THE LINEN ROOM
The linen room is the centrestage for the supporting role that the Housekeeping Department plays in the hotel. Most linen rooms are centralized and act as a storage point and distribution centre for clean linen. Usually, a par stock is maintained on each floor or at each unit to suffice immediate requirements. Although the term ‘linen’ originally referred to those fabrics made from the fibre derived from the stem of the flax plant, linen in this context means all launderable articles and often includes pillows, mattresses, shower curtains, fabric lampshades and upholstery thatare also handled by the linen room.
THE ACTIVITIES OF THE LINEN ROOM
- COLLECTION AND TRANSPORTATION
- SORTING AND COUNTING
- PACKAGING
- DISPATCH
- DELIVERIES
- CHECKING AND INSPECTION
- STORAGE
- DISTRIBUTION TO UNITS
- MONOGRAMMING
- REPAIRS AND ALTERATION
- STOCK TAKING AND RECORDS
- SECURITY
Collection and Transportation
This is facilitated through chutes, canvas bags, trolleys, collapsible wire carts, skips.. It is an essential activity when laundry services are on contract. Guest laundry may also be collected, and billing and marking undertaken, should the laundry be off-premises.
Sorting and Counting
Sorting is carried out primarily to make counting possible as well as for streamlining laundry procedures. Linen is counted in order to make a record so that issuing to departments may be accurate and it is possible to tally the exchange of linen between the linen room and the laundry and a basis for billing exists.
Packaging
Linen is packed in canvas bags to prevent damage to the linen articles. Those articles that need mending and those, which are heavily stained, may be segregated and put into separate canvas bags. The use of colour coding in this respect is useful.
Despatch
This obviously refers to the off-premises laundry. The time for despatch is usually anytime between 1300 hrs and 1600 hrs so that servicing of rooms is over by then and guest laundry will have been collected. It is possible that soiled linen from the F&B outlets will also have been collected.
Deliveries
Clean linen is delivered in the morning hours and evening deliveries are usually for guest laundry.
Checking and Inspection
Checking the quantity to ensure that the amount of laundered linen tallies with the amount of soiled linen articles sent. Inspection of the quality of wash i.e. stains and dirt removed, no damages, no loss of shape or colour, no blue streaks or patches from the optical brightener, properly ironed. It is also possible that articles belonging to other hotels have been inadvertently delivered, so checking for this is essential.
Storage
The amount of space to be allocated for storage depends on the size and type of operation and the linen coverage
When designing the storage space for linen it is necessary to consider the type of shelves required, the method of storage as well as hygiene and safety factors.
Distribution to units
This is generally done on a clean-for-dirty basis. Some hotels use other systems of exchange such as topping up or a fixed issue based on expected occupancy. Still others may use a package system. Linen may be colour-coded for convenience. Whatever the system, it must be practical and serve the purpose of control. In some hotels specific timings are fixed for issue of linen.
Monogramming
The name or logo of the establishment is put onto the linen item for identification. The supplier may do this or the establishment, by embroidering, printing or embossing either directly on the fabric or on labels which are attached to the linen article. In special cases, the logo/name may actually be incorporated in the weave by the manufacturer. To judge the life span of an article, the date that it was first put into circulation may also be indicated on the article.
Repairs and Alteration
Damaged items are mended by stitching or darning. Alteration of uniforms is usual and condemned linen is converted into useful items called cut-downs/ makeovers. It is important to maintain a record of the condemned articles and the makeovers, so that they can be adjusted in the stock records.
SUGGEST WHAT USEFUL ITEMS CAN BE MADE OUT OF THE FOLLOWING CONDEMNED LINEN ARTICLES:
Bedsheets, pillowcases, blankets, bedcovers, curtains, towels, shower curtains, tablecloths, serviettes,
Stock-taking and Records
Many records are entered on a day-to-day basis for the exchange of linen between the linen room, laundry and floors/departments. Purchase records are essential and records of condemned linen and makeovers are usually maintained. Periodical stocktaking is carried out and the annual stocktaking is recorded in the stock register, thereby providing the value of linen as an asset.
Security
It is important that the access to the linen room is restricted so as to prevent misuse and pilferage. Also linen is prone to fire breakouts so precautionary measures are taken to prevent this and the linen room is strictly a non-smoking area.
Uniforms
Usually there is a section in the linen room for this purpose. However in large organizations, where each uniform is specially designed, there is need for a separate uniform room.
HOURS OF OPERATION
This varies from one organization to another but is usually from 7a.m. to 7 p.m. or at least for 10 hours in the day. When locked, the keys are kept with the Security or the Resident Manager or the Housekeeper. In the event of an urgent requirement of linen during the night, the Duty Manager or the Night Houseperson may remove items from an emergency store or from the main Linen Room and leave a note with details of what has been removed.
LOCATION OF THE LINEN ROOM
- adjacent to the laundry if on-premises, usually with an interconnecting window between the rooms.
- near the service entrance if the laundry is off-premises.
- near the service elevator for easy transportation to various units.
- away from the food production area to avoid a fire hazard as well as prevent linen from absorbing food odours, smoke, soot and dampness.
LINEN ROOM REQUIREMENTS – Equipment and Areas
- storage shelves both open and closed
- hanging space
- Reserve Stock storage
- drop counter for exchange of linen (stable-type door)
- trollies for clean linen
- soiled linen hampers
- Linenkeeper’s desk and storage space for records
- telephone and computer
- stepladder
- washbasin
- storage for materials required to clean the room
- sink and drying rack (optional)
- iron and ironing board
- area for accumulation of soiled linen
- area for receiving laundered linen
- area for sorting and counting of linen
- sewing section
- work tables (with table tops in contrast to white)
- traffic lane to laundry
- traffic lane to uniform room
PLANNING THE LAYOUT OF THE LINEN ROOM
Like the planning of any other operational area, the following must be considered
1. Architectural features 2. Hygiene and Safety aspects 3. Activity areas
Assignment:
CLASSIFICATION OF LINEN
- BED LINEN
- BATH LINEN
- SOFT FURNISHINGS
- GUEST LAUNDRY
- NAPERY
- CLEANING CLOTHS
- STAFF UNIFORMS
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR LINEN ITEMS
Each individual piece of linen requires special consideration in terms of quality, type and size.
BED LINEN
Bedsheets
Should have a good finish, usually with a slight lustre, and be made from a non-crease fabric so as to retain its appearance. For comfort, the texture should be soft and smooth, absorbent and free from static. They should be easily laundrable and the fabric should not lose colour in repeated washes.
Superior quality bedsheets made from linen or union (a combination of cotton and linen) are expensive and not easily available. Cotton is absorbent, less expensive and is capable of withstanding extremely hot washes. Cotton may be Percale or Muslin. More frequently used are combinations of natural and man-made fibres like polyester cotton or terry-cot. Blending with man-made fibres offsets the disadvantages of the natural fibre. The introduction of a man-made fibre increases durability and makes laundering easier, but some of the absorbency is lost. 65% of cotton and 35% man-made combinations are the best. Blended no-iron sheets must be folded while still warm from the tumbler to eliminate creasing.
The crinkle sheet or night sheet is made from cotton seersucker.
A sheet should be large enough to be tucked in securely all around the mattress. The width of the fabric is dependent on whether the bed is single or double. When cutting the length of fabric for the bedsheet, it is necessary to make a provision for:
Fitted sheets are unpopular as they have more disadvantages than advantages.
Pillowcases
These are generally made from the same fabric. The housewife tuck-in type is now rapidly being replaced by the longer bag-type which are folded in at the open end. In order to calculate the amount of material required to stitch a pillowcase, it is necessary to measure the circumference of the pillow and add on 2 to 4 inches to allow for shrinkage and a perfect fit.
Blankets
These need to adhere to the body in order to provide warmth. In order to be comfortable, they should be soft, smooth and resilient and not too heavy. Though expensive, pure woollen blankets that are napped are ideal in this respect, but they are difficult to launder and are attacked by insects. To cut costs, improve launderability and prevent attack by insects, wool is often blended with a synthetic fibre (acrylic) and the percentage of woollen fibre is mentioned on the label. A less durable alternative is made from nylon fibres electrostatically flocked on polyurethane (fibrelock)
This is suitable for those who are allergic to wool. Electric blankets are uncommon as they are difficult to maintain and anchor to prevent pilferage. Moreover persons who suffer from phobias would opt for the ordinary blanket.
SOFT FURNISHINGS
Duvets
Duvets have become increasingly popular in hotels and are fast replacing the blanket, especially on double beds. They consist of a filling sandwiched or stitched in a fabric case with a changeable cover.
The fillers may be duck/goose down, a feather mix or a combination of the two. The down feathers are the small, fluffy feathers from beneath the wings and the breast of the fowl. Goose down is superior and lightweight because of the hollow quills. The well-known Eider goose and Siberian goose down are the best. Although they are warmer, professional cleaning is necessary and they are heavier and more expensive than their synthetic counterparts. The synthetic filling is usually polyester fibres. These duvets are lighter and can be washed in large-capacity washing machines. Casings can be cotton cambric or synthetic fabric but must have a close weave to keep the filling in place. The higher the tog value or rating, the warmer the duvet will be. 10.5 is the average tog rating. While the polyester fibre-filled duvets have a tog between 8 and 11, the best down duvets have a count between 11 and 14. The tog rating is generally printed on the duvet. Even if the establishment uses natural fillings to provide the best degree of comfort, a small stock of duvets filled with man-made fibres should be made available for anyone who has an allergy to the natural product.
It is essential for the duvet to have an outside cover. Changing a duvet cover is a skill which is developed with practice. To save laundry costs and labour, it is advisable to provide a covering sheer in conjunction with the duvet cover. Though it is common to have all of them in white, the duvet cover, the bottom sheet and valance could be part of the colour scheme of the guest room.
Using a duvet in hotel bedrooms has advantages and disadvantages
Bedspread/Bedcover/Counterpane
These are purchased, considering appearance, durability and size. The colour and print should match the décor, and soil should not show easily. The weave should not be susceptible to snagging. The fabric should drape well and not crease easily (quilted for this purpose). The durability of the fabric is judged by the effect of laundering and constant use. The life expectancy may be totally disregarded in order to meet with a certain decorative colour scheme. Readymade bedcovers lack individuality so they are usually stitched and a number of styles are possible. Bedcovers should be interchangeable wherever possible. The amount of fabric required to stitch a single bedspread is approx. 8 metres.
Curtains/Draperies
These are also purchased considering appearance, durability and size. Sheer curtains/net curtains/glass curtains combined with heavy draperies are usual in a guest room. This combination allows light to pass through and facilitates privacy as well. Sheer curtains are generally made from synthetic/blended net or lace or from plain nylon or terylene. It is advisable to use a fire-resistant finish or fabric for these curtains. Draperies are usually lined. Lined curtains are thicker, fall better and allow less light to pass through. They are less likely to fade, soil less easily and thereby last longer. When selecting the curtains, the appearance is judged by ensuring that the colour and pattern match the décor; viewing the fabric hanging and gathered in folds; viewing the fabric with daylight behind it; viewing the fabric with artificial light falling on it. It is also advisable to select patterns which are repetitive after shorter lengths to reduce wastage when stitching wide curtains. The amount of material required is dependent on the window treatment and 15 metres is the average requirement. A heavy fabric is usual for public areas and a lighter one in the guest rooms.
Cushion Covers and Upholstery
Like the rest of the soft furnishings, these must also match the décor. It is also important that they are resistant to dirt, accumulation of dust and snagging. The fabric should be non-slip without being rough and free from static so that it does not cling to customer’s clothes. It also should not lose lint or colour easily.
Cushion covers should be laundrable and non-crease. Upholstery fabrics should not stretch after they have been fitted. In both cases the fabric should be firm with a close weave. This, however is more applicable in the case of upholstery and in most cases the fabric has a jute backing.
BATH LINEN
Requires to be gentle on the skin, with a high degree of absorbency and lint-free. Linen or cotton are the fibres from which the towels are made. The weave may be a Dobby weave which is used to make a fabric called Huckaback, that is often used for face towels and sometimes hand towels. Bath towels are invariably made from Turkish towelling using a pile weave known as the Terry weave.
The loops of the towels should be at least 1/8” high for good absorbency. When selecting Turkish towels hold them against the light out find out how close the basic weave is. Coloured and patterned towels may be selected for public areas like the swimming pool, health club or beauty parlour, largely for identification. White towels are preferred to coloured ones.
NAPERY
Table linen
The fabric selection is largely dependent on its laundrability. Stain removal should be possible and it must have the ability to retain colour and shape. As far as appearance is concerned, it should match the décor and have a lustre for a good finish. The fabric should be preferably non-slip, as all restaurant tables do not have a baize top. Linen is better than cotton but very expensive. Starched cotton casement is commonly used. The fabric considered ideal for table linen is Damask. The pattern is highlighted by using lustrous yarns. Blends are unsuitable as the linen cannot be starched for the ‘crisp’ effect. Also, the resins present in blends attract grease, making oil stains difficult to remove and often these resins break down when exposed to the heat in the tumble dryer. Tablecloths should hang 9” over the edge of the table. Sizes vary according to the size of the table. If they are to be stitched, then an allowance should be made for 5% shrinkage along the length. Although is seems that it is only necessary to hem tablecloths at the ends that unravel, it is preferable to hem all four sides so that the article retains its shape.
Moultans
Where the dining tables, do not have a baize top attached, this length of baize cloth may be used.
Banquet Frills (Juponé)
These are coloured and lustrous, usually made from satin or rayon which may be plain or patterned. The pleats may be stitched or pleating may be done when draping the table. Varied styles may be used when draping which will affect the length of fabric required. The width of the fabric must correspond with the height of the table.
Clean linen in a good state of repair is responsible for the image of the hotel. Utilizing good quality linen and changing it frequently reflects the standard of the establishment
PURCHASE OF LINEN
There are three major factors to be considered when purchasing linen:-
Quantity
Quality
Size
Quantity
The quantity of linen purchased is largely dependent on the following factors:-
1. size of the establishment
2. standard of the organization (will determine frequency of change)
3. turnover or occupancy
4. laundering facility
Generally a hotel should have a minimum of three sets of linen
Linen Coverage is a term used to refer to the total number of sets of linen maintained by the hotel and their distribution. The number of sets is also referred to in terms of ‘par’.
Quality
The best quality linen must be selected within the available budget.
To select good quality linen , it is necessary to give due importance to:-
1. fibre selection and quality of yarn
2. thread count
– the total number of warps & wefts in 1sq. in. of gray goods fabric.
The total thread count should be above 150. The balance between
warp and weft is also important. The warp is higher and the weft
should be no more than ten less. (indicated on fabric as warp no. X weft no)
This balance is especially necessary for stretch recovery during flatwork ironing.
3. finishes especially colour fastness
4. reputed manufacturers
It is advisable to obtain samples and launder them to observe the effects of laundering.
Size
Purchasing linen of the correct size is extremely important as wrong sizes can affect appearance and even hamper operations.
Selection of linen depends on
- fibre, percentage of fibre, mixtures/blends, yarn quality
- thread count, balance between warp and weft, firm selvedge
- finishes (for appearance and laundrability)
- VFM and Life expectancy v/s Frequency of replacement
RULES FOR LINEN PURCHASE
1. Check for the amount of ‘dressing’ that falls out from the
fabric when rubbed together.
2. Look for a firm smooth weave and strong selvedge.
3. Machining should be strong (10 to 15 stitches per inch).
4. Obtain samples and test for laundering effects.
i.e. shrinkage, loss of shape, colour
5. Buy in bulk to avail of discount.
6. Stagger the supply to overcome/avoid storage problems.
7. Large orders should be marked or monogrammed by the
supplier.
8. Select a supplier on the same level as your organization,
preferably with a recommendation.
9. A Purchase Index Card must be maintained for every linen
item in stock.
10. Accurate specifications must be provided when placing
orders, particularly with reference to size.
11. Orders should be placed well in advance, so that the
specifications may be met with.
12. A good rapport with the supplier is essential especially
with regard to credit facilities.
PURCHASE INDEX CARD
ITEM…………………………………………………………………………………..
DESCRIPTION ……………………………………………………………………….
SUPPLIER’S NAME………………………………………………………………….
ADDRESS…………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………..TEL. NO. …………………….
REMARKS…………………………………………………………………………….
Date
Rcvd
Amount
Rcvd
Unit
Cost
Date
Issued
Amount
Issued
Date
Cond-emned
Amount
Cond-
emned
STOCK
Sign.
The purpose of a Purchase Index card is to:
1. indicate purchases between current and previous stocktaking.
2. provide a record of condemned articles.
3. act as a ready reference for ordering, also indicating the level of Reserve Stock.
4. provide a means of judging the life span of linen articles.
It is possible to maintain this record in the computer for convenience.
STANDARD SIZES OF LINEN ITEMS
Sheets:
Single 78” x 108” (203 cm. x 274 cm.)
Double 90” x 108” (224 cm. x 274cm.)
King size 117” x 108”(295 cm. x 274 cm.)
Pillowcases:
Standard 20” x 30” (50 cm. x 75 cm.)
King size 20” x 40” (50 cm. x 100 cm.)
Blanket:
Single 70” x 100” (175 cm. x 250 cm.)
Double 90” x 100” (228 cm. x 250 cm.)
King size 116” x 100”(290 cm. x 250 cm.)
Towels:
Bathsheets/Bath Blankets 40” x 70” (100 cm. x 178 cm.)
Bath Towels 30” x 54” (76 cm. x 137 cm.)
Medium-sized Towels 22” x 40” (56 cm. x 100 cm.)
Hand Towels 15” x 24” (38 cm. x 60 cm.)
Face Towels 10” square (26 cm. square)
Roller Towels 18” (45 cm.) width in huckaback
Bath Mat 24” x 36” (60 cm. x 92 cm.)
Table Linen:
Square Tablecloths: 36”, 54”, 63” or 72” square
(91, 137,160. 182 cm. square)
Rectangular Tablecloths 52” or 90” x 72”
(133 or 230 cm. x 183 cm.)
Serviettes 24” square (60 cm. square)
Cocktail Napkins 10” square (26 cm. square)
THE LINEN CYCLE
Collect linen from the floor pantry
Exchange clean linen for dirty at the point of use
Sort, count and bag soiled linen
Transportation to central collection point
Linen Room
Count, record
and despatch
Laundry
(OPL)
Laundry
(Off-Premises)
Check and Inspect
Mending
if required
Condemn
Replace
Storage with a rest period on the shelf
for linen in use
Issuing to units
CONTROL OF LINEN
Control of linen falls in three areas of activity:
1. Hygienic standard and appearance of linen.
2. Daily routine exchange of linen between floors and departments, linen room and laundry.
3. Purchase records, inventories, stock-taking and stock-taking records.
Checklist to reduce linen damage
Handling linen from purchase to use to laundering and storage before it is used again is a difficult task requiring much expertise as well as close supervision. Each system has its own merits and linen control must be balanced against saving time and wages.
Primarily, purchase records must be correctly maintained as they form the basis of stock taking. Daily records keep a track of linen on a day-to-day basis. It is also necessary to maintain a record of condemned linen and any remakes from these discarded items to provide a clear picture during stocktaking.
STOCKTAKING
Stocktaking is counting what you have (ACTUAL or PHYSICAL STOCK) and comparing it with what you are supposed to have (BOOK or RECORDED STOCK). It is an essential activity that must be carried out at regular intervals. Any discrepancies should be accounted for and adjusted in the records. It is an operational necessity in order to be able to predict future requirements. Stocktaking acts as a control measure by highlighting discrepancies, thereby promoting investigation. It also acts as a deterrent for pilferage and ensures rotation of stock.
Procedure for linen stocktaking
Departments concerned must be intimated at least one day in advance. All linen must be counted on the same day or at least the similar type linen is counted at a time (Room Linen is separated from F & B Linen), so as to prevent ‘borrowing’ to make up deficiencies. A convenient time is chosen when all linen movement can be halted without causing too much of a problem to the operations.
TOTAL LINEN COUNT
Actually in use
+
IN CIRCULATION Clean in pantry & trolley
+
Soiled in pantry &trolley
+
Clean on shelves
+
IN LINEN ROOM Soiled to be sent to laundry
+
Reserve Stock
+
IN LAUNDRY - Outstanding Laundry
LINEN STOCK REGISTER
Date____________________
ITEM
Pr.
stock
B/F
Dt……..
Add
New
Stock
Total
Less
Cond.
Linen
Total
LINEN HIRE
Hiring linen is uncommon in India, but many hotels in other parts of the world do not purchase linen, and prefer to hire laundered linen from a hiring company. Linen hire companies supply clean linen to hotels on a hire basis. Thus it is a contract with a company which rents and launders linen. The system has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
• Initial purchase investment is eliminated.
• No laundering of linen is necessary.
• Less storage space.
• Less staff which means fewer salaries to pay.
• No need to order linen so purchase function is eliminated.
• No repairing of linen by the hotel.
• It is ideal for spasmodic trade such as seasonal hotels, by avoiding capital expenditure and the need to store seldom used linen.
• Linen hire charges may be no greater than the combined depreciation and laundering costs.
Disadvantages
• No individuality.
• Choice is limited – the linen specifications, sizes and standards may be different from those required by the hotel.
• No cut-downs or makeovers possible.
• Damages have to be paid for, usually at a higher rate.
• The hotel is totally dependent on the hiring company.
• There is no control over the quality of wash.
• Linen supply may be affected by bad weather or strikes causing a breakdown in operations.
• If low occupancy, there is a loss due to unused linen.
• Excess requirement is charged at the current rate.
• Guest laundry will have to be dealt with or co-ordinated with a commercial laundry.
THE SEWING ROOM
The sewing room is essentially a part of linen room operations and may be located in the linen or uniform room or serve both these areas. Due to the high cost of labour, very little actual sewing is done in this section of the linen room, but a great deal of machining is carried out. A well-run sewing room can definitely be an economy for a large organization. Monogramming may be a function of the sewing room. Certainly, mending and alterations are done here. This preserving of linen and creative use of condemned articles can contribute greatly to saving costs.
Activities of the sewing room
• Machine marking or monogramming may be carried out in the sewing room and when marking linen, it is usual to mark on the right hand side of the article, the name of the organization and the department and the date it was put into circulation. The latter shows the wearing quality of the article and helps to estimate the life span of the article.
• Frayed parts and tears frequently occur in towels, table and bed linen and these are repaired by machine darning. Patching, repairing flaps of pillowcases and torn pockets are among the common sewing tasks. Ideally, mending should be carried out before laundering, but dealing with soiled or wet articles is unpleasant, so mending is usually done on laundered linen.
• Straight-forward , ordinary machining is done for hems on sheets or towels. New items which require straight stitching like bedsheets and tablecloths, may be made.
• Creating makeovers and cut-downs involving the innovative use of discarded linen.
• Stitching of buttons, hooks etc and the mending and alteration of uniforms.
Areas provided
• Space for work tables.
• Space for ironing.
• Two or three sewing machines with storage cum work tables alongside (foot treadle operations to facilitate darning).
• Storage space for items to be mended /altered.
• Cupboard for storing accessories.
• Storage space for rolls of fabric.
Equipment required
• 2/3 sewing machines, manual or motor preferably with a foot treadle which leaves hands free for darning; thread release on looper for tension control so as to enable stitching to be carried out on fabrics of varied thickness; different runner attachments to facilitate zig-zag stitching, edging, mending and darning.
• A sewing kit containing:
A sharp scissors
A snippet scissors
Threads of various colours
Buttons of different types
Plain pins, sewing needles and machine needles
A ripper
Spare bobbins
Machine oil and machine repair kit
Tailor’s chalk and pencil
Ruler and measuring tape
A heavy/steam iron with an ironing board and a power point in the vicinity
Above all, good lighting is essential to facilitate the sewing functions without eyestrain.
UNIFORMS
Providing uniforms for hotel staff is one way of ensuring proper grooming, thereby reflecting the standard of the hotel and creating a good impression on the guest. Having a uniform creates a sense of orderliness and enables the guest to identify staff and their position in the organization. To the employee, it is a status symbol, creating a sense of belonging and thereby boosting employee morale. Apart from the aesthetic appeal, uniforms are frequently designed to suit the task that is carried out.
Uniforms may be of standard sizes or made-to-measure. Made-to-measure uniforms look smart and are essential for senior staff. Standard sizes lower the total requirement of uniforms but may be ill-fitting and do not look as smart. The number of sets of uniforms provided is dependent on the nature of the tasks being performed and whether the organization has an on or off-premises laundry. Uniforms are a large investment and the cost does not end with purchase. Maintenance and replacement also have to be considered. Budget is a factor that influences all other factors to a great degree. When designing a uniform, both the functional as well as the aesthetic aspect must be considered. Depending on the task to be performed, the uniform must be comfortable as well as practical. The durability of the fabric must be considered as well as its laundrability for ease of maintenance. The uniform must harmonize with the décor by blending or contrasting and is often required to synergize with the existing theme. It must also be designed to suit the average individual.
When staff are issued uniforms, a record is maintained in order to ensure that the uniform is returned when they leave the organization. The number of times an employee is allowed to
change the uniform is largely dependent on the type of tasks he performs, number of sets of uniforms that have been provided to him, the laundering facility, the type of fabric and the laundry process involved and the policy of the organization. The usual system for exchange is clean-for-dirty and the timings are stipulated according to the shift timings. Some hotels have specific days for different department to facilitate streamlining laundry and uniform room operations. When planning the layout of the Uniform Room, it must be borne in mind that some uniforms will be kept on hangers while others will be folded. Consequently the storage space must include hanging space as well as shelves. The uniforms must be segregated according to the department. To make the task of issuing uniforms easier, it is usual to arrange them according to size or alphabetically according to name. The Uniform Room usually incorporates the sewing section and in some organizations both these areas are sections in the Linen Room due to their inter-related functions. It is advisable to have a trial room that may double up as an emergency changing room if the need arises. However, for security reasons, entry should be restricted to Uniform Room personnel only and uniform shelves should not be accessible to staff from other departments. For operational purposes, space must be allocated for uniform attendants to be positioned at the exchange counter, where they can enter the necessary records. There must be a provision near the exchange counter for storing uniform co-ordinates and accessories. Adequate hampers into which soiled uniforms can be segregated and deposited, as well as trolleys for hanging as well as folded uniforms are also an operational necessity.
Uniforms play a very crucial role in establishing and reinforcing the image of a hotel or restaurant. After all, other aspects of housekeeping are inanimate, material things. It is the people who bring warmth and friendliness into these spaces and these people are the employees of the hotel. Ill-conceived, and poorly co-ordinated uniforms worn by hotel staff can create a jarring note in the entire image projected by the hotel.
