ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Scientists have developed a self-disinfecting textile that is said to reduce bacteria levels by more than 90 per cent.

And they are using it to make antibacterial door pads for hospitals to be used in place of traditional aluminium door plates.

Developed at the University of Leeds, Surfaceskins antibacterial door pads are made from a blend of three non-woven textiles. They work by dispensing a small quantity of alcohol gel on to the pad while the door is being pushed. This disinfects the surface ready for the next user.

Surfaceskins antibacterial door pads are said to supplement healthcare hand washing and provide an extra line of defence. Each pad lasts for seven days or for 1,000 uses.

The product is the result of a collaboration between industrial designers, the Nonwovens Innovation and Research Institute plus a Leeds University spin-out company. Door handles that use the Surfaceskins technology are also available.

Hospital doors are recognised to be a weak link in hygiene due to the number of times they are touched, according to Surfaceskins' developers. They claim the branded door pads will have the added benefit of increasing people's hand hygiene awareness.

Study results published in the Journal of Hospital Infection revealed that over a period of seven days, Surfaceskins door pads were more effective than standard door plates at reducing levels of S. aureus, E. coli and E. faecalis - three bacteria commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections.

Besides hospitals, Surfaceskins are also being targeted at other areas where meticulous hand hygiene is required such as the catering and hospitality sectors.