How to Care for Your Linens to Make Them Last Longer

Even rental linens benefit from thoughtful care, and for those who own them, proper maintenance ensures top-tier quality. Here’s how to preserve GBS Linens’ fabrics event after event:

1. Shake & Sort Immediately
   After an event, shake linens to remove debris (think: petals or crumbs). Sort fabrics—wash velvets and satins separately from heavier poly poplin or cottonesse to prevent snagging.
2. Pre-Treat Delicate & Shiny Fabrics
   Fabrics like Crushed Iridescent Satin, Velvet, and Pintuck benefit from immediate stain treatment. Blot with a gentle detergent—never rub, and air-dry to protect texture.
3. Gentle Wash for Specialty Textures
   For Cottenesse, Poly Poplin, and Geo Reversible, use cold water, mild detergent, and a gentle cycle. These fabrics are forgiving but deserve thoughtful care.
4. Mind the Heat
   Avoid high-heat drying for Velvet and Satin; they can lose sheen and texture. Opt for low heat or air-drying, then quickly steam or lightly iron (avoid crushed textures unless needed).
5. Iron & Steam Smartly
   Iron Pintuck or Crushed Satin inside-out on low heat to preserve form. Poly Poplin and Cottenesse handle medium heat fine; spray-wrinkle release is an easy alternative.
6. Store with Precision
   Fold linens neatly and store them in a clean, dry environment. GBS Linens uses plastic dry cleaner bags for protection, but breathable storage options are best for long-term use to prevent mildew. Velvet benefits from flat storage, while sturdier fabrics can be folded.
7. Rotate to Preserve
   Frequent use builds wear—rotate your inventory to keep every item looking fresh. Pay special attention to heavier usage on edge-heavy items like rounds or skirting.

With expert laundering at GBS Linens, your rented pieces are always renewal-ready—but for owned inventory, these steps will help maintain that professional look longer. Want help selecting care kits or specialized cleaning guidance for any of these fabrics? Just ask!