A recent study evaluated laundered microfiber mops from eleven hospitals and found that 27.3% of the newly laundered mops contained microbial contamination, including HAI pathogens.
Laundry considerations: The typical hot water temperature in the laundering process specifies 160°F-200°F for microfiber mops or cloths and excludes the use of bleach unless necessary. Bleach is required for a cold-water laundering method at
5-150 ppm.
A myopic view simply focuses on waste (disposable products) going in a landfill. In reality, laundered products require transportation and a carbon footprint that includes using energy, water, and chemicals to be effective.
Single-use mops use half the chemicals resulting in less waste and efficient cleaning. Overall, the life cycle is better for the environment than laundered mops.
Geerpres® understands the importance of environmental impact related to cleaning products; however, patient care and safety ultimately must come first.
Many hospitals are moving to single-use microfiber mops and wipes to help reduce the risk of HAIs from floor surfaces. Single-use mops remove the potential of cross-contamination with virgin microfiber in every use while eliminating the risk of efficacy degradation through microfiber structural breakdown or pathogen retainage in the mop, as a result of an inadequate laundering process.
Key Findings
Synthetic, disposable (single-use) mops and wipes represent a minimal footprint and should be considered against the laundering process and its waste and energy implications.
Factors to consider include single-use microfiber mops use less water and energy by eliminating the laundering cycle.
Recently, Sanitary Maintenance announced that the Geepres® Linen Hamper was chosen as a top 40 product in the Distributor Choice Awards. Sanitary Maintenance continues to highlight the Linen Hamper in their product watch feature section.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee have for years held a position that disinfection of hard-floor surfaces in health care facilities is unnecessary, with limited exceptions provided for operating rooms and some isolation precaution patient rooms.
However, the increasing occurrences of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), unexpected antimicrobial shortages occurring around the world that affect U.S. health care facilities, and a significant lack of new antimicrobials are leading health care facilities and researchers to question that position.
The ballots have been returned. And the votes have been counted. Sanitary Maintenance is proud to announce the winners of its fifth annual Distributor Choice Award, presented by Epicor Software Corporation. From a field of more than 300 entries, distributors picked their favorite 40 products and it includes the Geerpres Linen Hamper.
In a letter to fellow members of the Facilities Operations’ directorial staff at the University of Rochester’s School of Medicine & Dentistry:
SMD Environmental Services is proud to announce the release of their first round of new Geerpres Service Technician Carts. Working directly with Geerpres, we were able to create a custom cart to fully meet the requirements of modern Environmental Services teams. The new custom carts are direct replacements for their traditional Rubbermaid carts issued 10+ years ago.
Key features of the new carts include:
Built to specific UR-SMD Environmental Services requirements and specifications
Durable powder-coated finish, in university colors, for ease of cleaning/sanitizing
Hospital-quiet, sealed bearing, low-drag casters for improved patient/customer satisfaction and reduced worker fatigue
Proudly displayed official University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry logos; approved by UR Marketing and Graphics Division
Direct investment in the employee; improves worker morale and reestablishes the importance of their critical roles in healthcare
33% smaller footprint and retractable front tray allows for ease of storage in closets with limited space; minimizes/eliminates abandoned carts in corridors
Integrated and lockable Virtual Manager tablet dashboard
40% more secured storage for chemicals and supplies for increased productivity; minimizes/eliminates multiple trips to closets and supply rooms throughout workday
Specific storage shelf dimensions restrict quart-sized product use to “pull-top” only; reduces the chance of aerosolization of cleaning chemicals and disinfectants for improved worker safety and improved indoor air quality
Made in USA; makes warranty, service, and parts readily accessible
Attached are a few photos for reference.
Thank you,
Christopher J. Licata Assistant Director Facilities Operations/Environmental Services School of Medicine and Dentistry University of Rochester Medical Center
