Comprehensive Linen Care Guide for RMTs

As a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), one of the most important aspects of your practice is creating a peaceful, clean, and welcoming environment for your clients. And nothing sets the tone quite like fresh, well-maintained linens. But let us be honest, dealing with stained sheets and a lingering oil smell can feel like an uphill battle.

If you are struggling to keep your linens looking fresh and feeling soft, do not worry — you are not alone. Here is a practical guide to maintaining your massage sheets, face cradle covers, and towels, ensuring they remain clean, fresh, and professional for every session.

Choosing the Right Linens

Before we dive into cleaning methods, let us talk about the types of linens you’re working with. The fabric you choose can play a big role in how well your sheets hold up over time.

• Microfiber Sheets: Known for their softness (feel like bamboo fabric) and durability, microfiber sheets are a popular choice among RMTs. They are easy to clean, lightweight, and resistant to wrinkles. They come is white and colours can stay vibrant over the lifetime of use. these sheets defintily use the least amount of energy to both wash and dry. If you have a high turn over of sheets at your clinic and want to avoid long drying times…these are the fastest by far.
• Polycotton Sheets: These are a great middle ground, offering both the softness of cotton and the durability of polyester. They are less prone to shrinking and tend to hold up well to frequent washing. They also fold and stack well in spaces without a lot of storage. Our polycotton sheets are ample in size and are 50/50 polycotton blends T 200 (thread count). These also are very fast drying.
• Cotton Sheets: Cotton is breathable and natural, making it a comfortable option. Although they can stain they can be bleached to stay white. Colours are fast and provide a total luxurious  feel. Thick cotton sheets provide coziness in the cooler months and offer an opaqueness that both clinicians and clients appreciate. It is important to choose a high-quality cotton for longevity. Cotton sheets are usually considered the most expensive option due to the luxury they offer on all fronts including longer drying times.

At ViVi Therapy, we offer all these options to suit different preferences and needs, including the choice to use flat, fitted or both on your table. No matter which type of fabric, style or color you use, proper care is key to keeping them looking their best.

Keeping Oil Stains at Bay

Prevention is Key

The first step in stain management is prevention. While it is not always possible to avoid spills and stains, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage.

• Educate Your Clients: Encourage clients to arrive without makeup or, at the very least, provide them with a warm towel to remove makeup before the session starts. This can significantly cut down on mascara and foundation stains.
• Choose the Right Oils: Some oils are more prone to staining than others. Consider using oils like sunflower, safflower, or specialized fabric-friendly blends, which are less likely to leave permanent marks. We offer oils specifically formulated for massage therapy that will not stain your linens as easily.

Quick Action for Stains

Even with the best prevention, stains can still happen. The key to success is acting quickly.

• Cornstarch or Baby Powder: If you notice an oil stain, sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder over the stain right away. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the oil, then gently brush it off.
• Dish Soap: Dish soap is great at cutting through grease. Apply a small amount to the stain, gently blot with a clean cloth, and rinse with cold water.
• Baking Soda Paste: For more stubborn stains, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.

Washing Your Linens: Frequency and Temperature

How Often Should You Wash?

The general rule of thumb is to wash your massage linens after every use. This helps maintain a fresh and professional appearance while preventing oils from settling into the fabric.

• Weekly Maintenance: If you are not using your linens every day, be sure to wash them at least once a week to prevent oil build-up and prevent that rancid smell that sometimes lingers. Check out some of the special stain removing treatments if you have left them sit too long below.
• Mobile Therapists: If you are working in a mobile setting, be sure to wash your linens regularly and avoid storing them in a hot car, which can speed up oil rancidity.

Hot or Cold Water?

• Hot Water: Hot water is ideal for deep cleaning, especially if your sheets are heavily soiled with oil or makeup. Just be sure to check the care instructions for your linens first to avoid shrinkage or color fading. We recommend never leaving oil soaked linens to sit.  Always get them washed as soon as possible once off the table.  While on the table use a presoak or stain treatment before washing if warm water is your washing choice.
• Cold Water: For lightly soiled sheets, cold water is a good choice. It is energy-efficient and helps preserve the fabric, especially for items that don’t have heavy stains.

Tackling Makeup and Mascara Stains

Mascara and makeup stains on face rest covers are another common issue. Here’s how to keep your face cradle cushions looking fresh:

• Blot, Do Not Rub: If you notice makeup on your face rest covers, avoid rubbing the stain. Instead, blot gently with a clean cloth to absorb the excess product.
• Gentle Soap Solution: Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Dampen a cloth with this solution and gently dab at the stain, starting from the outside and working in.
• Rinse and Dry: Once the stain is removed, rinse the area with clean water and allow the cover to air dry completely.

For persistent makeup stains, it can be helpful to have extra face cradle covers on hand. Alternatively, consider using darker-colored covers to hide any discoloration, as white tends to show stains more easily.

Helpful Laundry Tips for Long-Lasting Linens

• Pre-Wash Prep: Before using new linens, it is a good idea to wash them with a combination of vinegar and baking soda. This helps prepare the fabric by making it more resistant to stains.
• Avoid Mixing with Towels: Do not dry linens with towels. Towels can cause pilling, which can shorten the lifespan of your sheets and covers.
• Occasional Deep Cleaning: If your linens are starting to develop a stubborn oil smell, you may want to do an occasional deep clean using a borax and baking soda mixture, which can help break down residual oils.
• Bleaching Caution: If you prefer white linens, occasional bleaching can help remove stains. Just keep in mind that bleach can weaken fabric fibers over time, and it can break down elastic, which may reduce the life of your linens.

Conclusion

Caring for your massage linens does not have to be a stressful task. With the right cleaning methods, timely action on stains, and a bit of prevention, you can keep your linens looking fresh and professional. Whether you prefer microfiber, polycotton, or cotton sheets, the key is consistent care. By maintaining a regular washing routine and using the right techniques for oil and makeup stains, you will create a welcoming, hygienic atmosphere that your clients will appreciate every time they walk through the door.

Happy massaging!