January 17, 2023 / Care Home News
Care homes are a vital part of many communities, providing care and support to elderly and vulnerable individuals. It is therefore essential that the highest standards of hygiene are maintained in care homes, and this includes the use of commercial washing machines. By investing in and properly maintaining commercial washing machines, care homes can ensure that laundry is cleaned to a high standard and that the risk of infection is minimised. In this post, we will explore the importance of commercial washing machines in care homes and how they can help support infection control.
Care home laundries are highly vulnerable to cross contamination due to the large number of residents in a care home and the frequent turnover of bedding and clothing. Cross contamination is a serious issue for care home laundries as it can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, such as E. coli, MRSA, and influenza, among other illnesses. The most common sources of cross-contamination in care home laundry are dirty clothes and linens that come in contact with clean items, or when the same washing machine is used to clean both soiled items and those that are not soiled.
To prevent cross contamination, it is important for care home staff to be aware of how to properly use their laundry equipment. Commercial washers are a great way to prevent cross contamination because they have different cycles for different types of fabrics, as well as separate compartments for soiled and clean items. They also have extra rinse cycles to ensure that all detergent residue is removed from the fabrics, reducing the chance of any contamination remaining on the fabric.
Commercial washers are invaluable when it comes to protecting care home laundry from the risk of cross contamination. A commercial washer is specifically designed to provide a higher level of hygiene than domestic machines, with features like larger capacity, adjustable temperature, and automatic detergent dispensers. These washers help eliminate cross contamination by reducing the number of loads that need to be washed in a single cycle, and also by allowing more thorough cleaning with hot water.
Commercial washing machines are also capable of higher spin speeds than their domestic counterparts, meaning that laundry is spun for longer. This helps to remove more water from the load before drying, meaning less time and energy wasted on drying. The combination of these features ensures that the laundry is cleaned to a higher standard and helps to minimise the risk of cross contamination in care homes.
When it comes to Care Home Laundry, commercial washers are essential for preventing the spread of infection and keeping your facility safe. But what should you look for when choosing a commercial washer for your Care Home Laundry?
First and foremost, you should look for a machine that is designed for high-volume use. This means that it should have a higher capacity and be able to take on large loads, as well as being able to handle multiple types of fabric. It should also have a robust construction and be designed to last for years with proper maintenance. Each machine in The Schulthess W range has been tested to 30,000 washes; equivalent to a lifetime of 20 years.
It’s also important to consider energy efficiency when choosing a commercial washer. Look for models that are Energy Star rated, as this will help to reduce your energy costs in the long run.
You should also consider the types of features that come with the machine. This can include anything from temperature settings to cycle options. It is important to make sure that you have the features you need to ensure that your laundry gets done safely and efficiently.
Finally, you should look for machines that have safety features in place. These features should be designed to prevent fires, explosions, or other safety issues. Additionally, check the warranty coverage and make sure that the machine is covered against any problems.
By taking the time to consider all of these factors when choosing a commercial washer, you can ensure that your Care Home Laundry is safe and efficient.
Care home laundry is an essential part of ensuring cleanliness, hygiene, and safety in care homes. To keep these facilities clean, commercial washers should be used to ensure the highest level of sanitation. Commercial washers are designed to clean more laundry than residential washers, and can also help reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
When using commercial washers in care homes, it’s important to follow proper safety protocols to ensure effective cleaning and prevent cross contamination. Here are a few tips for using commercial washers safely in care home laundries:
1. Use separate machines for different types of items: Separate washing machines should be used for items that may have come into contact with bodily fluids or highly contagious items like medical equipment. This will help reduce the risk of cross-contamination between items.
2. Wear protective gear: Always wear gloves and other protective gear when loading and unloading the washing machine. This will help protect your skin from germs and reduce the risk of exposure to infectious materials.
3. Disinfect the machine: Disinfect the washing machine regularly to help kill any germs and bacteria that may be present. This should be done after every load to ensure that all items are properly sanitized before being used.
4. Adhere to the instructions: Always read the instructions for the washing machine and adhere to the specified settings for each load. This will ensure that you are cleaning items correctly and effectively.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that commercial washers are used safely and effectively in care home laundries. Doing so will help protect both staff and residents from illnesses and infections, and keep everyone safe.
If you need commercial laundry equipment for your care home, contact us today for help and guidance to get the right kit for your premises.
