LAUNDRY


THE SPIN CYCLE THAT SAVES LIVES


How is digital laundry technology helping care homes stay hygienic, asks Clare Humphrey, Country Marketing & Product Manager GB & IRE at Miele Professional.


Infection control is a daily concern for care homes. With residents living in close quarters and staff working across shared spaces, the risk of cross-contamination is high. While PPE, hand hygiene and surface cleaning are all essential, one area that plays a critical role in maintaining hygiene standards is the laundry room.


Dirty bedding, towels and clothing can carry harmful pathogens. If not handled correctly, they can become a major source of infection. That’s why care homes must have robust laundry processes in place, supported by commercial machinery that meet hygiene compliance standards.


GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT


Before any laundry is washed, staff must follow strict procedures. That includes wearing gloves and aprons, using colour-coded bags for contaminated items, and keeping dirty laundry separate from clean. Items soiled with bodily fluids should be placed in alginate or water-soluble bags before entering the machine.


Once loaded, the wash cycle must reach the correct temperature. According to the Health and Safety Executive, that’s either 71°C for at least three minutes or 65°C for ten minutes. The right detergent must also be used in the correct quantity to ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection.


After washing, items should be checked for damage or discolouration before being dried and returned to use. These steps may sound routine, but they’re vital to keeping residents safe.


WHY SLUICE WASH MATTERS


Alongside good practice, care homes need equipment that’s fit for purpose. Commercial machines are designed to meet


hygiene standards, with high-temperature cycles and durable components that can handle frequent use.


For care homes, sluice wash programmes offer a practical way to manage heavily soiled laundry. These cycles begin with a rinse phase that helps remove waste before the main wash begins, not only improving hygiene outcomes but also reducing the risk of infection spreading through contaminated items.


Unlike general hospitality settings, care homes require a more intensive approach to laundry. The presence of bodily fluids and other contaminants means that every item must be thoroughly cleansed and sterilised before reuse. Machines with sluice wash functionality support this need by flushing away harmful substances early in the cycle, giving staff peace of mind that hygiene standards are being met.


THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN INFECTION CONTROL


Laundry technology is no longer limited to hardware alone. Digital platforms like Miele MOVE Connect, for example, connects machines and provides real-time updates, giving staff full visibility of the laundry process. This reduces downtime, improves response times and helps teams stay on top of daily tasks.


Digital platforms can also send fault reports directly to service partners, speeding up repairs and minimising disruption. Detailed insights into water usage, programme durations and machine utilisation can be provided as well, helping care homes manage resources more effectively.


SUPPORTING STAFF AND SAVING TIME


It’s no secret that care home staff already manage tightly structured routines. Laundry systems that deliver clear, real- time updates can ease the pressure, helping teams stay efficient without adding to their workload. Staff can see which machines are available, how long cycles will take, and whether any issues need attention – all without stepping into the laundry room.


This means less time spent managing laundry, and more time focused on residents. It also supports better planning, helping care homes allocate resources and manage budgets with confidence.


A SAFER, SMARTER APPROACH TO CARE


Maintaining a healthy and hygienic environment in care homes requires a multifaceted approach. Infection control isn’t simply about reacting to problems, it hinges on preventing them. With the right equipment, clear protocols and smart technology, care homes can create a safer environment for everyone.


www.miele.co.uk 34 www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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