Don’t be afraid to go micro

microfiber-cloth

Today it’s undeniable that microfibers are superior to cotton fibers. Although the official recommendation of the Ministry of Health and Social Services privileges the use of microfibers, cotton fibers are still pretty common in disinfecting procedures.

What are the differences between cotton and microfibers?

The difference between microfibers and normal fibers are the size of filaments as well as their structure. You can see their superior effectiveness in the image.
It is in fact for this reason that the Ministry of Health and Social Services recommends the use of microfibers for cleaning in hospitals, as their mechanic cleaning ability is greatly increased.* Up to 90% of microorganisms can be removed from a surface by simply rubbing it with a microfiber cloth.

It is also important to keep in mind that natural fibers such as cotton can decrease the effectiveness of the disinfectant. In fact, quaternary ammoniums may permanently bond with the natural fibers and lose their ability to react on the surface. Although quats of the 4th and 5th generation are much less sensitive to the type of fiber used, it’s still recommended to use synthetic fibers. The same holds for peroxide and oxidant based products such as chlorine; these products may interact with natural fibers. If you don’t have access to synthetic fibers, we strongly suggest not soaking your cotton cloths in the disinfecting solution for too long.

Quality of your microfiber cloth!

Beware of microfibers imitations, certain low quality products won’t have the same mechanical effect on surfaces. Also, low quality microfibers often shrink after washing and are more sensitive to hot water and oxidants. At Lalema, our microfiber cloths are all supplied by first choice suppliers. Although a little bit more expensive, these microfiber cloths are more durable and represent the best choice for quality cleaning.

To learn more about microfibers

Visit the Microfiber section of Lalema’s online catalog
* MESURES D’HYGIÈNE ET DE SALUBRITÉ AU REGARD DU CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE Lignes directrices. MSSS, 2008.

Wipe out gastroenteritis!

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Standard disinfectants are not as effective when facing viruses that cause gastroenteritis.

Approximately 40% of commercial disinfectants that are used to clean surfaces are little or no effective in destroying the norovirus, the virus that causes gastroenteritis. This is what Dr Julie Jean, of the Université de Laval, has found in her recent study.* Her research has demonstrated that bleach-based disinfectants are the most effective in reducing the norovirus from surfaces.

The virus that is responsible of gastroenteritis

The norovirus is the main cause for viral gastro-enteritis in health centers. Moreover, it’s responsible of half of gastro-enteritis breaks originating from food. This virus spreads mainly through direct contact with the infected people, or indirectly through objects, food, or dirty surfaces.

The effectiveness of disinfectants used for cleaning surfaces is therefore crucial to limit the spread of viruses.

The best strategy to prevent gastroenteritis

As a conclusion, the research suggests that the best strategy to limit the spread of the norovirus is to use a disinfectant containing bleach and leave it in contact with the surface for at least five minutes, ideally ten.

Clorox bleach wipes destroy C. difficile in five minutes!

 

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10% of admitted patient will contract an HAI

The ministry of Health and Social Services estimates that in Quebec, between 80 000 and 90 000 hospitalized patients will present a nosocomial infection, which represents 10% of admitted patients. In addition to the measures suggested in the action plan on prevention and control of nosocomial infections 2010-2015, healthcare centers can count on an effective cleaning product: Clorox bleach disinfecting wipes.

Clorox Bleach Wipes are pre-humidified

Since March 2011, Clorox bleach wipes are effective for killing the spores of C. difficile after a contact time of 5 minutes. The wipes are pre-humidified with a stable solution of sodium hypochlorite diluted at 1:10, that is the recommended concentration by the American Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They are also homologated for the destruction of 31 other pathogen agents in one minute.

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