Page 83 - School Infection Control Handbook - 2010

Chapter 4: Selection of Products, Dispensing Equipment, and Application Systems
78
Criteria
Conventional
Mop and Bucket
Microfiber Mop
Pads and Bucket
Reusable Microfiber
Cloths
Reusable
Cotton
Cloths
Disposable Cotton
or Paper Towels
Presaturated
Wipes for Surfaces
Lifespan,
Waste, and
Disposal Issues
Reusable
Reduced lifespan
compared to
microfiber
Lasts 10 times
longer than
hook/loop mop3
Can be washed and
reused hundreds of
times
Can be washed and
reused hundreds of
times
Reusable
Reduced
lifespan
compared to
microfiber
Not reusable
Generates waste
Must be used
before expiration
date
Not reusable
Generates waste
A significant
amount of residue
(more than 1 inch
observed) may be
left in the bottom of
the container after
wipes are removed,
which may need to
be disposed of as
hazardous waste*
Laundering Must be cleaned
and dried or
microbes will
colonize on the
fibers
Laundering
necessary
Should only be
washed with other
microfiber because it
can pull the lint out
of other materials
during the washing
and drying process
Avoid bleach or
fabric softener when
laundering
Washing machines
are available that fit
into custodial closets
Laundering necessary
Should only be washed
with other microfiber
because it can pull the
lint out of other
materials during the
washing and drying
process
Avoid bleach or fabric
softener when
laundering
Washing machines are
available that fit into
custodial closets
Must be
cleaned and
dried or
microbes will
colonize on
the fibers
None None