The process and benefits of thermal disinfection

What is thermal disinfection and why do we use it?

Thermal disinfection is a method of sanitation which relies on moist heat to kill bacteria and viruses by exposure to a specific temperature for a set amount of time.

How do we use it?

At CLEAN, we exceed UK regulations by washing at and holding the 71°C threshold temperature for more than the standard three minutes to completely ensure that the product is safe and fit for use by our customers. This process also meets EU standards for chemical sterilisation. The result is a hygienically clean product that is then rinsed until pH neutral to avoid causing any skin irritation.

The temperatures are continually monitored by the laundry, reducing the risk of linen and garments being infected by any virus or bacteria, including COVID-19. In addition, we carry out water quality checks and monitor throughout washing on our Continuous Batch Washers, so we can ensure linen and garments are cleaned effectively.

What happens once the linen has been washed using thermal disinfection?

Following the thermal disinfection process, the bed linen is ironed dry at 190°C and towelling is dried at 90-100°C for more than 15 minutes. It is then swab tested to validate thermal disinfection, as part of our improved quality control system.

All linen, towels and garments are packed in shrink wrapped plastic to maintain the highest level of hygiene and cleanliness. Clean linen, towels and garments are then delivered in fully enclosed laundry cages or with hygienically clean bags placed over the laundry cages, to reduce any possible risk of cross contamination during the delivery process.

Key benefits of thermal disinfection:

• Thermal disinfection not only prevents cross-contamination and improves infection control compliance, but it also does it with impressive speed – it only takes a few minutes
• Thermal disinfection will kill a multitude of common microorganisms and bacteria, and is widely used in medical processes
• Any chemicals used in the wash process are rinsed out of the fabric to leave it pH neutral and ensure no harmful residues remain

In conclusion, thermal disinfection is how we can guarantee that our linen is washed, prepared and delivered to our customers in pristine condition and meeting our high hygiene standards.

Follow the link to find out more about how CLEAN is using thermal disinfection to work safely and reducing risk of COVID-19.