SOP #: 2.
18 Cleaning Bedding Supplies
Department: Onboard Operations
Division/Function: Housekeeping
Revision #: 0
Implementation Date: March 01, 2018
SOP Owner: Josi Palm
Last Reviewed/Updated: February 24th, 2018
Approval: Harald Seebacher
Standard Operating Procedure
2.18 Cleaning Bedding Supplies
1. Purpose
This SOP defines the correct procedures for cleaning duvets, pillows and toppers made of foam or feather stuffing
onboard VRC ships.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all VRC ships in Europe, and it has the following chapters:
Contents
5.1 Feather Bedding ............................................................................................................................................................ 2
5.1.1 Before Getting Started: .......................................................................................................................................... 2
5.1.2 Washing Instructions ............................................................................................................................................. 2
5.2 Foam Bedding ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
3. Requirements
Feather Bedding
Foam Bedding
Washing Machine
Dryer
4. Responsibilities
Hotel Manager
Housekeeper
Viking ® | Standard Operating Procedure 1
SOP #: 2.18 Cleaning Bedding Supplies
Department: Onboard Operations
Division/Function: Housekeeping
Revision #: 0
Implementation Date: March 01, 2018
SOP Owner: Josi Palm
Last Reviewed/Updated: February 24th, 2018
Approval: Harald Seebacher
5. Procedures
5.1 Feather Bedding
5.1.1 Before Getting Started:
Check the care label for instructions and for any special instruction if needed.
5.1.2 Washing Instructions
Set the machine to the delicate cycle and the temperature set to max 40 C.
Wash with a mild laundry detergent, without bleaches and whiteners as they can cause damage to the down’s
natural oils.
Do not use fabric softeners when washing feather pillows or duvets as they can damage the feathers. Run
through an extra rinse cycle after the wash cycle is completed. The removal of all detergent residues is very
important in order for the duvets and pillows to loft properly after laundering.
Spin out twice.
Dry on low or medium heat and use dryer balls to help break up the clumps as it dries. Remove the items from
dryer every 30 minutes, shake to redistribute the fill and allow to cool for a few minutes before stuffing back in
the dryer (to help prevent scorching). Rearrange large items as you stuff them back in the dryer for a more even
drying. It will likely take a few hours for items to fully dry.
Tip: You can throw in a couple thick towels (dry), they’ll help absorb some of the moisture so the pillows or
duvets will dry quicker.
Dry thoroughly. Dampness can lead to mildew which will destroy the duvets or pillows.
Ensure pillows and duvets are fully dried before packing away for storage; they’ll get mildew if stored while
damp.
Pillows must be always fit into the pillow protector, they can be washed regularly and can help repel dirt, stains
and odors.
5.2 Foam Bedding
Foam pillows cannot be washed in the washing machine. The agitation will cause the foam to crumble. They
must be hand-washed in a bathtub.
Use lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Use enough water to cover the pillow and gently
squeeze to move the detergent and water through the pillow. Rinse several times until the water runs clear.
Gently squeeze the foam to remove water. Do not wring harshly.
Viking ® | Standard Operating Procedure 2
SOP #: 2.18 Cleaning Bedding Supplies
Department: Onboard Operations
Division/Function: Housekeeping
Revision #: 0
Implementation Date: March 01, 2018
SOP Owner: Josi Palm
Last Reviewed/Updated: February 24th, 2018
Approval: Harald Seebacher
Foam pillows should not be placed in a dryer because the high heat can ruin the foam and cause it to crumble.
Allow the pillows to air dry on a flat surface. It is a good idea to launder the pillows on a sunny day so that you
can put them outside in the sun for a final dry.
Pillows should be washed once a year.
Unless soiled, clean feather and foam duvets should be washed once every couple years.
Washing them too much can break down its structure and damage the feathers. At most, clean feather or foam
duvets once a year.
Note: follow the manufacturer’s advice for best results.
6. References
VRC SOP 2.16. – Sanitation, Health and Safety
For further technical manuals or specification sheets of any of the equipment or detergents, please check the
following folder:
Y: \13-Office_Files\03) Standard Operation Procedures SOPS\VRC SOP 2 Housekeeping\Detergents and
Solutions
Y: \13-Office_Files\03) Standard Operation Procedures SOPS\VRC SOP 2 Housekeeping\Further Equipment
Details
Viking ® | Standard Operating Procedure 3
