Nursing homes should be focused on the quality of care they provide for their patients and residents. Part of that is making them feel comfortable and at home. Laundry service plays a significant role in reaching that goal. Helping the residents feel more at home can start with sights and smells that they are accustomed to.
Did you know that clean sheets and towels can help a resident feel at ease? The scent of freshly laundered linens can trigger a sense of comfort for many people. Providing laundry service for your residents' linens and clothing is becoming a value added service for many skilled care facilities. Whether you are adding a commercial laundry setup to your facility or it's time to change out your old machines, let the professional staff at T & L Laundry Equipment help you choose the right appliances for the job. Call us today to find out how you can buy laundromat equipment in Charlotte, NC.
Linens should regularly be sterilized as they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. They can spread illnesses to the other residents, personnel, and anybody who comes to visit. Linens that have any bodily fluids on them should not be washed with other items. The wash can be similar in cycle and process, but the items should be washed in separate loads.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has specific guidelines for laundry services so that the level of hygiene is appropriate and inhibits the spread of, or exposure to, disease or illness:
- Washer and dryer cycle heat needs to be above 140 degrees Fahrenheit.(Chlorine bleach can be used as an alternative to high temperature with white items.)
- Choose the right detergent for the job. Near-neutral detergents are known for increasing the life of linens and leaving them softer. Alkaline detergents are better at getting rid of bodily fluids. However, these detergents are high in pH levels and will need to be rinsed numerous times. If extra rinsing doesn't work to return the pH levels to neutral, an acid wash may be needed. When choosing a detergent be aware of any regulations regarding toxins.
- The facility should have two separate areas for dirty laundry and clean laundry. The soiled section should be for the intake, handling, and sorting of laundry, whereas the clean section should only be used for handling of washed laundry.
- Hand washing accommodations should be located in the laundry area and accessible to all workers.
Other valuable tips for washing and handling linens:
- Utilize protective equipment like eye wear, gloves, and aprons for employees who handle soiled linens.
- Eliminate the spread of germs and lower the risk of a soiled linen spill by transporting linens in covered containers or heavy duty laundry bags.
- Clean linens should be wrapped and stored away from soiled linen processing areas. Avoid handling clean linens before use to reduce contamination risk.
- Avoid spreading dust and lint particles by unfolding linens rather than shaking them loose.
Affordable Commercial Laundromat Equipment in Charlotte, NC For 2017
T & L Laundry Equipment understands how critical it is to maintain a clean and sanitary care facility. Let our experienced and knowledgeable staff help you select the right Speed Queen washers and dryers to add to your facility. We proudly offer pre-owned laundromat equipment in Charlotte, NC, in-house financing and planned maintenance programs to help keep your equipment running as efficiently as possible. Call to schedule your appointment with T & L today!
