Managing laundry in the NHS is an integral aspect of providing quality healthcare to hospital inpatients, but keeping patient linen and bedding clean and safe can be a complex task. To do this, NHS laundry facilities must use laundry bags, of which there are two main types: 1) traditional, reusable plastic or polymer laundry bags and, 2) soluble laundry bags.
In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of both types of bags so that you can make an informed decision for your hospital.
Soluble laundry bags are becoming increasingly popular with NHS laundry management facilities because of their many benefits. These single-use bags dissolve completely when exposed to water in a commercial washing machine, meaning that there is no need for separate disposal or cleaning once the bag has been emptied out after use—making them perfect for busy hospitals where time management is essential.
Traditional reusable laundry bags have several advantages. To start with, they are often cost-effective because each bag can be used multiple times before needing to be replaced. Moreover, they are typically more durable than soluble laundry bags, meaning that they can carry more weight and withstand more wear and tear without risk of ripping or tearing. Traditional reusable laundry bags come in a variety of sizes, making them suitable for all kinds of loads.
Traditional reusable laundry bags also have some drawbacks. For instance, they need to be washed regularly to prevent bacteria from building up on them—which is an extra step that must be taken by NHS staff members to maintain good hygiene standards. If not disposed of correctly at end of life, reusable bags can become a safety risk to wildlife because they are made from non-biodegradable materials like nylon or polyester.
Many traditional plastic reusable laundry bags are good products. However, for commercial and clinical applications, these may not be your best option to stop the spread of disease through contaminated laundry. Soluble laundry bags are a great alternative in NHS hospitals where hundreds of people use the same linens, towels, and washable items. As soluble bags can only be used once, there is no way that bacteria or viruses can be missed during the wash – resulting in little to no transfer of bacteria among your patients and staff.
Soluble laundry bags are also – perhaps surprisingly – more sustainable and better for the environment. As hospitals look for ways to reduce their plastic usage, many are reusing their traditional plastic laundry bags time and again until they develop a fault – after which they are frequently disposed of incorrectly. As traditional laundry bags are designed to be tough and damage resistant, they don’t decompose easily in landfill sites, and can cause severe environmental damage if they find their way into water sources, sewers, or the open ocean. This makes them more harmful to the environment than soluble laundry bags, which simply degrade naturally.
Our Slik Pak soluble laundry bags are completely toxin-free and are free of starch and sodium alginate. This means they don’t contribute to any type of environmental pollution, and also ensures that they completely dissolve and won’t clog up drains and waterways.
To find out more about our soluble laundry bags and how they can benefit your organisation, please call 0161 367 1205 today, or click here to send us a message.
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