In hospitality, operational simplicity is key to scaling efficiently. Whether you're managing a boutique hotel or a portfolio of vacation rentals, reducing the number of items in your linen program can streamline operations, cut costs, and improve consistency.

Here are the top best practices to help you create a smarter, leaner linen program without compromising guest experience:

1. Eliminate Full-Size Bedding

Remove full-size sheets from your inventory. Instead, use queen-size sheeting for full-size beds since the sizes are so similar. This simplifies ordering and reduces the chance of mismatches during turnovers.

2. Reduce Flat Sheet Sizing

Standardize by using king-size flat sheets across full, queen, and king beds. This eliminates the need to stock multiple flat sheet sizes while still providing full coverage and comfort.

3. One Pillow Size for All Beds

Adopt queen-size pillows across all bed sizes: twin, full, queen, and king. This simplifies inventory and ensures uniformity in presentation and comfort.

4. Invest in Pillow and Mattress Encasements

Extend the life of your foundational bedding by investing in affordable pillow protectors and mattress encasements. These create a barrier against spills, stains, and allergens, saving money on replacements over time.

5. Use Mattress Pads to Improve Sleep Quality

Mattress pads add an extra layer of comfort and support, especially on older mattresses. This low-cost addition can dramatically improve the guest sleep experience and reduce complaints, all while protecting your investment in the mattress itself.

6. Replace Bath Rugs with Towel Bath Mats

Traditional bath rugs are bulky and hard to clean. Instead, use towel-style bath mats that are easier to launder, quicker to dry, and more hygienic. They also stack and store more efficiently.

7. Add Makeup Towels or Wipes to Protect Your Linens

Makeup is one of the most common causes of towel stains. Stock designated makeup towels or provide makeup remover wipes to guests. This small addition protects your white towels and extends their life.

8. Use Visual Cues for Housekeeping

Incorporate subtle design differences in white sheeting, such as stripes, solids, or textures, to help staff quickly identify sheet sizes without reading tags. This speeds up turnovers and reduces errors.

9. Set Clear PAR Levels

PAR stands for “Periodic Automatic Replenishment.” It refers to the number of linen sets you need per bedroom and bathroom to maintain smooth operations. The standard in hospitality is the 3 PAR rule:

• 1 set in use
• 1 set in laundry
• 1 set in backup

This approach ensures you’re never short on linens while keeping your inventory lean and manageable.

10. Avoid Guest-Handled Linens

Do not ask guests to strip beds. It increases the risk of damage and makes it harder to identify stains. Let your trained staff handle it to maintain quality control.

11. Switch to Shower Curtains with Built-In Liners

Ditch the separate liner and curtain combo. Use shower curtains with built-in liners to reduce SKUs and simplify laundering. They are easier to manage and reduce mildew buildup.

Ready to simplify your operations and elevate your guest experience? Schedule a demo with our team to learn how we can help you build a smarter linen program. From SKU reduction strategies to hands-on consulting, we’re here to support your success every step of the way.