Hygiene and safety are paramount in hospitals and medical facilities. With the constant foot traffic and the potential for hazardous emergency spills to occur, the need for rigorous disinfection and using the right cleaning tools and equipment is also crucial.
Microfiber mops are popular and seen as the most effective on hospital floor cleaning, offering a range of benefits that surpass traditional mops. We’ll explore why they’re the better choice to ensure hospital floors are cleaned for compliance with strict health regulations and standards.
Top Microfiber Mops For Hospital Floors
Before we delve into the reasons why microfiber mops are the gold standard for hospitals, here’s a quick list of top microfiber mops and where to get them:
Rubbermaid Commercial HYGEN Microfiber Charging Bucket System
O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop and Bucket System
Vileda Professional Swep Single-Sided Microfiber Flat Mop
Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Spray Mop
Bissell SpinWave Powered Hard Floor Mop
Microfiber Wholesale Professional Microfiber Mop Kit
ProMist MAX Microfiber Spray Mop
e-cloth Deep Clean Mop
Twist and Shout Mop
PurSteam ThermaPro Steam Mop
Benefits of Microfibers Mops for Hospital Floor Cleaning
Microfiber is a wonder material when cleaning demanding environments like hospitals. It’s composed of ultra-fine synthetic fibers, each about 1/100th the diameter of human hair. These fibers create a massive surface area, making them incredibly absorbent and able to trap dirt, dust, and even bacteria effectively.
Superior cleaning power
In a study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, researchers found that microfiber cloths were capable of achieving a significant reduction in bacteria on various hospital surfaces.
More specifically, microfiber cloths were capable of eliminating 5-log bacteria, or 100,000 out of every 100,001 bacteria. This means a staggering 99.999% were eliminated, making microfiber more effective than traditional cotton or paper towels.
This is a crucial level of cleanliness in hospitals, where even tiny levels of lingering germs can pose a serious threat to patient health.
Hygienic design
Microfiber mops are designed for easy cleaning and disinfection. Synthetic fibers don’t harbor bacteria as readily as natural fibers like cotton. Additionally, microfiber can be laundered at high temperatures to kill germs effectively.
An evaluation of the material’s unique properties also discovered that it’s able to reduce residue on surfaces by an additional 10%. While it’s comparable to the results shown by other cloth or paper towels, one cannot deny the microfiber’s antibacterial properties, especially on MRSA, E. coli, and C. difficile (spore form).
Reduced chemical usage
Microfiber mops can clean effectively even with just water. The tiny fibers create a static charge which attracts small debris and lifts dirt, reducing the need for harsh cleaning solutions in the process. Although subtle, this quality does have some impact on lowering hospital cleaning costs.
Faster drying time
Microfiber mops also excel in drying time compared to traditional cotton, wool, or viscose mops. Their superior absorbency allows them to soak up more water, leaving floors dry faster and reducing the risk of slips and falls – a crucial factor in bustling hospital environments with high foot traffic.
Durable
Microfiber materials are incredibly durable and do not wear out as quickly as other materials. It can withstand hundreds of washes without losing its effectiveness.
This means even after repeated washing and use, microfiber mops retain their shape and cleaning capabilities. For small medical facilities or hospitals on a budget, they’re a cost-effective choice for cleaning.
For illustration, a study found that reusable microfiber cloths maintained their cleaning efficiency even after 75 washes. Although performance slightly dipped after 150 washes, it was still deemed superior to conventional cloth or rags.
Versatile
Microfiber materials have long been popular among consumers, but their usage has grown increasingly more commonplace in controlled environments like hospitals. It’s versatile on various surfaces like stainless steel (common in hospital equipment and furniture). And glass without using disinfectants.
The material is especially effective in surfaces like old laminates with small cracks or fissures — these tend to collect bacteria over time, especially in a healthcare setting. Many studies have found that cleaning such surfaces with microfiber has resulted in the near elimination of culturable bacteria.
What is the Typical Flooring in Hospitals?
Various types of hospital flooring exist, as specific rooms like lobbies/waiting areas, operating rooms, ICUs, and the like, have varying needs.
However, some common materials include:
- Vinyl and linoleum: Often found in patient rooms, hallways, break rooms, and administrative areas.
- Rubber: Often used in high-traffic zones like corridors. Its slip-resistance makes transferring patients on gurneys and hospital beds much safer.
- Epoxy: Often found in operating rooms, labs, and other areas that involve handling of sanitized equipment.
- Terrazzo: Present in lobbies and entrances. Microfiber mops are still an excellent choice because they’re gentle enough not to scratch the surface while still being able to remove dirt and grime.
How often should hospital floors be cleaned?
There’s no hard and fast rule on how often hospital floors should be cleaned since it depends on the foot traffic and focus area. However, here’s a quick guide to hospital cleaning frequencies for various areas within a medical facility:
High-Traffic Areas (Emergency Rooms, Operating Rooms, Hallways & Corridors): Hourly cleaning and disinfection, before and after every procedure, multiple times daily (especially in peak hours)
Patient Rooms: Daily cleaning with a microfiber mop and disinfectant solution after every patient has been discharged. Spot cleaning of emergency spills or bodily fluids should also be done immediately to prevent infection and disease spreading.
Specialized Areas (Labs, Isolation Rooms, Pharmacies): Daily cleaning and disinfection with specific protocols for hazardous materials. These areas should be disinfected before and after every patient’s usage. Meanwhile, pharmacies should be cleaned and sterilized daily to prevent contamination of medicines and medical consumables.
Other Areas (Offices. Backrooms, Admin Areas, and Cafeteria/Food Preparation Areas): Daily or weekly cleaning depending on how soiled these places are. For food preparation zones, cleaning and sanitization should be done as per health codes to prevent foodborne illnesses, contamination, and outbreaks.
Key takeaway
Most hospitals and medical facilities will find that cleaning with microfiber mops is economical and efficient, thanks to their properties. Their durability, reduced need for chemical usage, fast drying time, and antibacterial properties make them a top choice.
The cost-effectiveness and efficacy of microfiber have propelled its widespread adoption beyond specialized healthcare cleaning services, making it a practical choice for any environment prioritizing cleanliness and hygiene.