Cleanliness in medicine is not limited to sterile tools and disinfected surfaces; The flawlessness of medical clothing is equally important. This seemingly simple part of the wardrobe of medics is crucial not only for the image of a professional, but above all for safety and hygiene in the work environment. In the era, when the risk of transferring infections is higher than ever, correct washing and disinfection of scrubs become necessary to protect both patients and staff. In medical facilities, responsibility for this process often rests with the employer, but what about smaller offices, beauty salons or SPA, where professional clothing is also in use? How to effectively remove bacteria, viruses and durable stains at home, while maintaining its impeccable appearance and durability of the material? You will learn all this in our article - we invite you!
Basics of washing medical clothing
Proper washing of medical clothing is not only a matter of aesthetics, but above all health and safety. To effectively eliminate threats with bacteria and viruses, it is key to following certain rules and guidelines.
Here's what every health care worker and people who are having their own scrubs They should know at home.
Segregation and preparation for washing
The first step is proper segregation of clothes. Scrubs, due to potential contamination, should be washed separately from other home clothes and materials. Before placing in the washing machine, it is necessary to thoroughly check your pockets, fastening all buttons and locks, and, in the case of clothes in dark colors, tipped it to the left. Such a process not only protects the fabric, but also prevents the spread of microorganisms.
Choosing a washing and temperature program
Washing medical clothing at home requires the use of long laundry cycles that more effectively remove stains and fabric microorganisms. It is recommended to use programs provided for heavily dirty clothes, with
The use of water temperature from 40 ° C to 60 ° C (depending on the material), which contributes to better disinfection of the material. However, the manufacturer's instructions should be remembered regarding the maximum permissible washing temperature so as not to damage the fabric. It is also worth remembering to turn them to the left side before putting your clothes into the washing machine.
Drying and ironing
After washing, it is equally important to dry and ironing medical clothing. Drying outdoors is most recommended, but at home it is not always possible. At home, however, drum dryers should be avoided so as not to damage the fabric.
Ironing scrubs is not only a matter of aesthetics-a lot of the iron temperature helps to further remove microorganisms, so the temperature is recommended within 100-150 ° C, depending on the type of material.
Remember, the procedure of washing medical clothing at home is not complicated, but requires some knowledge and attention. By following the above rules, you can significantly contribute to raising hygiene standards in your workplace and at home. It is a simple and key element of care for your own safety and the people you work with.
Medical clothing disinfection measures
Choosing the right disinfectants of scrubs at home is a key step in ensuring that the clothes will be not only clean, but also free of potentially harmful microorganisms. There are many types of disinfectants available on the market, each of them is characterized by different properties and a spectrum of action. It is therefore worth knowing their efficiency and safety of use to choose the most suitable for a specific type of fabrics.
At the beginning, it may be useful to familiarize yourself with the official list of biocidal products issued by the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products.
This list contains detailed information about disinfectants, including their composition, purpose and instructions for use. Thanks to this, it is easier to find a preparation that at home will be effective against specific microorganisms, at the same time safe for washed clothing. It is worth paying attention to modern disinfectants, which are safe for most fabrics and do not cause damage, even with frequent use.
The key to effective disinfection of medical clothing at home is therefore choosing the right disinfectant, adapted to the type of fabric and type of pollution, as well as compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations regarding proper use. Only such a comprehensive approach guarantees high disinfection efficiency while maintaining a good condition of clothing.
Practically problems and solutions
Washing medical clothing at home may seem like a challenge, especially when we are dealing with difficult spots or the need to maintain high hygiene standards. Here are some practical tips and solutions that will help in everyday care and maintain scrubs in perfect condition.
Removing difficult spots
Blood, liniment or iodine stains are common in the medical environment, but they can be a challenge in washing.
Here are the most common stains on clothing and effective methods of removing them:
- Blood: soaking fabric in cold water with the addition of salt or the use of a specialized agent for removing protein spots before the main washing.
- Mazidals and other greasy substances: the application directly on a stain of a little dishwashing liquid that dissolves fat can be extremely helpful.
- iodine: the use of isopropyl alcohol or a special preparation for removing dye spots before washing.
Safe transport and storage
After the duty, it is important to safely transport and store dirty medical clothing to avoid contamination of other items: use separate, tightly closed bags or containers for transporting clothes home. Dirty medical clothes Store in a separate place, away from other clothes and home textiles, until washing.
Summary
Proper washing and disinfection of clothing are the foundations of maintaining high levels of hygiene and safety, both in medical facilities and at home. Caring for these aspects guarantees not only protection against potential infections, but also contributes to the professional image of staff. We encourage you to regularly follow the discussed washing and disinfection principles at home, as well as to use official resources and recommendations that will help in choosing the most effective and safest disinfectants.
Remember that proper care of medical clothing at home is a key element of care for your own health and patients.
