Is it necessary to wash medical clothing after each working day

Casual clothing is usually washed according to the degree of contamination. However, a different approach is taken with regard to medical clothing. The frequency of its cleaning and disinfection is determined by sanitary standards, which must be followed regardless of the type of medical facility. Violation of the established requirements leads to the use of things that can contribute to the spread of infections due to insufficient hygiene.

How often should medical clothing be washed

All elements of doctors' professional attire need to be washed daily. This requirement is contained in the Instruction approved by the Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 293 of April 30, 2014, as amended on February 1, 2022.

Regardless of the type of textile, the legislation requires that any medical clothing at the end of the work shift be classified as III - IV degree of contamination. Such workwear must be washed

• in special washing machines;
• using appropriate chemical and thermal disinfectants;
• in accordance with a clearly defined sequence of temperature conditions listed in Tables Nos. 1-2, 4-5 of Annex 1 to the Order.

Each mode provides for:

• soaking;
• preliminary and main washing operations;
• 2 to 3 rinses;
• high-quality spinning;
• drying.

Materials that repel dirt

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the work of doctors, medical clothing is often contaminated with various substances such as dirt, blood, saliva and other hazardous materials during the work shift.

The danger can be partially avoided by using blended fabrics that contain materials with dirt-repellent properties. The most common of these are the following.

 Viscose. Semi-natural textile. Due to the peculiarities of the production process, it does not allow the penetration of contaminants into the thread structure.
Polyester. Artificial high molecular weight polyester. Repels liquids, is insensitive to all types of viral or bacterial influences.
Spandex. Polyurethane, rubber-like fiber. The most dense material. In addition to its protective properties, it is able to restore things to their original shape after any stretching or refraction.

Removal of unpleasant odors
If medical clothing is soiled and it is not possible to use the services of a professional laundry, it is allowed to wash items in a conventional washing machine.

In such cases, you should

•  use the washing, rinsing and spinning modes provided for by the Ministry of Health Instruction for the respective types of materials;
• use only high-quality detergents;
• whiten white items exclusively with oxygen bleaches or home remedies that will not damage the structure of the material.

This will at least make the clothes clean again and get rid of unpleasant odors.

Protect yourself and others: Discover the secrets of proper care of medical clothing and ensure your safety. Join us and find out why washing after each working day is a step towards hygienic standardization!