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What are microfiber mops? These mops consist of a lightweight handle with a very
maneuverable flat rectangular head. A microfiber pad attach's to the mop head with Velcro.
In a typical application, fresh microfiber pads are placed to soak in a basin of cleaning
solution on the cleaning cart. In each room, a clean cloth is taken from the basin, hand
wrung out, dropped flat on the floor and the mop head is placed on it. The Velcro attach's
the cloth to the mop, which is then ready for use. In a typical setting, the worker uses 1-2
pads to clean a patient room. After use, the worker easily removes the soiled pad by
placing a foot on the pad edge and lifting the mop handle away. The soiled pad is set aside
for laundering. Used pads are not returned to the cleaning solution, so the cleaning
solution does not become contaminated or need replenishing.
1. The Cleaning Staff Likes Microfiber Mopping
Microfiber mopping is more efficient, easier and less tiring, so workers prefer microfiber
mops.
2. Patients Are Happier
Patients like microfiber mopping because it is quieter, faster and less intrusive.
3. Microfiber mopping is an inherently effective mopping technique
Microfiber is a strong, lint free synthetic fiber. Each fiber is split during manufacturing, and
this split structure makes microfiber effective for mopping:
- The tiny fibers make the fabric very absorbent, so the mop holds sufficient water for
cleaning, yet doesn't drip. As a result, the pad doesn't need to be replenished and
the floor is merely damp and quickly dries after cleaning, rather than being visibly
wet. - The microfibers have a positive charge that attracts dust, which has a negative
charge. Dust and dirt particles are not only attracted to the microfiber, but are held
tightly and not redistributed around the room.
4. Ease of Use
Overall, the worker is lifting less and maneuvering lighter loads. Microfiber mopping
completely eliminates rinsing and wringing a heavy loop mop. There is a smaller volume
of cleaning solution, the water-soaked microfiber mop is considerably lighter than a loop
mop, the wheeled cart is correspondingly lighter and there is no need to repeatedly return
to the sink to dispose of and replenish buckets of cleaning solution.
5. Less Potential for Injury
- Microfiber mopping uses less water and disinfectant, resulting in less weight to lift
and less potential for fatigue, back pain, neck strain, and other upper body injuries. - Because the mops are lightweight and maneuverable, the worker can largely avoid
awkward and uncomfortable postures. - The microfiber mops eliminate wringing of the heavy wet loop mop. This is
expected to reduce potential for back pain, shoulder, elbow, wrist tendinitis and
injury to finger joints. - Because microfiber holds liquid without dripping, it leaves only a light film of water
on the floor which dries quickly, resulting in less opportunity for slips and falls on a
wet floor.
6. Pollution Prevention & Reduction of Chemical Hazards
Microfiber mops significantly reduce the amount of water and chemicals used.
- With loop mops, soiled mops are rinsed in the cleaning solution. This requires
frequent cleaning solution changes to prevent cross-contamination between
rooms. With microfiber mops, only clean cloths are soaked in a small volume of
cleaning solution. Hence, there is no need to replace the solution, considerably
reducing the amount of water and disinfectant used and disposed down the drain. - Many facilities use concentrated cleaners containing hazardous chemicals, such
as butoxyethanol, quaternary ammonium compounds and phenols, which can
cause respiratory irritation or skin burns. Reducing the volume of cleaners used
and frequency of preparation minimizes worker exposure to these harsh chemicals.
7. Microfiber Mopping Streamlines Tasks and Takes Less Time
- The cleaning solution preparation is reduced considerably because of lower
volumes used. - The need to repeatedly transport, empty, and replenish large buckets of cleaning
solution is eliminated. - Replacing microfiber mop pads takes much less time than rinsing and wringing a
loop mop. - Microfiber mops are easier to manipulate in the room, reducing the mopping time.
8. Microfiber Mopping Can Reduce Costs
- Although initial purchase costs for microfiber mops are about twice that of loop
mops, the useful life of a microfiber mop is about 10 times as long as a loop mop. - For many hospitals, water and sewer costs are significant and the reduction in
water used yields considerable savings. - The reduced volume of cleaning chemicals results in avoided purchase costs.
- Reduced mopping time frees the staff to perform other productive tasks.
- Worker compensation claims are likely to be reduced due to the lower potential for
injury. - Eliminating the need for large janitor sinks and closets simplifies plumbing and
maintenance and reduces the storage area needed for supplies.
9. Biological Hazards Are Reduced
The used mop head is changed after every room and sent for laundering. Because soiled
cloths are never returned to the cleaning solution, risk of cross contamination between
rooms is eliminated.
10. Laundering Resources Are Reduced
Microfiber mops can be laundered in standard washing machines, while loop mops are
usually sent out for commercial laundering at higher cost. Microfiber mops require less
space in the washers and dryers than conventional mops, saving on water, detergent and
energy.
And a Few Cautions…
- *Always evaluate new products carefully to assess safety and performance in your
own setting. - * Hospitals will need to evaluate the cleaning performance of different
manufacturers’ mops, as they are not all equally effective. - * The number of the mop pads used in a room will depend on the room size. The
janitorial staff and laundry staff should participate in the decision of how many
mops to purchase to ensure a ready supply. - * Microfiber mops are not appropriate for areas contaminated with a considerable
amount of blood and body fluids, such as emergency rooms and operating rooms. - * Microfiber should not be laundered in industrial washers and dryers because
high temperatures can damage the material. It is recommended to use standard
washers with mild detergents that do not contain bleach, caustics or harsh
cleaners that can degrade the microfiber. - * Microfiber mops should not be washed or dried with lint generating items.
- * Hospitals should consider how the microfiber mop pads will be laundered to
ensure a rapid turnaround between use and laundering and to protect the
performance capability of the microfiber.
The SHP thanks Jack McGurk, California Department of Health Services and Mary Ellen
Leciejewski, Catholic Health Care West for their contributions to this fact sheet. We also
thank the hospital staff members who evaluated and offered feedback on microfiber
mopping.
Sustainable Hospitals Project EPA Best Practices Publication “Using Microfiber Mops in
Hospitals” Reasons for Microfiber Mops, 6/19/03 SHP Case Study “Are Microfiber Mops
Beneficial for Hospitals?”
© Copyright 2003. Sustainable Hospitals Project
