Abstract

Background: The use of reusable microfiber textiles in environmental surface cleaning of healthcare facilities is increasing during and after the pandemic period. The 50-year safety record (1970-2020) of reusable healthcare textiles, concluded the risk of HAI causation from reusables is inconsequential. Objectives: Analysis of the mechanisms and published cleaning performance with reusable microfiber products influencing understanding healthcare environmental surface cleaning. Method: A comprehensive literature search on the specifics of reusable microfiber and cleaning mechanisms was conducted. Results: Reusables achieved hygienically-clean standards because of the unique bicomponent fibers show cleaning over 150-250 cycles. One study documented a NICU HAI reduction from 17 to 10 per 1,000 patient days (70%) with changes including reusable microfiber cleaning products. It is the split bicomponent design of the cleaning fibers that provides the superior performance. Conclusions: Reusables microfiber cleaning textiles are achieving greater supply reliability, levels of decontamination, and annual economic savings.