{"id":3229,"date":"2019-08-19T06:17:30","date_gmt":"2019-08-19T06:17:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/unimac.bitnamiapp.com\/?p=3229"},"modified":"2023-05-18T21:43:20","modified_gmt":"2023-05-18T21:43:20","slug":"guidelines-for-laundry-in-nursing-homes-and-long-term-care-facilities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unimac.com\/latam\/news\/guidelines-for-laundry-in-nursing-homes-and-long-term-care-facilities\/","title":{"rendered":"Guidelines for Laundry in Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Marilyn<\/div><\/div>
Marilyn Fleming <\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>
Owner & Operator of Dry & Wetcleaning Establishments, Milwaukee, WI<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

I’ve worked in the dry cleaning industry for 20 years, and presently operate three fabricare locations called “Natural Cleaners” throughout the metro-Milwaukee area. We offer both dry and wet cleaning to customers.<\/p>\n

Although some garments are cleaned better by using traditional dry cleaning methods, most garments including wool, linen, rayon, silk – even beaded gowns and leather-trimmed pieces – can be effectively wet cleaned. Fabrics cleaned by natural methods smell fresh and tend to be cleaner, softer and brighter.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Between bed sheets, blankets, towels, personal clothing, scrubs, and other linens, there\u2019s a lot of laundry at assisted living facilities and nursing homes. As with any healthcare facility, contaminated textiles and fabrics contain blood, stool, urine, vomit, and other dangerous contaminants pose a risk to your patients and employees. When handled inappropriately and not washed properly, bacteria, viruses, and ectoparasites can spread from these contaminated textiles, causing serious complications for patients and caregivers.<\/p>\n

Follow these laundry cleaning guidelines from\u00a0OSHA<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0Centers for D<\/a><\/p>\n

Provide proper washing instructions for scrubs\/uniforms or wash on site.<\/h3>\n

OSHA regulations prohibit home laundering of personal protective apparel or equipment, such as a lab coat or gloves. However, experts are divided about whether this regulation also extends to scrubs, uniforms, and other clothing worn by doctors, nurses, and medical professionals during the workday.<\/p>\n

If uniforms are required, the healthcare facility should make provisions to launder them properly on-site or provide the necessary information to employees regarding risks, infection control, and proper cleaning guidelines for the item based on duties being performed at the facility. Research shows that sleeves and pockets tend to contain the most harmful bacteria on garments, even when not visibly contaminated.<\/p>\n

Minimize the spread of bacteria during transport.<\/h3>\n

To prevent spreading bacteria across additional surfaces or through the air, you need to minimize handling the laundry and avoid agitation. Never rinse or sort soiled laundry at the location where it was used, such as the patient\u2019s room or in a surgical area. Instead:<\/p>\n