By Towel Depot Sourcing Team · Last updated April 19, 2026
Healthcare-grade linen refers to textiles specified for use in clinical, surgical, or patient-care environments. The key distinction from standard hospitality linen is the requirement for lint-free or lint-reduced construction, compatibility with hospital-grade bleach laundering cycles, and sourcing from HLAC-accredited laundry processors.
Key Specifications
- Lint-free construction: Loop-woven huck towels shed minimal fiber — critical in surgical environments where lint can contaminate wounds or equipment
- Bleach compatibility: Must withstand chlorine bleach (0.5–1% concentration) without degradation for infection control protocols
- OEKO-TEX certified: Preferred for patient-contact items in hospital systems with procurement sustainability requirements
- Color-coded: Many clinical environments spec specific colors per use zone (blue huck = patient room, white = surgical)
HLAC Standards
The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) certifies commercial laundry operations processing healthcare textiles. Hospitals and surgical centers typically require their linen suppliers to source from HLAC-accredited processors or specify linens compatible with HLAC laundering protocols.
Towel Depot's healthcare linen catalog (huck towels, bleach-resistant shop rags) meets HLAC processing compatibility. Request spec sheets — call (800) 585-0314.