From the laundry chute to the delivery dock, linen has a way of “disappearing” — or does it?

Many facilities are surprised to learn that the most common beliefs about linen loss are actually myths. Understanding the real causes can help you reduce waste, save money and keep your linen supply steady.
 

Myth #1 – ‘Lost’ Linen Is Always Thrown Away

In many cases, linen is hiding in plain sight. Items can get mixed into another department’s supply, stored in an unused room, or even caught in soiled waste bags by mistake. Scheduling regular linen room checks and encouraging staff to use return bins daily helps keep those items in circulation.
 

Myth #2 – In Some Cases, Linen is Trash or a Biohazard

Linen is never trash, and it should never be treated as biohazard waste. Even heavily soiled items should always be placed in the soil linen bag for processing and inspection. Disposing of linen as waste not only increases costs but also eliminates the chance to reclaim usable items.
 

Myth #3 – All Linen Loss Comes from Patient Use

Staff usage for non-patient needs, like spill clean-up or personal comfort, can be a major contributor to loss. A quick reminder during shift huddles about what linen is for, and what it’s not, goes a long way toward reducing misuse.
 

Myth #4 – Loss Charges are Arbitrary

Charges are based on shortages identified through inventory counts, Clean Soil Variance reports, and return data. Reviewing usage reports monthly with your Crown representative helps identify changes before they impact your budget.
 

Myth #5 – Hoarding Protects Against Shortages

Stockpiling actually increases shortages elsewhere in the facility and can lead to higher loss charges, even when the linen isn’t truly lost. Maintaining agreed-upon par levels and ordering on schedule keeps the flow balanced for everyone.
 

Myth #6 – We Can’t Change our Loss Numbers

Continuous education is the key. Traveling nurses, interns, and staff turnover can all create pockets of linen mis-knowledge. Crown has found that when hospital leadership makes linen loss a priority, a cultural shift happens — and the numbers improve. Making linen management part of onboarding, offering refresher training, and showing visible support from the top down creates lasting change.

Why it Matters

Busting these myths isn’t just about saving linen — it’s about protecting your budget, ensuring patients always have what they need, and keeping operations running smoothly.

Want to see how your facility stacks up? Ask your Crown representative about a Linen Loss Audit or our Par Level Management Service to make sure your linen is working for you — not against you.  Contact your Crown service representative or email us at contactus@crownlaundry.com.