School Infection Control Handbook - 2010

Chapter 4: Selection of Products, Dispensing Equipment, and Application Systems

Reusable Cotton Cloths

Disposable Cotton or Paper Towels

Presaturated Wipes for Surfaces

Conventional Mop and Bucket Not ergonomically designed A typical cotton loop mop may weigh 60 lb. when saturated with water; a bucket of solution can weigh approximately 30 lb. and may need to be lifted several times a day to refill Can use existing supplies Higher cost for replacement of solutions that become contaminated from mop dipping back in, unless a

Microfiber Mop Pads and Bucket The handles are ergonomically designed using light- weight metals The mop solution does not need to be changed because contaminated mop heads are not dipped in, thus reducing lifting of heavy mop buckets There is no wringing Initial capital expense can be captured in life-cycle costing Can be rented UC Davis Medical Center study found microfiber mopping system resulted in 60% lifetime cost savings for mops, 95% reduction in chemical costs associated with mopping tasks, and 20% labor savings per day 1

Reusable Microfiber Cloths Because of their higher water retention capacity, microfiber cloths do not need to be wrung out repeatedly

Criteria

Ergonomic Advantages or Disadvantages

None

None

None

Cost Issues: Capital and Operating

Ongoing purchasing and disposing costs

Ongoing purchasing and disposing costs

Can be rented Cost is less than microfiber

Initial capital expense can be captured in the life-cycle costing Can be rented

divided bucket system is used Can be rented

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