Laundering medical clothing according to sanitary requirements. A practical guide for staff
When working with patients, responsibility begins at the level of daily, repetitive activities. One of them is taking care of the cleanliness of medical clothing, which is exposed to microorganisms every day. Improper laundering can not only affect the longevity of the garments, but also reduce workplace safety. Awareness of sanitary procedures and requirements is essential to take good care of yourself and others. Are you sure you are washing your clothes in accordance with current recommendations? What mistakes might you be making, even if you try very hard? Read the article and see what really matters in hygienic care of work clothes.
Table of contents
- How does the sanitary inspectorate regulate the laundering of medical clothes in facilities?
- How does proper washing of aprons protect the health of patients and staff?
- What detergents and temperatures will work well for washing medical gowns?
- How do you combine hygiene, durability, and comfort in the care of medical clothes?
How does the sanitary inspectorate regulate the laundering of medical clothes in facilities?
Obligations related to maintaining hygiene in medical facilities are precisely defined and subject to strict control. According to current sanitary regulations , the washing of medical clothing must be carried out in a manner that guarantees the elimination of biological agents. Regulations indicate the need to use appropriate temperatures, effective washing agents and follow disinfection procedures. This applies not only to large hospitals, but also to smaller offices where staff clean their clothes themselves.
Sanitation emphasizes continuity of hygiene – from the moment clothes are removed to the moment they are put back on. For home laundering, it is necessary to provide a separate garbage can for dirty clothes, wash separately from other clothes and dry in a clean environment. Staffed facilities should offer compliant garment cleaning. They can also use professional laundries that meet standards for disinfecting medical textiles.
How does proper washing of aprons protect the health of patients and staff?
Clothing used in a medical environment can carry bacteria and viruses, even if there is no visible dirt. Wearing freshly laundered clothes is not only a matter of professionalism, but more importantly, safety. Pathogens can survive on the surface of the fabric for hours or even days. For this reason, inaccurate cleaning can increase the risk of transmission of infections between patients, as well as endangering the health of staff.
Proper preparation of medical garments for washing, the use of an effective detergent and the correct cycle temperature are of great importance. If you skip any of these steps, you risk leaving harmful microorganisms on the fabric. Drying is equally important. Ideally, this process should take place in a well-ventilated room, where the garment does not come into contact with contaminated surfaces. Only a comprehensive approach guarantees the safety you need in a demanding work environment.
What detergents and temperatures will work well for washing medical gowns?
Not every medical garment can withstand intensive washing conditions – but every garment should be cleaned effectively. For the care of workwear, it is worth choosing detergents with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Products of this type are effective already at 40°C. This is the lower limit, which allows you to remove most microorganisms without the risk of damaging the fabric. We do not recommend washing medical gowns at temperatures higher than 40°C, as this can lead to a loss of cut, color and elasticity of the fabric.
It is also worth avoiding bleach and strong chemicals that can weaken the fiber structure. It is better to bet on liquids, designed for technical clothing. Such agents guarantee effectiveness, while being gentle on the fabric and skin. Good results are also obtained by using washing programs with additional rinsing, which reduce the risk of irritation.
When selecting garments, it is worth paying attention to whether the manufacturer recommends washing at 40°C. All our women’s medical blouses and scrubs meet this requirement. This means you can safely clean them at home without worrying about quality.
How do you combine hygiene, durability, and comfort in the care of medical clothes?
Effective care of work clothes does not end with just washing. It’s a process that affects daily functioning at work. Cleanliness must go hand in hand with material durability and comfort. If clothing quickly loses its shape, fades or becomes rough, your comfort and confidence is diminished. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to follow a few STRAIGHT rules – don’t overload the drum of the washing machine, choose programs designed for delicate clothes and avoid intensive spinning.
Medical garments should dry in an airy, clean place, away from radiators and sunlight. Fabrics with a blend of elastane and technical fibers are more resistant to creasing, but require gentle treatment. If you iron clothes, do so according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, using moderate heat. Proper washing and drying of aprons also affect your mood and professional image. Proper care ensures that clothes maintain their quality and professional appearance for a long time, without the need for frequent replacement.
