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Short answer: worker accommodation needs linen that survives hard, frequent washing and can be counted quickly. Choose poly-cotton sheets, mid-weight towels and a simple colour system. Judge suppliers on cost per wash, because the cheapest sheet is rarely the cheapest to own.
What the buyer is really managing
- Thousands of beds, so small savings and small failures both multiply.
- Industrial washing at high volume.
- Welfare standards set by the employer, the client or the authorities.
- Stock that must be issued, collected and counted without fuss.
A spec that works
| Item | Suggested spec | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Flat sheet | Poly-cotton, single bed size | Dries fast, resists creasing, lasts longer in hard washing |
| Pillowcase | Same fabric as the sheet | One fabric, one wash programme |
| Bath towel | 400 to 450 GSM cotton | Absorbent enough, dries quickly |
| Blanket | Light, washable | Rooms are air-conditioned |
Poly-cotton comes in different proportions. More polyester means faster drying and longer life. More cotton means better comfort. A common middle choice is about half and half. Ask for the blend to be stated on the quote.
Cost per wash
Cost per wash = price of the piece divided by the number of washes it survives.
| Sheet A | Sheet B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.00 | $2.60 |
| Washes before discard (example) | 60 | 120 |
| Cost per wash | 3.3 cents | 2.2 cents |
The prices and wash counts are examples to show the sum. Ask your laundry how long your current sheets last, and compare a sample from any new supplier over the same period. Use the cost per wash calculator.
Make it easy to count
- Colour by site or by block. Blue sheets for one camp, green for another. Stock stops wandering.
- Colour by item. Towels in a different colour from sheets, so sorting is instant.
- A printed or woven site mark on every piece.
- Standard bundles. Tie or bag in tens for issue and return.
Mid-tone colours also hide the marks that industrial work leaves, which lowers your reject rate.
Issue and replacement
Decide the routine before you order: how many sets per worker, how often linen is changed, and who records issue and return. Two sets per bed in circulation plus one in store is a common starting point. A set that is issued and never counted back is the main source of loss.
Welfare and standards
Accommodation standards in the Gulf are set by national rules and often by the client's own contract terms. Check what your contract says about linen provision and change frequency, and buy to that.
Ordering at volume
Our published volume curve gives 15 to 20 percent off list at 2,500 to 4,999 pieces and 30 to 35 percent at 10,000 pieces and above. Goods ship from Cochin, 7 to 10 days by sea to the UAE and 8 to 12 days to Saudi Arabia.
See our page for labour camp linen in the GCC. To price a site, send us the number of beds and your change routine.
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Written by
Dr Abin Babu
Founder & Chairman, Anabyn Global Ventures
Anabyn exports hotel and home linen from Kerala, India. These guides come from the questions buyers ask our desk. About the team
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