Commercial linen service covers table linens, bed linens, bath linens, and kitchen textiles. Costs range from $0.20 per washcloth to $8 per duvet cover per week. Hotels typically spend $3–$8 per occupied room per day on linens, while restaurants spend $1–$3 per seat per service.
On LinenBids, you can specify exact linen types, quantities, and delivery frequency and receive standardized bids from providers in your area.
What does each linen type cost?
Typical weekly per-item rental costs based on industry data:
| Product | Weekly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dinner napkins | $0.50–$0.80/week | 20" standard. Colored or patterned cost more than white. |
| Tablecloths (54"–72") | $1.50–$3.00/week | Square or round. Size is the biggest cost driver. |
| Tablecloths (90"+) | $2.50–$5.00/week | Banquet and floor-length. Premium for specialty fabrics. |
| Table runners / skirting | $2–$4/week | Buffet and event use. Less frequent laundering. |
| Bed sheets (twin/full) | $1.50–$3.00/week | Healthcare, hospitality. Thread count affects pricing. |
| Bed sheets (queen/king) | $2.50–$4.50/week | Hotel standard. Premium for high thread count. |
| Pillowcases | $0.50–$1.00/week | Standard or king. Often bundled with sheet pricing. |
| Duvet covers | $4–$8/week | Hotel and upscale hospitality. Size and fabric quality vary. |
| Bath towels | $0.75–$1.50/week | Standard or oversized. Weight (GSM) affects cost and feel. |
| Hand towels | $0.35–$0.65/week | Restroom and guest room use. |
| Washcloths | $0.20–$0.40/week | Hospitality and healthcare. |
| Kitchen / food service linens | $0.50–$1.50/week | Side towels, bar mops, oven mitts. High turnover items. |
What does each industry need?
Linen requirements vary significantly by industry:
Hotels & Resorts
Bed sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, pool towels, robes. Quality and consistency are paramount — guests notice.
Delivery: Daily or 2–3x per week
Volume: Per-room calculation: 2 sheet sets, 3–4 bath towels, 2 hand towels per occupied room per day.
Restaurants & Catering
Table linens (napkins, tablecloths), kitchen towels, bar mops, aprons. Stain treatment for wine and food is critical.
Delivery: Weekly or twice-weekly
Volume: Per-seat calculation: 1–2 napkins per seat per service, 1 tablecloth per table per service.
Healthcare
Bed linens, patient gowns, bath linens, privacy curtains, thermal blankets. Hygienically Clean certification required in many facilities.
Delivery: Daily or 2–3x per week
Volume: Per-bed calculation: 2–3 sheet sets, 2 bath towels, 2 gowns per occupied bed per day.
Spas & Salons
Massage sheets, face rest covers, bath towels, robes, hand towels. Premium quality expected — these are part of the customer experience.
Delivery: Daily or 2–3x per week
Volume: Per-treatment-room: 4–6 towel sets per day, 2–3 sheet sets per day.
Thread count and GSM matter more than price
For bed linens, thread count (200–300 for commercial, 300+ for premium hospitality) determines guest perception. For towels, GSM (grams per square meter) indicates absorbency and feel — 400–500 GSM is standard commercial, 600+ GSM is luxury. Ask providers to specify these in their bids. On LinenBids, you can note quality requirements in your bid request so providers quote accordingly.
Get linen service quotes
Submit a bid request with your specific linen needs and receive comparable quotes from verified providers.