ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Hand hygiene and infection prevention have taken centre stage, and mopping equipment producers recognise the importance of reducing cross-contamination risks and promoting hygienic practices for cleaning staff. By introducing innovative mop systems that enable users to handle the soiled part of a mop without direct contact, cleaning professionals can work more hygienically. Rosaliene Verhoef from Greenspeed tells us more in this exclusive article for ECJ.

The importance of maintaining high hygiene standards has become a point of focus in many different areas, especially in healthcare environments. As we explore the evolution of mopping equipment, it becomes evident that the innovation of mopping systems has been crucial in shaping safer, more effective cleaning practices in Europe.

This article delves into the evolving world of mopping systems and their role in maintaining cleanliness and safety. We’ll explore hand hygiene, infection prevention, and the creative techniques that are shaping the future of cleaning.

From hands-free approaches to the innovative folding technique and the shift to microfibre systems, we’ll examine how each advancement contributes to better hygiene. Additionally, we’ll cover tips from experts and best practices to ensure a cleaner environment, guiding us towards a future where cleanliness is an integral part of daily life.

The cornerstone of modern mopping

In the last three decades, we’ve witnessed a transformation in mop systems within critical healthcare settings like hospitals and nursing homes. The transition from traditional cotton-based mops, characterised by excess moisture and chemical reliance, to microfibre mop systems reflects a commitment to both efficacy and hygiene.

Now, let’s take a closer look at microfibre. Microfibre is synthetic fibre with a linear density of less than one denier. This is 100 times thinner than a human hair. In the professional cleaning market, a high quality microfibre consists of a nylon core surrounded by polyester fibre wedges. This is created in a process that melts polyester and polyamide (nylon) together in order to weave thin threads.

These threads then undergo a unique splitting process. The optimal splitting of microfibre creates a system of hollow tubes with capillary action. These hollow tubes or pinholes pick up dirt quickly and efficiently. This gives the microfibre very high absorbency, higher than a conventional cotton mop.

A microfibre mop cleans surfaces efficiently and hygienically. The microfibre’s capillary action ensures that the cloth absorbs microorganisms as well as visible dirt. A cotton or low-quality
microfibre cloth spreads or moves the dirt on the surface rather than absorb it fully. As a result, more residue is left behind on the surface.

After use, it’s important to clean the mops well to ensure hygiene. There are specific washing programmes for microfibre mops that ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. The temperature used for washing, whether it’s heat or chemicals, is crucial for making sure the mops are clean without losing their quality.

The synergy of hand hygiene and infection prevention

The global Covid-19 pandemic put an extra spotlight on hand hygiene, making everyone (not just cleaning professionals) aware of its importance. Mopping equipment with no-touch handling allows cleaning personnel to remove and replace mop heads without coming into direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. All  you have to do is press a clip with your foot.

This clever idea makes cleaning easier and keeps hands clean, which is important for the health of cleaning personnel and the environment. This simple yet effective feature drastically reduces the risk of infection transmission and upholds the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.

Additionally, colour coding has become more and more important within professional cleaning environments. The colour-coded system assigns specific colours to different cleaning applications, ensuring that the right equipment is used for the right task. This system helps to organise cleaning practices, and makes it much less likely that germs will be distributed, preventing infections from spreading.

Maintaining hygiene: best practices and expert recommendations

To keep things clean and germ-free, experts recommend using dampened mops within five hours to prevent contamination risks. But there are other things you can do to make your cleaning practices even better:

• Proper storage: storing damp mops on their sides in a drawer or bucket promotes even moisture distribution, ensuring uniform cleaning results across surfaces

• Methodical technique: adopting a systematic mopping approach, such as creating a wet streak from the room’s entrance to its far end, facilitates uniform moisture distribution across the floor and optimal dirt removal

• Personal protection: wearing gloves or sanitising hands when handling recently washed and dried mop heads reduces the risk of transferring contaminants

• Handle hygiene: sanitising the mop handle with damp alcohol gel-covered hands before and after cleaning guarantees a sanitised handle surface, contributing to overall hygiene.

• Quality control: regularly check the weight and quality of your mops. If necessary, compare with a ‘new’ reference mop.

• Individual washing: washing mop heads individually instead of using washing nets ensures thorough removal of coarse debris and contributes to better hygiene.

• Mindful chemical usage:  when working with microfibre mop systems, using a diluted floor cleaner mitigates friction with the floor, enhancing both cleaning performance and hygiene.

The future is hygienic

In a nutshell, the evolving landscape of mopping equipment and techniques made room for a new era of cleanliness. The changes in mopping equipment show how manufacturers keep coming up with new ideas to make places cleaner and safer. The emphasis on hand hygiene and infection prevention, especially in healthcare settings like hospitals, has led to big advancements in mopping that have revolutionised mopping practices.

From touch-free handling and folding techniques to microfibre innovations, every aspect of mopping has been examined to align with heightened hygiene standards. By implementing best practices and innovative approaches, mopping equipment has become a vital weapon in the fight against cross-contamination and infection transmission.

As Europe continues to prioritise these critical aspects of hygiene, mopping equipment manufacturers remain at the forefront, contributing to a healthier and safer society. With a strong commitment to hand hygiene, infection prevention, and innovative mopping solutions, the future holds promise for a world where cleanliness is more than just a habit – it’s a way of life.

www.greenspeed.eu