In this blog, we discuss the challenges of washing massage textiles with natural oils. As a therapist who works with natural oils, you probably recognize the issue: stinky sheets and towels that smell like the local snack bar.
Your textiles stink and are full of stubborn oil stains. You try everything to get your towels clean, using various (chemical) products, only to find that you need to buy new towels and sheets within 6 months.
That is truly unnecessary! In this article, we share some tips on how to solve these problems and how to ensure that your towels and sheets stay soft, so you can use your textiles for longer!
Do's and Don'ts for Washing Massage Textiles
When washing your massage textiles, there are several do's and don'ts you should keep in mind. Here are 6 tips on how to best wash your massage table sheets:
Use the Right Detergent
Opt for a mild detergent for washing your massage textiles. Strong detergents can damage the sheets and/or leave behind an unpleasant odor. Choose a detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics.
Wool Detergent: The Secret Weapon Against Stubborn Oil Stains
Did you know that wool detergent is a real game-changer for washing massage textiles? Together with our customers, we’ve discovered that it works much better than regular detergent. Why? Wool detergent is designed to be gentle on delicate fabrics and contains smart ingredients that make fat and oil disappear like magic. It gives your towels and sheets not only a thorough cleaning but also helps to keep them looking fresh and beautiful for longer. Try it out — your textiles (and your clients) will thank you!
Wash the Sheet at a Low Temperature
It’s best to wash your textiles at a low temperature to prevent them from getting damaged. Our sheets are made from thermo-fixed fabric, which means they won’t shrink when washed at 60 degrees.
However, we recommend washing colored terry cloth massage table sheets at 40 degrees, and only wash them at 60 degrees if they are very dirty. Washing colored sheets at too high temperatures can cause the color to fade, which shortens their lifespan.
Note: If there are still oil residues in the fabric, it is important to avoid washing the textiles at a boiling program (higher than 60 degrees). This can cause the oil to settle into the fabric, leading to permanent stains or damage to your massage textiles.
Do Not Use Bleach
Never use bleach when washing your sheets or towels. Bleach can damage the fabric and cause the color to fade.
Consider Using Vinegar as an Alternative to Fabric Softener
Using fabric softener is not exactly great for the environment and can also be expensive. Did you know you can use white vinegar as an alternative? Add a cup of white vinegar to your main wash, and your textiles will come out feeling silky soft. Plus, vinegar is much cheaper!
Let Your Textiles Dry Properly
Try to let the sheet dry in the air or use a drying program on a low temperature. Using a tumble dryer can cause the quality of your textiles to deteriorate faster. Always make sure that your massage table sheet is completely dry before placing it back on the table.
Store Your Textiles Properly
Store your sheets and towels in a clean and dry space to prevent damage or dirt. If you work on-site often, you can store your textiles in bags. This makes them easy to transport and protects them from dust or dirt.
Stain Removal Tips for Towels and Massage Sheets
One of the biggest challenges when washing massage textiles is removing stains from your towels and sheets.
We’ve spoken to many therapists and have come across various home remedies. Below, we’re sharing 4 golden tips that we’ve found most effective:
Stain Tip 1: Baking Soda
A useful tip for removing stains is to add half a cup of baking soda to your wash. Baking soda is a natural cleaner and helps to break down stains.
Note: Do not combine baking soda with vinegar in the same main wash. Baking soda has a high pH value, while vinegar has a lower pH value, which can neutralize each other's effectiveness.
Stain Tip 2: 50% White Vinegar and 50% Water
Want to quickly get rid of those stubborn massage oil stains? Another tip for removing stains is to soak your massage textiles in a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water.
Let your massage textiles soak in this solution for 12 hours before washing. This helps loosen the stains from the fabric and cleans the material.
After soaking, you can wash your textiles at 60 degrees with a cup of vinegar and your favorite detergent. This helps remove any remaining oil and ensures a fresh and clean appearance.
Stain Tip 3: Talcum Powder
Another effective way to remove stubborn stains is by using talcum powder. This works only on fresh stains. Talcum powder acts like a magnet and absorbs the oil from the stain!
It’s important to apply the talcum powder to the stain as quickly as possible before the oil fully soaks into the fabric. We recommend leaving the talcum powder to absorb for about 30 minutes, and then gently brush it away.
Then, simply wash your massage textiles in a normal wash cycle, and voila, the stain is gone!
Stain Tip 4: Ox Gall Soap
Another efficient way to remove stains from towels or sheets is by using ox gall soap. This soap is made from ox bile and contains natural enzymes that help remove stains. Before washing the fabric, apply a small amount of ox gall soap directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
Note: Ox gall soap is not suitable for colored fabrics, so only use it on white or light-colored massage textiles.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your massage table sheets are always clean and fresh, which is better for your clients and also improves the longevity of your massage textiles.
If you're looking for high-quality bed sheets, Zengrowth is the right place for you! In addition to sheets, we also offer headrest covers and knee roll covers. Check out our full range here!
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