Laundry and textile hygiene in healthcare and beyond

Abstract

The elimination of microbial contaminations from textile is an important aspect of laundering apart from the removal of stains and dirt from used and worn textiles. Although the framework for institutional laundering is well regulated to ensure hygienic cleanliness via the use of e.g. high temperatures and bleaching agents, there are several open points, especially in domestic laundering. In both cases, energy efficiency of appliances is a main driver for innovation and has resulted in a general decrease in washing temperatures which in turn can impact the antimicrobial efficacy of laundering. Thus, the different factors influencing the input and removal of microbial cells in the laundering process and possible adverse effects of microbial contaminants in the washing machine and on the textiles as well as suitable counteractions are discussed in this article, focusing on the clinical area but also considering the domestic environment, which will gain importance in the future, e.g. by the increase of elderly and ill persons being cared for at home.

A comparison of antibacterial efficacy of some household detergents available in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, against 16 ATCC bacterial strains and clinical isolates

“…Gram-negative strains exhibited the greatest response to Dettol, Clorox and 3 M and the lowest response to Gentoo at the first minute of the first dilution. These results indicated that Dettol, Clorox Original and 3 M are the most effective antimicrobial agents among the detergents included against tested strains in this study, which supports the results of previous studies (Jain et al, 2016;Olasehinde et al, 2008;Sickbert-Bennett et al, 2005;Bockmühl et al, 2019;McDonnell and Russell, 1999). This study has highlighted two important factors for increasing detergent efficiency against pathogenic bacteria that should be considered appropriate concentration and exposure time.…”

Indian association of dermatologists, venereologists and leprologists (IADVL) task force against recalcitrant tinea (ITART) consensus on the management of glabrous tinea (INTACT)

“…Washing of clothes and bed linen in hot water at 60°C and drying them in sunlight inside out may help prevent persistence of infection. [ 27 28 29 30 ] Since direct contact and fomites play a significant role in the spread of infection, patients should not share their soaps, clothes, towels and bed linen. [ 31 ] Furthermore, it is also important that the clothes of infected patients be stored and washed separately in order to prevent spread of infection.…”

The role of textiles as fomites in the healthcare environment: a review of the infection control risk

“…The main objectives of healthcare laundering are to remove visible soiling and reduce the microbiological load, to minimise the transmission of infections and prevent malodour (Bockmühl, Schages & Rehberg, 2019). Healthcare linens are laundered industrially, employing high temperatures (≥60 • C) and/or detergents and disinfectants for cleaning and decontamination of the textiles (Bockmühl, Schages & Rehberg, 2019).…”

“…The main objectives of healthcare laundering are to remove visible soiling and reduce the microbiological load, to minimise the transmission of infections and prevent malodour (Bockmühl, Schages & Rehberg, 2019). Healthcare linens are laundered industrially, employing high temperatures (≥60 • C) and/or detergents and disinfectants for cleaning and decontamination of the textiles (Bockmühl, Schages & Rehberg, 2019). Healthcare uniforms are generally washed industrially, however in some countries they are laundered domestically by the healthcare worker, for example in the UK (NHS, 2020), Republic of Ireland (Health Protection Surveillance Centre, 2020) and in some hospitals in the USA (Nordstrom, Reynolds & Gerba, 2012).…”