Unless you send your massage sheets to the cleaners, laundry is a daily duty for most massage therapists. The toughest part is dealing with oil stains. Stained sheets are a sorry sight, and the rancid odor of oil stains is bad for service. Here are a few tips to keep your massage linens fresh and stain-free.

Choose the Right Massage Lubricants

It’s easier to prevent stains in the first place than to try to get them out after the fact. Choose high-quality massage oils, lotions, creams, or gels that are completely water soluble for easier cleanup. Lubricants that absorb easily into the skin generally leave behind fewer stains, simply because there’s no excess lubricant left to absorb into the sheets.

Choose the Right Massage Sheets

The quality of the sheets is another factor in preventing stains. 100% cotton sheets release stains more readily than polyester linens or cotton-poly blends. And if you’re worried about how your sheets will look after a few bouts with massage oil, choose light-colored massage table sheets. They show stains far less than dark colors. Patterned sheets are another slick trick for hiding oil stains. Also, remember that the dimmed lighting in the massage room helps hide light stains, so don’t stress too much over pristine-looking linens.

Wash or Soak Sheets Immediately After Use

Soak the massage sheets immediately after use and wash them as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that the stains will set and the harder it will be to get them out.

Add a half cup of vinegar to the load to help disperse the oil. Pre-treat larger stains with detergent, vinegar, or other stain-fighting agents. Large oil stains and makeup stains may need to be soaked overnight.

Shake out the sheets before transferring them to the dryer and take the sheets out of the dryer before they are completely dry. This keeps the sheets from getting wrinkled and saves you the hassle of ironing.

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• For more tips on caring for massage linens, see the post on Caring for Your Massage Linens.

After the hefty price tag of tuition and school loans, the cost of purchasing massage equipment may seem overwhelming, but if you start with the essentials and purchase optional equipment as your cash flow increases, the initial expense of starting out as a massage therapist will be easier to cover.

What equipment is considered essential for a massage therapist? Basically, there are four pieces of equipment needed to start out your career:

1. Portable Massage Table
2. Massage Oil
3. Massage Linens
4. Bolster Pillows

1. Portable Massage Table

A portable massage table is the biggest investment you will need to make as a new massage therapist. Even if you plan to work in a spa or office with massage tables already supplied, having your own massage table will give you the flexibility to practice on friends and family and to earn extra money on the side by offering on-site massage. For the best deal, look for a massage table package that includes a face cradle, arm rest, and massage table bag.

Most students start out with a massage table, then purchase a portable massage chair later on. If you’re strapped for money (along with the majority of recent massage graduates), you might want to follow suit. You can often find a cheap massage table (cheap in price, not in quality) that includes the same features and quality as the more expensive brands.

This still leaves you with the option to upgrade to a more expensive table later in your career, although you just might discover that the “cheap” massage table you purchased to start out your career is just as high quality as the more expensive massage tables on the market.

2. Massage Oil

If you’re starting up your own business, buy massage oil in bulk. If your employer provides massage oil, you can purchase it in smaller amounts to use on the side for word-of-mouth clients and friends and family.

3. Massage Linens

As you have the money, invest in quality massage sheets. You’ll need enough sheet sets for two full days of massage. That way, even if you don’t get the laundry done every day, you’ll still have enough sheets to get by. Twin bed sheets work in a pinch or if you can’t afford to invest in massage sheets just yet.

If you plan on using the face cradle, remember to keep face cradle covers on hand. You can find reusable covers or disposable covers or, in a pinch, you can make your own headrest covers.

If the temperature in the room is on the cool side, you’ll also need a light blanket or two to keep the client warm.

4. Bolster Pillows

Massage bolsters are important for positioning and client comfort. If you need to pick and choose your essential equipment, use regular bed pillows until you can afford bolster pillows.

To save on laundry and the cost of bolster covers, use a pillowcase or slip the bolster underneath the bottom sheet. It takes a little fussing to arrange the sheet over the bolster, but this trick saves you money and laundry. You can also try arranging the bolsters underneath the sheet before the client gets on the table and then moving the bolsters slightly as needed after the client gets situated.

Final Thoughts

That’s about it for essential massage equipment! Depending on your needs, you might want to add a few more items to the list. Some therapists consider a massage stool to be an essential piece of equipment. If you don’t purchase a stool right away, put it at the top of your list of future massage purchases. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes after a full day of massages!

In caring for your massage table linens, the quality of your massage sheets and lubricants can make a huge difference in keeping your linens clean and free of stains and odor.

Proper care of your linens will make your sheets last longer and increase the aesthetic experience of massage.

• Choosing Quality Massage Supplies

Pure 100% cotton massage sheet sets release oil much more easily than blends such as cotton and polyester. Choosing a completely water soluble massage oil, such as Bon Vital, will also simplify the cleanup process, since water soluble oil lifts easily out of linens and clothing and wipes cleanly off the skin. Bon Vital also offers water dispersible massage lotion and creme for easy cleanup.

• Washing Massage Sheets and Linens

Washing your massage table sheets as soon as possible, within 24 hours of use, will prevent oil from turning rancid. Although the most effective wash temperature is disputed, washing your sheets in warm or lukewarm water is the most widely recommended suggestion. Hot water may set stains, making them that much harder to remove. Make sure all oil is washed out of your sheets before putting them in the dryer, as the heat from the dryer may “cook” any remaining oil into your sheets. Set the dryer on the lowest heat setting or on cool tumble dry.

• Removing Excess Massage Oil or Lubricant

For excessively oily massage sheets, presoak the sheets in a degreaser or dish detergent before washing. Adding automatic dishwasher detergent or dish soap to the washer also aids in removing excess oil from linens.

• Professional Massage Use

For professional therapist or spa linen use, keep at least two days’ worth of linens on hand. Since all linens, including face cradle covers, must be washed after each use, keeping extra linens on hand will ensure that clean linens are always available. Any linens that are noticeably frayed or thinning should be replaced as soon as possible.