In every healthcare setting, particular care and attention needs to be focused on patient safety, infection prevention and in-hospital stays. While clinical staff plays a significant role, the Environmental Services (EVS) staff are at the core of maintaining high standards of cleanliness.

The Role of EVS in Healthcare

The EVS staff has an impact on preventing healthcare associated infections (HAI) through surface transmission. Using advanced training, EVS helps to :

• Clean and disinfect medical equipment, patient rooms, common areas and examination rooms within healthcare facilities
• Support better outcomes by following infection prevention protocols for advanced cleaning and implementing environmental safeguards
• Improve patient satisfaction by ensuring cleanliness and confidence and influencing perceptions

EVS and Microfiber: A Powerful Team

How can EVS help to positively influence patient outcomes? Consider HAIs. These infections are a serious concern and are among the top 10 causes of death in the United States¹. They can typically show up either within 48 hours after admission or within 30 days after discharge².

HAIs can spread in various ways, including person-to-person contact, contaminated equipment and even through medical textiles. Yes, the fabrics used in your healthcare facility can affect infection rates — and ultimately, patient outcomes.

Let’s dive into how EVS is using healthcare-grade microfiber to help tackle the spread of HAIs and lead to healthier, happier patients. We’ll also explore the different types of healthcare-grade microfiber products available from Vestis® and why microfiber cloths and microfiber mops should be part of your cleaning program.

Traditional cotton-based cleaning tools simply move dirt around, whereas healthcare-grade microfiber grabs and removes it from surfaces. Microfiber is a unique blend of densely woven polyester and nylon fibers that are about 1/16th the width of a human hair. This material can hold up to six times its weight in liquid. One of its top benefits is that microfiber’s positively charged fibers attract negatively charged particles, effectively trapping them until they’re laundered. Microfiber’s tiny fibers can penetrate microscopic pores, leaving fewer contaminants behind³.

Benefits of Microfiber Use in Healthcare Settings

For Patients: Imagine cleaner surfaces, fewer dust particles³ and reduced cross-contamination⁴ — all thanks to healthcare-grade microfiber. Patients trust you to keep their environment safe and hygienic. Healthcare-grade microfiber helps make that possible.

For EVS Staff: Microfiber makes cleaning more efficient with less physical strain placed on your hardworking staff compared to traditional wet mopping. They’re able to perform their jobs quicker. Plus, fewer chemical changes mean less exposure to harsh cleaning agents.

For Administration: Cut costs by reducing chemical and water usage and labor expenses. And with a rental program from Vestis, you can skip the hassles of onsite laundering.

For the Environment: Healthcare-grade microfiber’s absorbency means less need for chemicals and water. Plus, with a laundering program from Vestis, you have less disposable waste.

Why Microfiber Laundering Processes Matter

When it comes to microfiber in hospitals, Vestis has you covered. We pick up soiled microfiber, professionally launder it, monitor usage and deliver clean supplies to your facility on a weekly basis.

Vestis helps maintain the effectiveness of healthcare-grade microfiber with our proprietary, four-step laundering process, MicroVantage. This system uses an EPA-registered sanitizer that reduces 99.9%5 of pathogens in microfiber in hospitals.

1. Separate

Washing microfiber with other fabrics may attract unwanted lint, which could harm its cleaning properties. We wash microfiber separately from other textiles and only with other microfiber products to protect the effectiveness of the fibers.

2. Sanitize

When laundered with chlorine bleach or in high temperatures often used in hygienically clean wash cycles, microfiber can be damaged, which lessens its effectiveness. We launder microfiber in a wash process that utilizes temperatures lower than 160° F — and features AdvaCare, an EPA-registered sanitizer developed by Ecolab. Our sanitizing wash process maintains the functional integrity of the fibers while reducing pathogens. In compliance with BBP handling requirements, our wash process meets CDC guidelines for healthcare laundry and provides an advanced level of clean⁵.

3. Substitute

We routinely inspect microfiber products at our processing facility to identify any missing or damaged items, which we then replace with new product. Our attention to detail helps ensure you receive effective microfiber, each and every time.

4. Service

Our Route Sales Representatives (RSRs) routinely replenish and monitor inventory. RSRs are trained in the handling and transportation of BBP-bearing textiles.

Our microfiber rental program includes a range of products tailored to your needs.

Microfiber High Dusters: The new Rubbermaid HYGEN™ Microfiber Dusting Sleeve is perfect for cleaning high-touch surfaces, leaving them dry and streak-free. They’re also low-lint and less wasteful than traditional options.

Microfiber Cloth/Towels/Wipers: Hypoallergenic and quick-drying, these cloths are versatile enough to help tackle hard-to-reach spots with greater ease.

Microfiber Mops: Drip-free and durable, these mops stand up to the demands of busy hospitals. Plus, they’re lighter and more maneuverable than traditional wet mops.

Ready to elevate your cleaning needs and help improve patient satisfaction? Reach out to our team today to learn more about our healthcare microfiber rental solutions for healthcare facilities.

¹AHRQ Health Care-Associated Infections. [(accessed on 26 February 2020)]; Available online: https://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/quality-patient-safety/patient-safety-resources/resources/hais/index.html

²Revelas A. Healthcare–associated infections: A public health problem. Niger. Med. J. 2012

³Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Using Microfiber Mops in Hospitals. Environmental Best Practices for Health Care Facilities., November 2002.

⁴Desa, Jennifer. Bello, Anila. Galligan, Catherine. Fuller, Tom. Quinn, Margaret. “Case Study: Are Microfiber Mops Beneficial for Hospitals?” Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell

⁵Vestis’ wash formulation meets EPA requirements for laundry sanitizing and provides a 99.9% reduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA during the wash cycle.