Linen is an important material for hotel operation, and its condition directly affects the guest's check-in experience and the hotel's operating costs. However, in practical use, the problem of cloth damage occurs frequently. We have conducted research and analysis on a large number of industry cases to summarize the key reasons for fabric damage, helping hotel practitioners to accurately identify problems and optimize management processes.

1、 Damage caused by usage

（1） Improper human operation

Employee operational error: If hotel employees move too roughly when changing linens, such as pulling or dragging bed sheets, it may cause tearing at the edges or weak areas of the linens. During the process of making the bed, use sharp objects such as scissors and tweezers to assist in the operation. Once accidentally scratched, the surface of the linen will leave damage marks. In addition, it is common for employees to randomly stack linens on the ground during transportation, causing them to rub against the ground or be scratched by sharp objects on the ground.

Improper use by guests: Some guests have engaged in inappropriate behavior when using linens. For example, wiping leather shoes, sharp tools, etc. with a towel can cause the surface of the towel to be scratched; Pulling and pulling the bed sheet forcefully, even using it as a rope, causes the linen to withstand tension beyond its capacity. Some guests accidentally cut their linens while eating bone in food or using prickly fruits in the guest room.

（2） Environmental factors for use

Friction between furniture and equipment: If the corners of furniture, bed frames, metal hooks, etc. in the guest room are not properly protected, they are prone to friction with the linens during installation and use. If the edge of the bed frame is sharp and the sheets come into long-term contact or friction with it, the four corners are prone to damage; When the metal hooks in the wardrobe scratch clothes, they may also scratch the nearby bathrobes and other linens.

Environmental impact of sharp objects: Hotel public areas such as restaurants and conference rooms may have sharp objects such as nails, broken glass, metal shavings, etc. on the floor or tabletop. When using or transporting linen in these areas, it can be punctured or cut if it comes into contact with sharp objects.

2、 Damage caused by washing process

（1） Washing equipment issues

Equipment aging and malfunction: The inner wall of the washing machine drum is severely worn, and the surface becomes rough. During the washing process, the cloth constantly rubs against the rough inner wall, which can easily cause the cloth to become fuzzy and damaged. Malfunctions in the hot air outlet, conveyor belt, and other components of the dryer, such as high hot air temperature or conveyor belt jamming, can cause uneven heating or excessive pulling of the fabric, resulting in fiber breakage and damage. Inadequate equipment cleaning: After long-term use of the washing machine, residual dirt and impurities inside, such as coins, buttons, and other foreign objects, are not cleaned in a timely manner. During the washing process, they may collide, rub, and scratch the linen. The air duct of the dryer has serious dust accumulation, and the dust adheres to the cloth, which not only affects the cleanliness of the cloth, but also wears down the cloth fibers during the drying process.

（2） Improper washing operation

Unreasonable washing program settings: The appropriate washing program was not selected based on the material and degree of dirtiness of the linen, such as using a high-intensity washing program with heavy towels and light bed sheets and pillowcases, resulting in the light and thin linen being pulled and torn under strong stirring. If the washing time is too long, the linen will continue to be subjected to mechanical force, which will also accelerate fiber fatigue and fracture.

Incorrect use of detergent: Using excessive concentration of detergent, especially strong acidic or strong alkaline detergent, can cause chemical corrosion to linen fibers. For example, excessive use of chlorine bleach to clean colored linen can cause the linen to fade, the fibers to become brittle, and ultimately damage. The tolerance of different materials of linen to detergents varies, and if the wrong detergent is selected, it can also damage the linen.

（3） Dehydration process issues

During dehydration, the distribution of linen in the washing machine is uneven, and the centrifugal force generated by high-speed rotation causes excessive local stress on the linen, making it easy to be pulled and torn. If the dehydration time is too long, the linen fibers will become excessively fatigued under mechanical force, reducing the strength of the linen and making it more prone to damage during subsequent use.

3、 Damage caused by storage process

（1） Poor storage environment

Inappropriate temperature and humidity: If the humidity in the storage environment of linen is too high, it can breed mold and bacteria, erode the linen fibers, reduce the strength of the linen, and become fragile and easily damaged. High temperature environments can accelerate the aging of linen fibers, reducing their toughness and strength. Linen that is exposed to high temperatures for a long time is prone to damage during use or handling.

Pest impact: If the warehouse does not take proper pest control measures, cockroaches and other pests will gnaw on the cloth and leave damaged holes. Worms such as moths can erode the fibers of cloth, seriously affecting the integrity of the cloth.

（2） Improper storage method

Unreasonable stacking: The linen is stacked too high or too heavy, and the bottom layer of linen is compressed by the upper layer, resulting in long-term compression and fiber deformation and breakage. Improper folding of linen, such as repeated stress at the folding point, can also cause local wear and tear of the linen.

Unisolated storage: Store linen together with sharp objects, chemicals, etc. Sharp objects may pierce the linen, and chemicals may corrode the linen fibers after volatilization, causing damage.

Understanding the causes of fabric damage is the first step in solving the problem.