Laundry Disinfection
Disinfection is a process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects. Disinfection can be accomplished by several means, including heat and chemicals.
The antimicrobial action of the laundering process is the outcome of a combination of mechanical, thermal and chemical processes.
Thermal
To destroy bacteria and viruses in the laundering process, soiled linen needs to be thermally disinfected (using heat). Wash cycles that are not hot enough or long enough will not destroy the potentially infectious bacteria.
All linen and soiled clothing should be washed at specified temperatures
Minimum of 65°c for no less than 10 minutes
Minimum of 71°c for no less than 3 minutes
Chemical
Soiled linen that can not be heat disinfected should be washed using appropriate chemicals.
Heat-sensitive items should be cleaned using the proper chemicals and wash cycle that will disinfect them to the same level as heat disinfection.
Chemical disinfectant methods generally include chlorine-based products, hydrogen peroxide and ozone systems.
Chemical disinfection must follow Australian and New Zealand requirements and only individual patient loads are to be washed at once.
Clothes dryers should be used for drying
Each machine must be tested annually against the laundry standards, and the results must be recorded for future reference.
Washer and dryer supplier information is to be made available.