Win Points With the Right Linens

Table linens fall under the general category of massage accessories, yet as any experienced practitioner will tell you, they are one of the most important statements you make about your practice. Neat, attractive and comfortable linens make lying on a massage table that much more enjoyable, and will win points with your clientele.

Here’s the lowdown on linens:

Size: Since massage tables are smaller than an adult bed, sheets made for the latter will be an imperfect fit for your table. Companies now manufacture sheets specifically for massage tables, and many options come in varying sizes to accommodate even extra-long or wide tables.

Standard twin-bed sheets can be used for a top sheet or extra covering, and they are great for draping. However, bottom or fitted bed sheets will require careful tucking to get the right fit.

Material: What material you choose will largely depend on you and your clients’ preferences, and your budget.

• Cotton: Cotton is a popular choice for massage linens because it’s natural brush and breathability create a softer table covering. Cotton flannel or jersey, especially, feel delicious on the skin and are sure to please your clients. However, cotton is “not very durable, it doesn’t wear very well,” says Sara Gustafson, owner of All in One Massage Linens. She adds that because of its thick weave, cotton is also more difficult to clean, requiring heavy detergent or bleach, which, over time, damages the fiber.

• Organic cotton: Cotton is notoriously difficult to grow and requires much fertilization, insecticide and pesticide treatment. Organic cotton, on the other hand, is grown in smaller crops without chemicals. Because of the higher labor process involved, organic cotton generally costs a good deal more than standard cotton products. ($60-100 per massage-sheet set compared to $20-45 for non-organic cotton sets.)

• Cotton blend: Blends typically contain a manmade fabric such as polyester or Ultratex, which aren’t as soft as cotton, but will help increase the durability and longevity of your sheets, and may be easier to clean.

Care: Massage linens take the most wear-and-tear of any massage accessory. Top and bottom sheets and face-cradle coverings must be washed after each use. The kind of cleaning product, including stain remover; the water quality where you live; how you dry the sheets—all will affect how well your linens hold up over time.

• Washing: Wash massage-table linens as soon as possible after use, waiting no more than 24 hours. Massage oils go rancid over time, and their odor and stain will be difficult to remove from your sheets. For tough stains, soak sheets overnight in warm water with a degreasing product before laundering. Gustafson recommends keeping a Shout detergent stick on hand in your session room to quickly treat stains if the sheets will be sitting for a while.

Wash sheets in warm water, not hot, as hot water can set oil into fabric. There are some good biodegradable products available for laundering, including Pure Pro Orange Degreaser, an orange-peel based cleanser formulated by massage therapists.

Dry sheets, but don’t overdo it. Drying shrinks cotton and can set oil stains. If possible, hang your sheets outside after they’re partially dry for a blast of fresh air and sunshine. Store sheets folded neatly.

Depending on the size of your practice, you may consider hiring a laundry service. Many come with delivery service, which will free you from hauling heavy bags of linens. Plus it could save time and energy that currently spend washing, drying and folding sheets.

— Kelle Walsh