Hospital Sanitation: the Massive Bacterial Contamination of the Wet Mop

Abstract

Following the demonstration of massive spread of bacterial contamination throughout the hospital by the wet-mopping techniques in use, quantitative studies were undertaken to determine the source of contamination and to institute measures of control. It was found that mops, stored wet, supported bacterial growth to very high levels and could not be adequately decontaminated by chemical disinfection. Laundering and adequate drying provided effective decontamination, but build-up of bacterial counts occurred if mops were not changed daily or if disinfectant was omitted from the wash-water. Recommendations were based upon the experimental findings.

Best practices for disinfection of noncritical environmental surfaces and equipment in health care facilities: A bundle approach

“…49,50 Mops (especially cotton-string mops) are commonly not kept adequately cleaned and disinfected, and if the water-disinfectant mixture is not changed regularly (eg, after every 3-4 rooms, no longer than 60 minute intervals), the mopping procedure may actually spread heavy microbial contamination throughout the health care facility. 51 In 1 study, standard laundering provided acceptable decontamination of heavily contaminated mopheads but chemical disinfection with a phenolic was less effective. 51 The frequent laundering of cottonstring mops (eg, daily) is, therefore, recommended.…”

“…51 In 1 study, standard laundering provided acceptable decontamination of heavily contaminated mopheads but chemical disinfection with a phenolic was less effective. 51 The frequent laundering of cottonstring mops (eg, daily) is, therefore, recommended. Microfiber mops have demonstrated superior microbial removal compared to cotton string mops when used with detergent cleaner (ie, 95% vs 68%, respectively).…”

Improved system for floor cleaning in health care facilities

“…In North America, dry dusting followed by wet mopping has been considered to be the standard daily procedure for floor maintenance in health care institutions, particularly in hospitals (8,9,11,14). Discussions of various steps in floor cleaning have dwelt primarily upon the relative merits of one procedure versus another: e.g., the need or value of dry dust mopping of floors before wet mopping (1,2,8,13,19), evaluation of the relative merits of wet floor-cleaning procedures (3,8,12,17,20), or the type of disinfectant-detergent to be used in wet cleaning, e.g., quaternary ammonium versus phenolic versus iodophor products (5,12,15,16). Nonetheless, the minimum daily procedures in almost all systems of health care floor maintenance include both drymop floor dusting and wet mopping.…”

Sanitization During and After COVID-19 Pandemic: A Short Review

“…Untreated sanitizing fluid and wet mops can be a counterproductive method of sanitization, since the used mop will become an active carrier of pathogens. Westwood et al ( 1971 ) recommended regular laundering and drying of wet mops for proper decontamination. The process also helps avoid overuse of disinfectants for sanitization.…”