Infection prevention happens at a microscopic level through the cleaning and disinfecting strategies that facility managers dictate. It can feel insurmountable – no facility is 100 percent free of germs, but there are several products and practices that inhibit the spread of germs and benefit the overall facility.
With the rise of costs linked to Healthcare-Associated Infections, infection prevention practices in hospitals are increasingly more important to keep costs down and patients healthy. Utilizing a disposable mop pad rather than a washable mop is one simple way to control the growth and spread of harmful microorganisms, keep patients safe, and avoid costly infections.
Washable mop pads are comprised of materials such as microfiber or cotton and facilities launder them for repeated use. Smaller facilities may use a string mop and bucket to clean with a hose and sink, which is a tedious and ineffective practice.
On the other side of the spectrum, disposable mop pads are single use by design. Other than washing the pad after use, the notable difference between the two kinds of mop pads is the outcome.
Washable mop pads, even after laundering, can be the culprit for spreading germs during the cleaning process. Mitigating the dispersion of microbes is critical in all facilities, especially healthcare settings that have patients with vulnerable immune systems.
Research shows that washable mop pads do not return to a state of necessary cleanliness after washing and can harbor dangerous bacteria that contribute to cross-contamination. In fact, a 2013 study discovered that 27 percent of newly laundered mop heads from 11 different hospitals tested positive for pathogens.
Every washable mop pad needs an exact temperature and time to be properly disinfected, but most washing procedures are inadequate and can ruin a mop’s cleaning ability by breaking down the microfiber. Disposable mop pads guarantee consistency with the same scrubbing power and cleanliness, while reducing the risk of spreading bacteria.
In addition to infection prevention, the decision to switch from a washable pad to a disposable pad comes with a host of benefits that positively impact the cleaning experience, from ease of use to visual appearance and efficiencies for better overall cleanliness.
Disposable mop pads are a new advancement that allow facilities to experience unrealized benefits such as greater efficacy, and most importantly, provide another avenue for infection prevention.