Cool home accessories that are beautiful are great, but you also need to consider practical options as well. An important example of a vital home accessory for any bathroom is a bath mat.

Bath mats aren’t just bathroom rugs; they act as a crucial part of your bathing routine and can help you to dry your body and your room more efficiently.

The team here at Absolute Home Textiles UK understands the importance of a good bath mat, and we also know that many homeowners often overlook them.

So, we’ve written this handy blog post to explain the benefits of bath mats and how you can get the most from the ones in your home.

Benefits Of Bath Mats

If you’re thinking: can’t I just spread a bath sheet over the bathroom floor? Why do I need a bath mat? Then here are some of the many benefits of bath mats for your home:

• Absorb Excess Water: The main benefit of having a bath mat is that you will be able to mop up excess water that drips off your body as you get out of the tub or shower. Also, if you do spill extra water on the floor during your wash, your bath mat will catch it. If you leave excess water on the floor, then it could cause damage and get trapped in cracks, causing dirt and mould. So, a bath mat can improve the cleanliness of your bathroom and make your floor easier to clean and maintain.
• Reduce The Chances Of Slips And Falls: Walking on a wet floor, particularly a tiled or stone one, which are common in bathrooms, can put you at risk of falling down and hurting yourself. Having a bath mat to soak up the excess water and keep you secure. You can even get rubber bath and shower mats to keep you safe in the tub as well as out of it.
• Personalise Your Bathroom: Bathrooms can be hard to decorate. It’s not easy to find waterproof décor that’s actually useful. Bath mats are both! So, you can transform your space and make it your own while also keeping your floors dry and safe.

As you can see, there are many benefits to having a bath mat in your home, but you need to make sure you pick out the right one and take great care of it. Carry on reading for more tips from our experts!

Choosing The Perfect Bath Mat

Selecting the perfect bath mat takes some time, especially if you’re incredibly house-proud and want every accessory to be stylish and in keeping with your existing décor.

The main factors to consider are:

• Material: Rubber bath mats go inside the tub, while towelling ones can be used on the floor outside the bath. Towelling options include smooth cotton or fluffy terry towelled mats and luxury bath mats with a smooth finish and funky borders.
• Shape: Rectangle mats are the classic shape, but there are many different options for your bathroom. Some providers offer circular or square bath mats, ones that can come in funky shapes of your favourite cartoon characters or a cool shape like a rainbow. Check out all the options to find the ones you love that will set your bathroom apart.
• Pattern: Some bath mats, such as our Greek-style mats, have a cool pattern that can fit in with your theme if you have one. Also, these mats look unique and set your bath mat apart from your other towels.
• Colours: The colours you choose will affect the look and feel of your bathroom. White is the classic option, but it can easily be stained, especially by harsh chemicals and lots of dirt. Instead, you should consider a darker colour, such as navy, purple or even black.

Take your time checking out a range of bath mats from suppliers like us, who have a wide range of options. We’re bound to have at least one that suits your look!

Keeping Your Bath Mat Clean And Pristine

Most homeowners who don’t want a bath mat are against them because they think they’re dirty. If you’ve ever been to a relative or friend’s home, and they don’t wash their bath mat after each use, then you’ve probably seen a mouldy, damp-smelling bath mat that’s put you off.

It doesn’t have to be that way if you clean your bath mat regularly. Like your towels, bath mats should be washed after each use, as they get very wet and will hold onto old water and skin cells that fall from your body after you wash.

For big houses and anyone who has a lot of guests, that means you might need to keep a stash of spare bath mats handy just in case people need to take extra baths or showers.

As a leading wholesale home textiles provider, Absolute Home Textiles UK can get you fast shipping on a range of products, including our extensive selection of bath mats. So, if you find that you need more bath mats quickly or you need to replace your spare stash, you can get everything you need from us.

When To Replace Your Bath Mat

Like towels, bath mats should be replaced every two years if they’re used an average amount. If you have a guest bathroom, run a holiday home or take extra showers because of your job or hobbies, then you might need to replace your bath mat sooner.

If you’re unsure about when to replace your bath mat, or yours is tired and definitely needs to get in the bin, then you should check out our range.

As well as bath mats, we also offer an extensive selection of towels, table linen, bedding, bath robes, kitchenware and more. When you shop with us, you can get everything you need for your home at a great price.

Start shopping by checking out our selection online, or contact us to learn more about great products and how we can help you kit out your home or business.

If you’re looking for even more inspiration on how to make the most of your bath mats and other home textiles, check out our blog. Have fun shopping for a bath mat! 

Having so much to deal with can be difficult, particularly for those who have large families, welcome guests regularly, or are simply disorganised.

That’s why Absolute Home Textiles firmly believes that every homeowner should consider buying their home textiles using wholesale services like ours.

When you think of wholesale home fabric products, you might conjure up images of sterile white towels for hotels and itchy cheap bedsheets.

That’s not the case. The market has evolved over the years, and suppliers like us now offer a wide range of styles and colours to suit everyone. We also have products made from various materials, such as cotton, bamboo and more.

So, our wholesale household textiles can be a great way to save time, money and effort without compromising on quality. That’s why they’re used by leading organisations in a range of industries, including top golf clubs, world-renowned universities, exhilarating events and popular hotels.

If you’d like to find out more about how buying your home textile products wholesale can benefit you, then this is the guide for you.

Buying Wholesale Home Products Is Cost Effective

The most obvious benefit of buying anything wholesale is that you’ll save money. While you might pay more outright to buy a lot of products in bulk, each item will be cheaper than if you bought it individually.

It can be expensive to buy yourself new home textiles, particularly if you have a lot of bedrooms and bathrooms to kit out with towels and bedding. Also, if you want to impress guests and ensure that everyone has great quality home fabrics to sleep in and dry themselves on, you might find that the cost is higher and that you need to replace your products more often.

With the benefit of using wholesale services like ours, you can reduce your costs while still getting the quality home textiles you want for your home. Each item will cost less, but you’ll still have access to the highest possible quality products. We’ve got an extensive selection, so you can find the style and colour that you love.

Also, by buying in bulk from online retailers like us, you’ll save money on fuel and travel, as you won’t have to drive or use public transport to get to the shops you need and buy your home textiles.

We provide free delivery for orders over £49.95 and a fast service that will ensure you get your products promptly when you need them. Our shipping and returns process is simple and designed to make it easy for you to get everything promptly.

So, if you’re looking to save money on your home textile products, then buying wholesale could be the perfect choice for you. Our website is easy to use, and as time is money, you can save both if you buy your towels and bedding from Absolute Home Textiles.

Bulk Buying Means You’ll Never Run Out Of Home Textiles

Accidents happen even in the most well-regulated and organised homes. Sometimes, stains from products such as hair dye or from blood from small cuts ruin towels or bedding, and you have to replace them quickly.

Alternatively, you might find that you forget to replace your old home textiles for a while, then go to use an old towel or bedsheet, only to find that it’s too worn for use.

If you buy in bulk, then you can quickly replace anything you need and then order more when you need them. You can keep a stash in your home and grab what you need when you need it.

You won’t need to plan when you need to buy new home textiles, as you’ll have everything to hand. Most home fabrics have a lifespan and won’t be as effective if they’re used for too long. Products like towels, bath mats and bath robes, which get wet and are vital for keeping us dry, need replacing every 2 years or sooner, depending on how often they’re used.

Your bedding also needs to be replaced every few years, and each item has a different lifespan. Pillows have the shortest life, and you should get new ones every 1 to 2 years to ensure freshness and reduce skin irritation.

Duvets can be replaced every 5 years, and bed linens like duvet covers, pillowcases and bed sheets can last up to 7 years before you need to buy new ones.

By bulk buying these items, you can replace your home textiles whenever you need to. If you notice that an item is particularly worn or stained, you can quickly grab another from your stash. That means you don’t have to think about when you need to get more linens for your home, and you can spend more time doing the things you love.

You Can Get Everything You Need In One Place

Running a busy household can be draining, especially when you’ve got so much to do and so little time for yourself. Even if you live as a couple or with a small family, you’ll quickly find that tasks like replacing the household textiles can be a burden.

Thankfully, when you buy your home textiles from Absolute Home Textiles, you can get everything you need from one great supplier. We offer an extensive selection of styles and almost every home textile product you could possibly think of, as well as kitchenware, curtains and specialist fire-resistant bedding.

So, you won’t have to go to the shops every few weeks when you need new towels and bedding. Simply order online and get everything you need from us.

It’s easy to make an account and start shopping online for the home textile products you need. While we specialise in working with retailers and commercial businesses, we sell to everyone, so you can make the most of our great prices and extensive range of products to kit out your home. 

One of the best ways that you can ensure that your mattress lasts a lot longer is by investing in a high-quality mattress protector. Now, for a lot of people, this may seem like an unnecessary expense. However, given how much time and effort goes into finding that perfect mattress, not to mention the cost of a new one, a mattress protector is a very sensible investment. At Absolute Home Textiles, we understand how important it is to feel comfortable and confident in your bedding. Let’s have a closer look at how they work and how they can make your mattress last longer.

What Is A Mattress Protector?

A mattress protector is a lot like a fitted sheet that can either go over the sides and the top of your mattress or, in some cases, can be fitted over the entire thing. It is made of a durable fabric that provides a barrier between your bed sheets and the mattress itself.

What Is A Mattress Protector Made From?

Our durable mattress protectors are made from a blend of 50% polyester and 50% high-quality cotton. We know how important both comfort and function are to anyone who is looking for a great night’s sleep, which is why we are so proud of our polycotton blend. It is specially woven with a very special finish, which means that it will protect your mattress while feeling absolutely fantastic on your skin. Our special blend also means that you can stay warmer, which is going to be a major concern for so many people in the United Kingdom at the moment.

What Does A Mattress Protector Protect Your Mattress From?

The short answer to this question is: pretty much everything, and they can even be flame retardant, but let’s get more specific! First of all, a mattress protector is there to keep your mattress safe from spillages and stains. The kind of thing that can soak through a fitted bedsheet to leave a nasty mark on the mattress below, and which would normally stay there until you replaced the mattress. No one wants to be sleeping on the dried remnants of a spilt cup of coffee or a glass of wine. The polycotton blend will capture that fluid and keep it from getting through. The fact that it is moisture resistant also means that it will keep any mould from forming on your mattress. For anyone who has ever flipped a mattress to find a mouldy surprise on the other side, this is extremely good news!

However, it is not all about moisture. As much as we would like to think otherwise, it can be very easy for our bedrooms to become home to bedbugs, dust mites and bacteria. These little critters love to live in your mattress and will bite you in the night while you sleep. If you have ever woken up with those angry red bites from bed bugs and dust mites, you know that they are no joke. Using a mattress protector means that your mattress and you, as a result, are protected from these nasty creatures.

It is also important to note that a mattress protector is a great purchase for anyone who suffers from allergies. We mentioned dust mites a moment ago, and these love to infest a mattress if you have used it for a long period of time and if you own a pet. A lot of pet owners with extra deep mattresses out there let their animals sleep on the bed, if not in the bed, and while there is nothing wrong with that, you need to think about what kind of parasites may be happy about that decision. A mattress protector will protect you from these, although it should be noted that you should wash your mattress protector often!

What Are The Different Types Of Mattress Protector Available?

When you are looking for the perfect mattress protector for you, it is important to think about what kind of bedding you already have. A lot of people like to go with an extra deep quilted option, but we have quilted options available as well. A mattress protector with elasticated straps may be a better option for anyone who wants to make the whole bed change process as quick and as easy as possible. We also offer Terry Towelling protectors, which are fantastic for absorbing large amounts of water. You can find out more about how they work here. If you have any questions about which mattress protector is the best fit for your mattress, then get in touch with a member of our team. We are ready and waiting to advise you!

In Conclusion

Mattress protectors are a fantastic way to make sure that your mattress lasts longer by protecting it from any stains or spillages that may occur. They can also help to protect you from dust mites and bed bugs by keeping an extra layer between them and your mattress, and they are a very sensible option if you have a cat or a dog who loves to snooze on your bed.

At Absolute Home Textiles, we can help you to put together the perfect bedroom set that you will cherish for a very long time. From pillowcases to fitted sheets, from duvets to protectors, we have a wide range of different options to suit your personal style. Out 4.7 Trustpilot score speaks for itself, but if you would like to talk to us about how you can make your dream bedroom last longer, give us a call today. We can find you the perfect mattress protector for you.

While hotel and B&B owners may not realise it, quality guest house towels will improve the overall guest experience.

Quality Hotel Towels

The quality of your hotel towels and linen plays an important factor in the success of your hotel business. Researching and shopping for high quality, long-lasting towels and linen is a difficult but essential process.

The type of Cotton

The most important factor to consider when purchasing hotel and B&B towels is the type of cotton that they are made from.

Towel purchasers should seriously consider products that are made of Egyptian or Brazilian cotton. These types of towels tend to last longer, are more absorbent and are soft to the touch.

Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener

When shopping for quality guest house towels, always keep in mind what types of laundry detergent and fabric softener that your staff uses. Most likely, your hotel uses a strong, generic brand to clean the linens.

The towels and linens that you purchase must be able to stand up to stronger laundry detergent. Cheap, poorly made products will fall apart within months.

The Importance of Quality Linen

When purchasing linen, you must always consider your customers' comfort. Linen that's made from high quality material will be more comfortable to the touch than cheaply manufactured products.

As a hotel owner, you should also consider purchasing hypo-allergenic items such as pillows and mattresses because many of your guests may have an allergic reaction to certain types of materials.

Great Hotels Focus on Guest Comfort

The quality of your hotel towels, B&B towels and linens will play a big part in whether or not your hotel is successful. When it comes to the hospitality industry, guest comfort is of the utmost importance and nothing says you care more about their comfort than the quality of your towels and linen.

Absolute Home Textiles provides a place where you can get the best home textiles for your needs; be it a hotel, nursing home, restaurant or other institutions. We ensure all of our products are manufactured to the highest quality in our own factory, making sure to provide our customers with comforting luxury products at an affordable and competitive price.

We offer an extensive range of products that cater for all needs, with an array of towels and countless choices of bed and table linen in a variety of colours and styles to suit all requirements. Our bespoke range is designed with the customer in mind, ensuring that any requirement, no matter how small or large, can be catered for via our renowned customer service team.  

Absolute Specialists

AHT are industry leaders in Flame Retardant bedding, supplying BS 7175 certified products to establishments around the globe. We provide safety tested products to all institutions, providing comfort and safety to thousands of people. Our extensive flame retardant range covers all essentials needed to ensure any establishment looks visually put together. From duvets and pillows to flat sheets and covers, we offer choice for all in a variety of appealing colours, that not only look stylish but provide total safety. The importance of establishments finding what they are looking for is of utmost priority, hence why we offer such a large selection of bespoke products.

Testing and Safety

To ensure the reliability of our flame retardant bedding, we meticulously test our products to ensure they meet and pass BS 7175 Source 7 testing. The tests have been conducted under strict conditions and put through various situations that are similar to real life occurrences, meaning extensive research has been conducted into the many different ways in which a fire could potentially start in different situations and causing it to spread. Safety tests are conducted in different conditions to allow for any eventuality and show that the products are safe no matter how the surrounding environment is.

How FR Works

Flame retardant products burn slowly and self extinguish which means that they limit the spread of fire, assisting in the reduction of built up heat, preventing rapid fire development which are commonly known as flashovers. Fire tests show the speed at which a blaze can spread in a room with conventional textiles which is why flame retardant textiles are a better option as they do not spread fire and allow it to extinguish. Normal textiles will catch fire very easily, with a simple drop of a cigarette or a candle falling over, the flame will catch and burn through the material at a rapid state. With fire retardant textiles a fire will start yet not spread, the material is either treated with chemical or inbuilt within the fabric grains with repellent that forces the fire to burn slowly and in some cases extinguish the flames allowing those in the surrounding areas to reach to safety and the correct actions to be taken. Chemicals are used in FR textiles to form an insulating char when exposed to flames, this protects the fabric and provides an outcome of being flame retardant. Fire retardant textiles provide time for actions to be taken so that devastating situations can be halted in time, meaning lives are protected as well as establishments.

Research into the causes of fire show that unsuitable textiles can contribute considerably towards a fire spreading, hence why national and international standards regulate protection against fire. Consumers buying from ourselves can have peace of mind for their establishment, they can be sure when using the products that the spread of fire will be considerably lowered, and know that the products conform to the important BS 7175 source 7 standards.

Where To Use Flame Retardant Fabrics

Textiles used for industrial purposes or in a contract environment are commonly referred to as technical textiles or high performance textiles. In these industrial and commercial applications, stringent performance requirements must be met. One sector of high performance textiles is Fire Retardant Textiles. The use of fire retardant textiles in establishments have become so vital that laws have now been passed by Parliament stating different levels of fire retardancy. They state which environment requires what level, these are split into low, medium and high risk locations. A high risk example would be a prison, a detention centre or an oil rig. A psychiatric hospital or a care home would be of medium risk and low risk would be holiday accommodation; such as caravans and hotels. It is vital to know that fabrics used in a majority of public places are required by law to be certified as flame retardant. The importance of fire retardant materials cannot be stressed enough in public places. The dangers and risk of situations occurring where a fire can start in numerous ways is of a much higher rate than in a standard home. The variables are too high and countless ways of it happening hence why it is vital for fire retardant textiles to be in place. 

The Importance Of Flame Retardant

Falling asleep with a candle on could lead to dramatic outcome if a gust of air has it’s way, causing a fight between life and death. Standard materials catch fire easily and begin to burn quick with no haste, unlike Flame retardant materials which do the opposite. When exposed to a small scale ignition such as a cigarette or candle, FR textiles slow down the burning process, ultimately extinguishing the blaze. Fire retardant fabrics effectively counteract the source, usually in less than a minute, ensuring that anyone in the vicinity remains safe and giving them enough time to evacuate the area if need be. Fire retardant textiles are now such an integral part of the industry, the advantages of having fire retardant products are such widespread that it has become a norm and a necessity in one of the fastest growing industries contributing towards safety. No matter where we go or what we do, chances are our lives are made safer by flame retardants, which provide an important layer of protection in our everyday lives.

The Standards and Range of Flame Retardants

The melting temperature is one of the many factors that is considered when producing fire retardant fabrics. To meet a standard of flame retardancy a fabric must not ignite or create a self-sustaining flame when subjected to a heat source for a given passage of time. Most flame retardant compounds share common elements such as phosphorus, nitrogen and halogen. Transition, melting and combustion temperatures and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) must all be taken into consideration when determining the flame retardant factor. All this is thoroughly tested in numerous ways. 

Fire retardant fabrics that are certified as FR has been treated in an immersion process with a chemical fire retardant after the fabric has been woven. Because the treatment is a chemical, it will wear out in time, and repeated cleaning will cause the flame retardancy to dissolve sooner. Most flame proofing chemicals are water soluble and will also dissolve through dry cleaning. For this reasons, “FR” flame retardancy is certified for a number of washes. There are different levels of fire retardant textiles, fabric that have been certified as Inherently fire retardant (IFR) or Permanently Fire Retardant (PFR) has been woven from fibres that are intrinsically non-combustible. The fire retardancy of IFR and PFR fabrics will last for the life of the fabric and will not dissipate after cleaning. 

When a fabric is designated as “inherently flame retardant,” “permanently flame retardant,” or “durably flame retardant,” the flame retardancy will last for the life of the fabric. In the case of fabrics that are designated as “flame retardant,” that have been topically treated with chemicals, the flame retardancy of the fabric will dissipate over time, particularly with repeated cleaning. These fabrics must be dry-cleaned with a non-liquid cleaning agent. Flammability of fabric can be drastically reduced through the use of fire retardants. Many natural fibres, including cotton, can be topically treated with a chemical that reduces the fabric’s flammability to the extent that it becomes nearly non-combustible. During a fire, the chemical reacts with the gases and tars generated naturally by the fabric, converting the gases and tars to carbon char, thus drastically slowing the fabric’s burning rate.

Some polyester fabrics are considered permanently flame retardant. This is because the fabrics are manufactured utilizing fibres for which the flame retardant properties are built directly into the molecular structure of the fibres.

Other synthetic fabrics may be considered durably fire retardant, fire retardant, or non-fire retardant. “Durably fire retardant” refers to a process in which polyesters are chemically treated during the manufacturing process with a non-water soluble chemical. In other cases, synthetic fabrics may be topically treated with chemicals after the manufacturing process (in the same manner as natural fibres such as cotton), or may be untreated (or untreatable) and therefore considered non-flame retardant.

Where to get fire retardant textiles

The importance of fire retardancy has been looked into thoroughly over the years and many companies offer different items. Absolute Home Textiles take pride in being a part of such a vital aspect of providing items to their consumers that are not only filled with choice and options but also provide safety and protection. Fire retardant textiles may not be the first thing someone thinks of, yet they are a vital and integral part of providing safety whilst looking chic. It will give peace of mind that a deterrent is in place in case such situation arises. Our highly attentive customer care team will listen to what is required and will do their utmost best to meet the your requirements. For our complete Flame retardant range, visit our site. 

Inherent FR Fabrics

It is important to note that the primary advantage of using Inherent FR fabrics is that they have a high level of protection against thermal hazards. Inherent fabrics will not ignite in normal oxygen levels. Their properties allow the fibres inside to expand when exposed to heat or a flame, eliminating any space for oxygen to be contained within the fabric, thus extinguishing the opportunity for combustion. This means that inherent flame retardant products provide superior insulation, ensuring the oxidized fibres are thermally stable. Inherent FR Fabrics provide a high level of protection against thermal hazards.

Treated FR Fabrics

Treated flame retardant fabrics begin with cotton fiber, which is inherently flammable. It is a cheaper alternative to Inherent Fabrics as it is made up of a blend of either nylon or polyester and cotton. The newly created fabric is then ‘Treated’ with a chemical flame retardant to prevent the fabric/product from going up in flames.

One advantage an Inherent FR Fabric has over a treated one, is that they consistently have a higher thermal protective performance (TPP) score. This is a measurement used to show the protective garments thermal insulation performance against convective and radiant heat exposure. The higher the TPP rating of the garment, the higher the provided protection.

But where Treated FR fabrics fall short in comparison to Inherent fabrics, Treated fabrics are lightweight and flexible. Additionally, they have a shorter life span but are less expensive. From an economical point of view, treated FR fabrics are better for the pocket than Inherent FR Fabrics.

Despite Treated FR Fabrics being lightweight, they are still heavier than Inherent FR Fabrics. The have a bigger mass than Inherent FR Fabrics, which can benefit them as the more mass placed between the wearer and the hazard the better.

For both inherent FR fabrics and treated FR fabrics, protection is easy. Balancing it with comfort, durability and economic factors is where it becomes difficult.

References

Kyle+Watson (2014) How to compare inherent vs. Treated FR fabrics. Available at: http://www.ishn.com/articles/99445-how-to-compare-inherent-vs-treated-fr-fabrics (Accessed: 23 February 2017).

Inc, 1105 M. (2010) Inherent vs treated: The building blocks of flame-resistant fabrics matter -- occupational health & safety. Available at: https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2016/03/01/Inherent-vs-Treated.aspx?Page=2 (Accessed: 23 February 2017).

Flame retardants are a key component in reducing the devastating impact of fires on people, property and the environment. They are added to or treat potentially flammable materials, including textiles and plastics. The term “flame retardant” refers to a function, not a family of chemicals. A variety of different chemicals, with different properties and structures, act as flame retardants and these chemicals are often combined for effectiveness.

2. Difference between inherent flame retardant fabric and treated flame retardant fabric?

The term ‘inherently flame-resistant fabric’ is one that is used for fabrics that do not require the addition of flame-retardant chemicals after the yarns have been spun or the fabric has been woven or knitted. The yarns for these fabrics use only fibers that are naturally flame resistant; or a blend of fibers that can include a combination of FR fibers or both FR fibers and non-FR fibers. The common theme is no flame retardant chemicals are added to the yarn or fabric.

Treated flame retardant fabrics are created by applying a flame-retardant chemical finish to a fabric or by adding a chemical treatment to the fibers before they are woven or knitted into the fabric. The chemicals form a strong bond with the polymer chain that is difficult to remove by washing when the recommended laundering instructions are followed accurately. The chemical treatment alters the molecular structure of the polymer.

3. What are the top applications in Flame Retardant products in 2016?

4. What Regions have the largest FR market share?

5. Flame retardant fabrics are there to protect the most combustible parts of products.

“If an ordinary upholstered chair in your home gets ignited, it can essentially take your whole house down,” says Richard Gann, a senior research scientist at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Building and Fire Research Laboratory. The most flammable part of a mattress or couch is its plastic polyurethane foam cushioning, he explains. Once a fire gets through a chair or mattress fabric covering and into this cushioning, it can start a catastrophic reaction that quickly leads to “flashover,” in which nearly everything combustible inside a room ignites simultaneously.

6. New technology is changing the way people think about fire retardant fabrics

Nanoclays are a material that could change the way consumer products are protected from combustion. Flame retardants made with naturally occurring clay called montmorillonite are poised to have a huge influence on future fire safety, Gann says. Scientists at NIST and Cornell University have been investigating how this clay can help reduce the amount of energy released during fires for more than a decade, says Jeffrey Gilman, a research chemist at NIST.

7. How you wash treated fire retardant fabrics is incredibly important

In the case of fabrics that are designated as “flame retardant,” that have been topically treated with chemicals, the flame retardancy of the fabric will dissipate over time, particularly with repeated cleaning. These fabrics must be dry-cleaned with a non-liquid cleaning agent.

8. There are different levels of fire protection that must be adhered to

The use of fire retardant textiles in the contract sector has become increasingly important, so much so that laws have now been passed by Parliament stating what level of fire retardancy must be achieved in different environment, which are split into low, medium and high risk locations.

Examples of high risk would be a prison, a detention centre or an oil rig. Medium risk may be a psychiatric hospital or a nursing home and low risk would be holiday accommodation such as caravans and hotels etc.

Fabrics used in most public places such as Hospitals, Universities, Colleges, Schools, Churches, Theatres, Prisons, Detention Centres are required by law to be certified as flame retardant.

9. Crib Test 5 is the British standard

Crib Test 5 is when a crib is composed of wooden planks, glued together. Lint is attached to the bottom. After adding propane-diol the crib is placed on the test rig and ignited with a match. If no flaming or progressive smoldering is observed on both cover and interior material, the test is recorded as no ignition and the material passes the test.

10. There’s different laws governing FR fabrics on maritime vessels

New legislation has been put in place by the International Maritime Authority since October 2012. The new clause governs the fire safety standards applicable for all textiles onboard of any marine vessel. Essentially, the new regulations stipulate that adequate protection must be accorded to various furnishing fabrics inside any boat, such as upholstery, carpets, bed sheets, draperies, and curtains. The new set of enforcements is to ensure that these textiles do not inadvertently aid the spread of fire onboard the vessel.

References

Betts, K. S. (2008). New Thinking on Flame Retardants. Environmental Health Perspectives, 116(5), A210-A213. doi:10.1289/ehp.116-a210

Flame Retardant Basics. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://flameretardants.americanchemistry.com/Fla...

Legislation in Fire-Fighting on Board Yachts | Marine Fire Retardant. (2016, March 14). Retrieved from http://www.marinefireretardant.com/legislation-an...

Using these tips, you will be able to ensure your guest feels valued from the moment of inquiry, all the way through to check out.

1. First Impressions Count

A competitive but reasonable price will stand out almost immediately to your incoming guest. Anything too much and you may put them off. Anything too little they may question the quality and standards of your establishment. Finding the balance is essential if you want to be able to offer good value for the guests money, whilst also earning a profit.

After looking at the price, guests will want to know what your establishment looks like. Poor quality images or none at all will immediately shelve any possibility of your guests choosing you. A healthy amount of vibrant photos showcasing your establishments look, style and amenities will help your guest imagine they are staying with you. Guests want to see every bit of detail you offer and by providing a vast array of pictures, they can inspect in scrupulous detail their potential place of stay.

“You never have a second chance to make a first impression”

2. Warm Welcome

When a guest has chosen your accommodation as their place of stay, it is now your turn to dedicate your time into ensuring their experience is like no other. Greeting your guest upon arrival with a personal and individual experience will help to set the tone for the rest of the stay. Often decorative features such as flowers can help to brighten up the entrance and make it seem more calm and relaxing. There shouldn’t be any pressure on the guest when they enter your establishment, and by making the reception area as relaxed as possible helps to ease any stress your guest may have.

If greeted poorly, your guest won’t have a pleasant stay. Meaning they are less likely to return in the future and are unlikely to recommend their stay to friends, family and colleagues, resulting in a loss of business.

3. The Comfort Experience

You’ve set the tone for your guests stay, now ensure they remain relaxed by providing a comfortable room with added luxury.

Using our own range of high quality luxurious bedding, you can provide your guest with the perfect night's sleep during their stay. Our 100% cotton 200TC duvet covers provide super smooth and beautifully woven fabric that is aimed to maximise comfort and luxury. With our range of various duvets, ensure your guests stay warm and comfortable, no matter what season of the year.

A luxury bedroom isn’t just needed to make your guests experience the best it can be. The bathroom can be one of the most relaxing places to go during a guests stay. Whether this is to freshen up or to take a relaxing bath/shower, the sanctuary that is the bathroom can make or break a guests experience. Small changes in your establishments bathrooms can elevate the experience of your guest highly. Inclusions of a luxury bath mat or robe can make the guest feel that little bit more special. Lounging around their room with a high quality luxurious bathrobe can only enhance the comfort experience of your guest. Our range of 100% cotton Kimono bathrobes aid to dry quick and be as comfortable as possible.

If there is one product a bathroom can never be short of, it is a towel. Often needed for many things, a soft high quality towel is essential to creating a space perfect for your guest. Our super absorbent 600GSM luxury Royal Egyptian double yarn towels come in a range of colours and fit a variety of styles, perfect for classic, contemporary, modern and boutique hotels and establishments.

High quality luxury items are essential to making the guest feel valued and catered for and adds to the experience of the guest.

4. The Little Things

“It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.”

-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Sometimes it’s the little things you do for your guest that are the most important. A guest at any establishment can have a great night's sleep or a warm welcome, but to stand out from the rest and deliver an experience like no other, taking care of the little things and the finer details may be all you need to do.

Additions can be made throughout your establishment to enhance your guests experience. This could range from brightening up your reception area with flowers to having personalized gifts waiting for the guest in their room. Even the simplest of additions can bring a smile to your guests face.

For some ideas on ways to make your guest feel special, check out the list below:

• Luxury biscuits in room
• Luxury toiletries (Shampoo & soap)
• Animal inspired origami towels
• Free confectionary on pillows
• Local information (Maps/Leaflets)
• Deals/offers on next stay
• Flowers in reception/room
• Exceptional service 24/7

5. The Friendly Goodbye

Treating your guest to a personal and comforting experience will keep them coming back for more. Using some of the tips provided, you can ensure your guest leaves your establishment happy and safe in the knowledge that upon their return, they’ll be provided with a luxury and personal experience like no other. When your guest is checking out, be sure to ask how their stay was. This allows you to improve the way you deliver the experience and lets the guest know you are constantly thinking about them and their stay.

If you’ve delivered the perfect experience to your guest, it’s never really a goodbye.

Keeping warm after you have had a relaxing soak in the bath or shower can’t always be done with just a fluffy towel. When you’ve dried off and are ready to settle down for the rest of the day, nothing can beat the warming sensation of a luxuriously soft bathrobe wrapped around yourself.

Owning a bathrobe reduces the amount of towels you have. What is the point in having an abundance of towels if your single bathrobe not only does the same job, but does it better!

What is Terry Towelling?

Terry Towelling is a fabric made up of loops within the weave that enhances the materials absorbency. Used predominantly in towels and robes, the adaptability of Terry Towelling means it can be used in soft toys and even clothing apparel.

The super absorbent fibres found within the weave of the Terry Towelling fabric become stronger when wet and are highly durable, meaning it can withstand a hot wash and strong detergents. 100% Cotton Terry Towelling products are some of the most luxurious and high quality bathrobes available. As Cotton can absorb 27 times its own weight in water, the super absorbent Terry Towelling fabric will soak up every drop of excess water, leaving you feeling dry, warm and extremely comfortable.

Types:

We stock a wide range of bath robes to suit all needs, whether it's for use as a one off luxury gift, or a wholesale purchase, our varied bath robes are all luxuriously soft and affordable for all pockets.

Terry Towelling Kimono Robe

A lightweight but extremely stylish bath robe that ensures you’ll remain dry and still look great. Made from 100% Cotton, our Terry Towelling bath robes are comforting and super absorbent. Despite not being as thick as other robes, the Kimono is perfect all year round. Whether used in a Spa, Hotel, or at home, the Kimono bathrobe is perfect for all occasions.

Cotton Terry Towelling Bath Robe (400GSM)

Our lightweight Cotton Terry Towelling Bath Robe is easier to carry around and wear as its lower GSM means it isn’t as thick or heavy as some other robes. Made using high quality ring spun Cotton, this affordable bath robe offers luxury without breaking the bank. Available to purchase as a single item perfect for a gift, or as a wholesale batch, the wide variety of colours available ensure there’s a robe that’s perfect for everyone.

Turkish Cotton Terry Towelling Bath Robe

A staple of luxury, the Turkish Cotton Terry Towelling bath robe blends 100% natural Cotton with the Terry Towelling fabric, forming one of the most absorbent and comfortable bath robes available. A high quality bath robe that provides total comfort and soft to the touch, the Turkish Cotton Terry Towelling Bath Robe is a must have for anybody who wants to experience a little bit of extravagance.

Shawl Collar Terry Towelling Bath Robes - Luxury Egyptian Collection

Crafted using luxury Terry Towelling, the Shawl Collar Robe is part of our Egyptian Collection and features 470GSM of pure comfort. Thick and lush, the absorbent nature of the robe is second to none and provides quick drying technology whilst maintaining total warmth. Luxuriously soft and available in a range of stylish colours, the Shawl Collar Bathrobe is perfect for everyone.

Hooded Terry Towelling Bath Robes - Luxury Egyptian Collection

A premium bathrobe made from the finest Terry Towelling fabric, our luxury Egyptian Collection Bath Robes are available in a select range of colours that ensure you'll look stylish as well as feel super dry. A high GSM level combined with the Terry Towelling fabric means any excess water will be soaked up instantly by the thick plushness of the hooded robe.Dry your hair with ease with the Terry Towelling hood which is luxuriously soft and warming. A thick robe essential for any soaking.

Whether giving a bathrobe as a gift, using for a business or even for yourself, our extensive range ensures that everybody is catered for. Stylish yet comfortable and affordable, our robes offer luxury without the price tag. The uniqueness of Terry Towelling makes it one of the most exclusive and desirable fabrics available and our varied range of them ensure everyone can have a little taste of luxury

But what happens when your towel becomes old and raggedy?

Most people would simply go and throw it away in the garbage. There are some other alternatives though.

Perhaps you have never thought about it, but you can recycle your towel just like you can do that with anything else. 

Read on what to do with old towels:

1. Repurpose: Discuss how old towels can be repurposed instead of being thrown away.
2. Sustainability: Explain how finding new uses for old towels contributes to environmental sustainability.
3. Upcycling: Introduce the idea of upcycling old towels into new products.
4. Donations: Suggest donating old towels to animal shelters, homeless shelters, or other organizations in need.
5. Cleaning: Describe how old towels can be used for cleaning, both in the home and for cars and other vehicles.
6. DIY projects: Offer ideas for DIY projects that use old towels, such as creating reusable cleaning cloths or making a bath mat.
7. Bathing and grooming pets: Discuss how old towels can be used for bathing and grooming pets.
8. Gardening: Explain how old towels can be used for gardening, such as using them to dry hands or cleaning tools.
9. Camping and outdoor activities: Suggest using old towels for camping and other outdoor activities, such as for drying off after swimming or as a makeshift pillow.
10. Arts and crafts: Provide suggestions for using old towels in arts and crafts, such as for making stuffed animals or doll clothing.

This article has been updated on 25th March 2023