Showing its true colours

WASHING coloured chef wear at normal high temperatures may cause some items to fade dramatically, sometimes after one wash.

Alan Mulholland, operations manager of Stalbridge, says washing at cooler temperatures would solve the problem of fading, but cleanliness and hygiene would be compromised.

He believes one of the main reasons for fading is that most coloured chefs wear is overprinted on cotton rather than woven into the fabric. "One possible answer is to have woven patterns and colours and we're working closely with suppliers in this respect," he added.

In the meantime, Stalbridge will only hire and launder chefs clothing with reasonable longevity and where a clean finish can be guaranteed.

The company provides a full linen hire and laundry service for chefs whites, table linen, porters' wear, aprons and tea towels.

Stalbridge