Notes for all washing instructions:

Laundering:   We recommend that all table linens be laundered at least once prior to first use in order to soften. Your laundry chemical supplier should work out the proper wash formulas and procedures for the equipment you have installed and the linens you use.  Warm water wash temperatures and related drying temperatures suggested here will significantly reduce energy costs, and provide better results at the same time.

Before You Wash:   Make sure your washer and dryer are in good working order with no rough areas that might snag the napery.  Both washer and dryer should have adjustable temperature controls.

When Sorting:   Separate your loads into categories.

  –  Darks and lights should be separated.

  –  When possible, wash FORTEX^™ separately from cotton or poly/cotton napery.

  –  Shake out laundry during this stage to make sure no food or sharp objects are accidentally put through the wash.

When You Wash:   Never overload machine.  For better agitation and less wrinkling, fill machine to three-quarters of manufacturers recommended level of table linens.

Set wash temperatures no higher than necessary:

  –  140 degrees Fahrenheit should give good results.  Avoid temperatures above 165 degrees to minimize shrinkage.

 –  To prevent thermal-shock at high temperatures use a gradual cool-down or split rinses.

Choose laundry with the right alkalinity.

  –  Alkaline at various levels can be destructive, causing fading and other problems.  Check with your chemical supplier for the right product.  Alkali should not be above 2,000 PPM — Normal 1,000 to 1,400 PPM.

Be careful with bleach.

  –  Bleach (non-chlorine) may be used, but can cause FORTEX^™ and other polyester to fade or change color shade.

  –  Always avoid softeners.

When You Extract:

  –  Keep extraction time short (30-60 seconds) to minimize wrinkles.

  –  Use a centrifugal rather than hydraulic extractor.

When You Dry:

  –  Do not overload dryer.  Fill only to half of the recommended level to minimize wrinkling.

  –  Set dryer so that temperature does not exceed 140 degrees F.

  –  Do not over dry.  Generally drying time should run 10-15 minutes when necessary.

  –  For best results with wrinkles, remove FORTEX^™ products while still slightly warm and damp then iron.

  –  If being pressed with a roll press or flat-head press, slightly dry the linens and then press to completely dry.

 These are only HINTS for taking care of your FORTEX^™ napery.  You may want to consult the maker of your laundry equipment or the supplier of your washing chemicals.