The guidelines below are simply to give you an idea on how to care for CASTELLO' fine linen. These items are elegant to the touch but very durable and with some simple handling will launder for an extended period of time.

CASTELLO choose combed cotton yarns and colorfast dyes to maximize our products durability and excellent hand. We also mercerize our fabrics to allow for better stain removal, ease of ironing and strength of our fabrics. Our DP levels on all our fabrics are between 1800 & 2300 which is well above the norm.

WASHING & IRONING:

In general there is no preferred detergent or chemical supplier. Optical brighteners should be avoided and bleach may be used but not recommended to remove stubborn stains.

It is common knowledge that natural fibers, cotton and linen can be damaged when they are bleached in high water temperatures and in an acid environment i.e. (ph lower than 7)

- New Linen should be washed in cooler water temperatures for the first few washes at a temperature of 104 degrees; this will set the mercerization process.
- Future wash temperatures should be at 140 degrees, but for stubborn stains temperatures can be raised to 205 degrees.
- Rinse thoroughly at a lower temperature, washing machine must not be overloaded; the acceptable maximum load is 2/3rds of the machines capacity.
- Do not use excessive amounts of chlorine bleach, if needed do not exceed 1% solution/concentration, as this can have an effect on the appearance and the life cycle of the product.
- If necessary sodium peroxide based bleach and enzymes can be used to remove heavy stains.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove any and all chlorine chemical agents; normal acidification is to be carried out at the end of the washing cycle.
- Linen can be conditioned in the dryer but it is not necessary
- Linen should be at least 52% damp before you introduce it to the flat ironer.
- Flat ironer should be between 325 and 390 degrees throughout the entire machine and speed set at approximately 24.
- The use of a water spray bottle as the linen is being introduced to the flat ironer on dry areas can help significantly with this process.
- Throws and Capriletto's should be dry cleaned, however they can be laundered with specific notice to shrinkage and should be allowed for in the manufacture of the items size.


CARE & QUALITY

- There should be a minimum of a par 3 and preferably a par 5 inventory level at all times.
- Linen should be stored on the shelf after laundering for a minimum of 48 hours before re-entering into service; this will allow the fibers to relax before entering into service again. If this time is not allowed then linen is entered into service with tense fibers and this is the state that the fibers will break down.
- You should introduce all of your linen inventory into service as the more time the linen is able to be on the shelf between washes the longer the life span you will have for your linen.

CASTELLO takes great care in producing our hotel linen by using Egyptian Combed cotton yarns. We mercerize our fabrics to add luster and strength, so with the proper care of these linens your property can enjoy a considerable return on investment.

Our staff will assist your laundry personnel and chemical supplier with the implementation of these guidelines for any new or existing laundry facility.