WASHROOM
Wet-Wipe the Slate Clean
Edward Rabey, Director of Uniwipe, takes a look at the most effective use of wet wipes in a clinical environment.
Whether your team cleans using a traditional bucket and mop, cloths and chemicals or impregnated wipes, the way they clean forms a crucial role in helping to stop the spread of healthcare infections. However, if your team is using the wrong product for the job your ability to consistently provide a clean and safe care environment can fall short. What’s more your waste production will also skyrocket too.
Reusable cloths have to be rinsed constantly and laundered at the end of the day. These traditional cloths therefore use additional energy and water, not to mention chemicals. They also become less effective as the day goes on, as the cloth gathers dirt and can even start to re-spread it.
In contrast, the benefits of wet wipes in a clinical environment have been well proven. Aside from the environmental and cost benefits, they also reduce the harmful release of toxic chemicals into the air. This is because no mixing or spraying action is required and there is also no risk of accidental spillages. In a care home environment this is a critical concern as disinfectant chemicals from traditional sprays could trigger a number of health conditions, including lung damage, eye irritation and other allergies.
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However, just like all cleaning products, wet wipes aren’t effective unless they are used properly, or are fit for purpose. Also, although the word wet wipe is a universal term, not all wipes are the same. Due diligence, is therefore essential. Whilst single-use wet wipes help stop the spread of germs between different surfaces, there can still be some critical differences between products. Before selecting the right wipe for your needs, always research its exact cleaning properties. Check to see if the wipe is simply just a disinfection wipe, or if it has a unique formula that can clean even the most challenging clinical environments and 100% eliminate cross-contamination. Also, find out if the wipe includes low-lint micro-fibre fabric which allows it to kill bacteria and pick up and trap dirt.
This due diligence should form a key part of your procurement, as well as your wider cleaning and hygiene policy. As highlighted under the Health & Social Care Act 2008, the implementation of such a policy can minimise the risk of cross- contamination and infection by helping staff remain methodical and consistent in their cleaning approach.
Other important aspects to consider before procuring wet wipes is that they not only conform to EN1276
standards but are also colour coded. This will ensure that it’s straightforward to identify the right product for the job.
Before any wet wipes are used you need to ensure that staff are educated on how to use them to best effect.
Many areas are often traditionally cleaned with chemical spray and then wiped off with paper. Not only does this create an unpleasant chemical mist, it also uses large volumes of paper, and increases the risk of ‘dry wiping’, where the surface is merely wiped and not actually cleaned.
In comparison, an impregnated wet wipe will eliminate dry wiping and chemical mist and give you the exact chemical concentration that’s required for each job, meaning you never use more than you need. And, if you’re using an impregnated wipe, you can also get maximum use out of it by folding it.
If you are unsure what cleaning products you should be using, and where, then don’t ever leave it to chance. Always seek the advice of a specialist supplier. Not only will this help stop the spread of infection, it could also save you time and money and help boost your green credentials.
www.uniwipe.com
www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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