / 300TC+: approx. 150–200 washes

• Percale and cotton blends: 100–150 washes

Premium hotels often replace bed linen every 12–18 months. Some even do it seasonally, treating textiles as part of their changing interior décor.

3. Bathrobes – when softness stops being enough

A bathrobe is a symbol of luxury – but over time, it loses volume, fluffiness and that "wow" factor.

Typical lifespan:

• SPA & wellness: 6–8 months

• Hotels: up to 12 months

• Low-rotation apartments: up to 1.5 years

Always keep spare sets on hand – especially during peak seasons and long stays.

4. Signs Your Textiles Need Replacing

Don’t wait for guests to notice – check regularly:

• Is the fabric thinning, pilling, or see-through?

• Has the colour (even white) gone dull or greyish?

• Are embroidered elements faded or deformed?

• Does the item hold its shape after washing?

Ormire offers professional housekeeping checklists – want a sample?

5. Replace All at Once or Rotate Gradually?

Modular rotation is the most cost-effective approach – e.g. 25% of stock per quarter:
✔ Spreads expenses over time
✔ Maintains consistent quality
✔ Helps manage inventory better

Ormire delivers textiles in batches – always in the same colour tone and GSM.

6. Profitability: When Does Replacement Pay Off?

Delaying replacement = lower reviews and guest retention
Timely replacement = stronger brand reputation and fewer complaints (e.g. "old towels")

Remember: guests perceive luxury through touch – and what they see in the bathroom.

Summary

A high-end property can’t afford worn-out textiles – even if they’re technically “still usable.” Instead, plan a thoughtful rotation strategy that blends aesthetics, efficiency, and hospitality excellence.

Choose quality with Ormire – textiles that preserve shape and prestige.
"Where comfort becomes memory."