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Steam, microfiber cloths reduce cleaning costs, improve efficiency
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Sanitizing operating rooms using dry steam and dampened microfiber cloth wipes reduced costs and improved cleaning staff efficiency with no clinical repercussions, according to data recently published in the American Journal of Infection Control.
“Steam with microfiber is used for end-of-day cleaning of difficult-to-access areas, including operating table joints, mobile equipment joints and instrument pedals, as well of for a final cleaning of the floors,” the researchers wrote. “Steam cleaning uses 97% dry steam to dislodge organic matter. The microfiber cloth then picks up the loosened matter.
“Because microfiber cloths are only dampened, not saturated, they are suitable for cleaning delicate items, such as keyboards, electrical leads and computer screens. No chemicals are used, and scrubbing is not required.”
Researchers described the rollout of a microfiber and steam sanitation program at an Australian 147-bed acute medical-surgical hospital. The new method was implemented in two-thirds of the hospital’s operating rooms during August 2013, with the remaining operating rooms following in January 2015. Cleaning processes, costs, safety and effectiveness before and after implementation were compared. Staff training and feedback was observed, environmental assessments were conducted using random fluorescent marking and potential changes in knee and hip joint surgical site infection (SSI) rates were monitored.
The new method was well-received by cleaning staff, who became comfortable with its use after 2 weeks. Cleaning procedures were streamlined and performed more efficiently, allowing staff to clean more areas in the same time. This was especially evident in cases of patients colonized with multidrug-resistant organisms, which normally required additional steps to disinfect.
Unlike previously used methods, there were no slips or falls due to wet surfaces, and no allergies, chemical irritation or injuries were reported. Implementation of steam and microfiber cleaning reduced the operating room’s budget for consumables from $7,315 to $2,186 annually, and there was a 90% reduction in water use. In addition, deep orthopedic SSI rates were similar to those previously reported.
“The introduction of microfiber and steam technology into the operating room environment has been environmentally and fiscally beneficial,” the researchers wrote. “It has enabled a refocus of available cleaning resources and has provided a safer environment.” – by Dave Muoio
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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