Transcript for film seven - Management of Laundry

In the laundry

Care homes use a variety of different laundry systems and equipment. It is important to understand the system being used and why.

Linen and clothing should only be washed in a dedicated laundry room using industrial washing and drying machines. The machines should be serviced regularly. The room should be organised so that there is no possible contact between used and clean laundry. Used linen and clothing must always be kept in laundry bags or baskets and not loose on the floor.

When handling laundry you should wear gloves and an apron. Separate trolleys should be used for clean and used and soiled laundry to avoid any possible cross contamination. Used linen and clothing should be put straight into an appropriate bag and then into a laundry skip or basket and not onto the floor in the bedroom.

Place clothing, linen, or equipment like slings soiled with body fluids in a separate bag, preferably a soluble or re-usable laundry bag specifically for this purpose, so that when it reaches the laundry it can be easily identified and washed without further handling. Use the sluice cycle followed by a high-temperature wash.

 If the home uses a laundry service, place linen in the correct bags ready for collection.

If a covered mattress is being used, check that the cover is intact. If uncovered mattresses are being used, for example if they are the property of the resident, make sure they are replaced before use by a new resident. Soiled mattresses should be cleaned with hot water and detergent or steam cleaned then allowed to dry.

Remember

• Clean and used laundry should be kept separate at all times to avoid cross contamination. 
• It is recommended that separate trolleys are used for clean and used laundry
• Soiled linen and clothing should be placed in clearly identifiable bags and kept separate from ordinary used linen or clothing.
• Soiled or used laundry must not be put on the floor in the bedroom or laundry room.

Last reviewed: 22 July 2010