Maintaining Healthcare Fabrics

When it comes to the healthcare industry, there’s a lot of information out there about diseases,
hospitals, medicines, and so much more. In fact, the healthcare industry encompasses a wide range of products and services, including fabrics.

Most of us don’t bother thinking about the healthcare fabric we’re using or wearing. But when you boil it all down, the fact is that healthcare fabrics are an integral part of our medical lives. From the gown, gloves, and masks you wear, to the bedsheets and linens you are using, medical fabrics are woven into the healthcare industry in many, many ways. But how are these medical fabrics different from your run of the mill clothes or linens? For starters, these fabrics are specially made. Such as Herculite Inc's SURE-CHEK® HEALTHCARE INDUSTRIAL FABRICS, which include antimicrobial fabric, hypoallergenic fabric, fire retardant fabric, and more.

These fabrics are special and must be maintained properly. You can't just throw them into the washing machine or neglect them. You have to follow the care and handling instructions provided by the maufacturer. Here's a quick list of things Herculite recommends you should do when it comes to maintaining Sure-Check Healthcare Industrial Fabrics:

• Use a simple solution of neutral soap and lukewarm water for cleaning.
• Most phenolic or quaternary-type disinfectants, provided they are applied in concentrations recommended by the manufacturer, may be used satisfactorily. Generally, phenolics are preferable on medical grade vinyl fabric and quaternaries are preferable on urethanes. Idopher (i.e. iodine bearing) type disinfectants may result in staining if they are not treated with a diluted (10-to-1) bleach solution within 20 minutes of application or spillage.
• Disinfectants applied at full concentration or in highly concentrated solutions may damage the fabric.
• Laundering of thermoplastic fabrics is not recommended. Do not use harsh cleansers, solvents, or detergents. 
• Don’t use straight bleach on your healthcare fabrics.

Remember to check with your manufacturer for cleaning and care instructions. Not all fabrics are made the same. Here are some general Dos and Don’ts:

• Do consult your manufacturer for cleaning and care instructions.
• Don’t use straight bleach on your healthcare fabrics.
• Do check your mattress and other healthcare fabric products for rips and tears, mold and mildew.
• Don’t neglect your healthcare fabric. You should still wash it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, even if it has been treated with antimicrobials.

Now that you know a little more about healthcare fabrics, check us out at www.herculite.com. For more information about Herculite’s specialty fabrics and healthcare textiles feel free to call us if you would like more information about our products and services at 800-772-0036.