How is the cost per use of a linen item calculated?

The calculation of the cost per use of a linen item involves considering both the initial purchase cost and the costs associated with laundering the item over its lifespan. This is important because linen items, like sheets and towels, incur additional expenses beyond their original purchase price due to the need for cleaning and maintenance.

By adding the purchase cost of the linen to the total laundering costs incurred throughout its useful life—such as water, detergent, labor, and wear and tear—the total cost can be accurately assessed. This total is then divided by the number of times the item is used during its lifespan to arrive at the cost per use, providing a comprehensive view of the expense related to the item for budgeting and operational efficiency.

Other potential methods for determining costs—such as focusing solely on purchase cost or laundering alone, or calculating use frequency without considering overall costs—do not reflect the full financial impact of maintaining the linen items in a hospitality setting, thereby making the chosen method of adding both purchase and laundering costs essential for accurate calculations.