lalema

The Intriguing History of Medieval Toilets: Unveiling the Garderobe

Gaétan Lanthier
toilets, garderobe

The Dawn of Garderobes: Early Medieval Restrooms

When one thinks of the Middle Ages, sanitation rarely comes to mind. However, the evolution of garderobes, the medieval restrooms, is a riveting slice of history. Far from the contemporary toilets we’re accustomed to, garderobes were dedicated hygiene spaces, built into castle walls.

The Strategic Design of Garderobes

Contrary to popular belief, these restrooms weren’t mere holes in the ground or basic outbuildings. The affluent had the luxury of using a garderobe, a small room abutting the castle walls. The term “garderobe” stems from the French “wardrobe,” referring to an astonishing practice: occupants would hang their clothing in this shaft to rid them of fleas, using the ammonia from urine.

Toilets with Multiple Roles

The design of these medieval restrooms harbored another purpose. Occasionally, daring soldiers would try infiltrating castles through garderobe shafts. Thus, these toilets turned out to be strategic defense points, but also vulnerable zones. History even records several renowned figures meeting their demise on the loo, ambushed from below.

Transitioning to Modernity

While the concept of flushing toilets might seem ancient, the first modern restroom wasn’t introduced until 1596 by Sir John Harrington. Despite this groundbreaking invention, it would take nearly another 250 years for the idea to gain widespread adoption.

Conclusion

Garderobes, testaments to medieval ingenuity, remind us that innovation isn’t a recent phenomenon. Whether for hygiene or defense strategy, these medieval toilets showcase the creativity of our ancestors. For creative, innovative and useful products, visit www.lalema.com

Keywords: Garderobe, medieval toilets, castles, Middle Ages, Sir John Harrington, modern restroom, history of toilets, medieval defense, Middle Ages sanitation.

Sanitary Maintenance: A Crucial Focus in 2023

Gaétan Lanthier
sanitary maintenance

The year 2023 has seen significant developments in sanitary maintenance worldwide. This article highlights the most notable aspects of these advancements based on recent news.

Food Safety in Aquaculture and Fishing

One major area of interest in 2023 has been food safety, particularly in the aquaculture and fishing sectors. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have released documents emphasizing the importance of food safety, with a specific focus on the World Food Safety Day. These documents have shed light on the significance of food safety and ways to strengthen it in these industries.

Managing Sanitary Crises: The Case of Gaziantep

Another significant event in 2023 was the series of earthquakes in Gaziantep, Turkey, which had a significant impact on sanitation. Andreea Afumateanu, a UN sanitary coordinator who worked on the ground, shared her experience. She highlighted the unique challenges of managing sanitary maintenance in a natural disaster context, particularly the importance of psychological support for survivors who faced significant losses​1​​2​.

Since the beginning of the earthquakes, approximately 3.3 million people have been displaced, and 2.4 million are living in temporary shelters. Overall, an estimated 15 million people have been affected by this catastrophe in some way3​.

Despite these challenges, the response from Turkish authorities and the international community has been commendable. The Turkish Ministry of Health has been actively involved, mobilizing thousands of healthcare professionals to respond to the crisis. Efforts are underway to provide safer and more hygienic accommodation, with tents being replaced by containers during the reconstruction of houses3​.

There is still much to learn about the evolution of sanitary maintenance in 2023. Further research is needed to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of developments in other regions and sectors. However, it is clear that sanitary maintenance remains a crucial priority worldwide, requiring the ongoing attention and investment of all stakeholders.

Note: This article was created with an AI-assisted writing tool and fully reviewed and improved by a human.

Better understanding disinfection

Jimmy Tremblay

Introduction

Disinfection is the process by which microorganisms such as bacteria are eliminated or reduced. The objective of disinfection is to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by reducing the number of microorganisms present. Disinfection can be achieved in various ways, including the use of disinfectant chemicals such as alcohol-based disinfectants, quaternary ammonium compounds, sodium hypochlorite (bleach), or hydrogen peroxide.

Effective Planning and Disinfection Management

This would be the planning. We need to develop a detailed plan for management and disinfection. It is important to identify high-risk areas, determine the necessary equipment, outline the procedures to be followed, and define the responsibilities of the individuals involved in the disinfection process.

  • This is training. It involves ensuring that the personnel responsible for management and disinfection are trained in good hygiene and disinfection practices. They should be familiar with the procedures, the cleaning/disinfection products to be used, and the safety precautions to be taken.
  • This is personal hygiene. We should encourage and maintain good personal hygiene practices among the staff. This includes habits such as regular handwashing with soap, the use of hand sanitizers, and wearing appropriate protective clothing.
  • This is regular cleaning. It entails establishing a regular cleaning schedule for all surfaces and high-risk areas.
  • This is proper disinfection. It involves using appropriate disinfectants to kill germs and reduce the risk of infection.
  • This is ventilation. We should ensure good ventilation in indoor spaces to facilitate the circulation of fresh air.
  • This is waste management. We need to implement an appropriate system for waste management, ensuring the safe and hygienic disposal of potentially contaminated materials.
  • This is monitoring and evaluation. It entails establishing regular monitoring and evaluation procedures to assess the effectiveness of the management and disinfection measures. Adjustments should be made if necessary.
  • This is raising awareness among staff and relevant individuals about hygiene practices.
  • This is compliance with regulations. We must ensure that regulations regarding hygiene are adhered to and that standards are upheld. Therefore, it is important to stay informed about updates and recommendations from health authorities.
The uses/benefits of disinfectant

Eliminates germs and bacteria, ensuring a clean and hygienic environment for everyone.

Surface Disinfection: This category involves the disinfection of surfaces such as countertops, doorknobs, switches, phones, keyboards, faucets, etc. There are specifically formulated disinfectant products to eliminate germs and bacteria on surfaces. These products can be disinfecting wipes, sprays, or disinfectant solutions to be used with a clean cloth.

Hand Disinfection: This refers to the disinfection of hands to eliminate germs and bacteria that may be present. The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is common in this category. Hand sanitizers are usually available as gels or liquid solutions. It is recommended to rub the hands with the sanitizer for at least 20 seconds until it dries.

Medical Instrument Disinfection: This category primarily concerns healthcare facilities and medical professionals. It involves the disinfection of medical instruments such as scalpels, syringes, injection devices, probes, etc. In this case, more complex disinfection procedures may be required, such as the use of autoclaves, dry heat sterilizers, or specific chemical agents.

To conclude, disinfection is essential to ensure good hygiene in the workplace, and it requires precise steps to be properly carried out.

links:https://www.lalema.com/

Let’s talk about disinfection (once more)

Gaétan Lanthier

How to safely perform cleaning and disinfection a surface soiled with bodily fluid and dispose of waste properly?

Here is some of the content from my exclusive training on Infection Prevention and Control in the Presence of Body Fluids. This training (in French with English documentation), presented in the form of short video clips (nearly forty), lasts approximately 2 hours and covers several exclusive and relevant content for hygiene and sanitation workers.

Disinfection

OVERVIEW OF THE CONTENT OF A TRAINING ON DISINFECTION TECHNIQUES

  • The main microbes to which sanitary maintenance workers can be exposed, the associated risks and the means of transmission
  • Basic concepts in sanitary maintenance for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
  • The different body fluids (body fluids) and the associated risk factors
  • Products and accessories for cleaning and disinfection
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Cleaning and disinfection techniques including hand washing.

THE MAIN MICROBES TO WHICH HEALTH MAINTENANCE WORKERS MAY BE EXPOSED, THE ASSOCIATED RISKS AND THE MEANS OF TRANSMISSION

  • Microbes
  • Viruses or bacteria
  • Reproduction of bacteria
  • Survival of bacteria on surfaces
  • Infectious risk
  • Transmission of infections
  • Virus or bacteria

BASIC CONCEPTS IN SANITARY MAINTENANCE FOR THE CLEANING AND DISINFECTIONS OF SURFACES

  • Basics
  • Sinner’s Circle
  • Wetting power
  • Micelles
  • Foaming power
  • PH scale
  • Eradication of microbes
  • Contact time
  • DIN
  • Types of disinfectants
  • Why dilute a product
  • Always read the manual
  • 7 ways to make maintenance safer

THE DIFFERENT BODY FLUIDS (BIOLOGICAL LIQUIDS) AND THE ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS

  • Body fluids and associated risks
  • Body fluids (body fluids)
  • Risk factors

PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR CLEANING AND DISINFECTION

  1. Produits et accessoires
  2. Trousse de matériel

LES ÉQUIPEMENTS DE PROTECTION INDIVIDUELLE

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Hand hygiene
  • Dressing procedure
  • Undressing procedure
  • Practical advice
  • Wearing the mask

CLEANING AND DISINFECTION TECHNIQUES

  • Cleaning and disinfection steps
  • Steps to follow
  • Cleaning and disinfection procedure
  • Waste management
  • What is biomedical waste

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

A training cannot be complete without a formal evaluation! This is why we offer each participant a quiz of 10 questions before issuing a superb attestation!

So, are you going to try?

Cleaning schedule

Gaétan Lanthier

I develop maintenance program for my clients and the question that comes up most often is:
“How often should I clean this or that?”

clean

How often should I clean this?

Here is a non-exhaustive list of 16 surfaces to clean regularly at home.

Item Frequency Tips
1. Cellular phone

 Daily Wipe with a microfiber glass cloth to remove any greasy substances and germs
2. Kitchen Counter

 Daily Use a mild all purpose cleaner. When using a disinfectant cleaner, rinse the surface.
3. Dishwasher

 Monthly Use specially designed capsules or a little bit of baking soda and vinegar and the trick is done.
4. Refrigerator

 Quarterly To avoid the appearance of mold and other undesirable contents, empty and clean the shelves and containers.
5. Kitchen floor

 Weekly Use a broom after each meal and a good damp mopping every week.
6. Carpets

 Weekly Vacuuming carpets every week will even reduce allergies. Remove the dog and the baby before to do so!
7. Furniture

 Monthly Vacuum furniture and fabrics every month and steam clean annually
8. Remote control or joystick

 Weekly Remove the batteries, clean the remote control surface by rubbing the buttons and gaps.
9. Ceiling fans

 Quarterly With an all purpose cleaner, wipe the blades. Do not forget to turn off the fan!
10. Window blinds

 Quarterly Dust and clean batten by batten with soapy water and a soft cloth.
11. Toilet

 Daily Brush daily and thoroughly clean once a week.
12. Towels

 After some use After the shower or the bath, hang to dry and use a few times (3 or 4 times), then machine wash. Note: If you have teenagers, this thing may not work!
13. Shower curtain

 Monthly Spray a bathroom cleaner to remove residual accumulated soaps and limescale.
14. Bed linen

 Weekly Wash in warm water to remove bacteria and mites. Avoid eating in your bed!
15. Mattress

 Biannual Vacuum the mattress twice a year to remove dead skin cells and mites.
16. Air filter

 Monthly Changing air filters every month or as recommended by the manufacturer contributes to a healthy environment.

We have the tools to clean

At Lalema, we serve a large industrial and institutional clientele with an online catalog of more than 18000 products ! Come and have a look!

www.lalema.com

 

Source :

inspired from http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-how-often-clean-this.

Photos are owned by me or from various talended photographs via unsplash.com

GPT3: An AI generated blog post about disinfection

Gaétan Lanthier
GPT3 AI generated image : “A janitor cart in a hospital patient room”

GPT3 Input

gpt3> write a 250 words article about how hard surface disinfectant will become more essential in the future.

GPT3 Output

As the world becomes more populated and the spread of disease becomes more prevalent, the need for hard surface disinfectants will become more essential. Hard surface disinfectants are a key part of preventing the spread of disease, and as the world becomes more connected, the need for these products will only increase.


There are a number of factors that contribute to the spread of disease, and hard surface disinfectants are an important part of preventing the spread of infection. The main factor that contributes to the spread of disease is contact with contaminated surfaces. Hard surface disinfectants kill the bacteria and viruses that are present on surfaces, preventing the spread of infection.


Another factor that contributes to the spread of disease is the presence of food and water sources that are contaminated with bacteria and viruses. Hard surface disinfectants can also be used to clean these contaminated surfaces, preventing the spread of disease.


In addition to these two factors, there are a number of other factors that contribute to the spread of disease. These include the presence of sick people in close proximity to others, the sharing of contaminated items, and the exposure to contaminated air. Hard surface disinfectants can also be used to clean these contaminated surfaces, preventing the spread of disease.


The need for hard surface disinfectants will only increase as the world becomes more populated and the spread of disease becomes more prevalent. Hard surface disinfectants are a key part of preventing the spread of disease, and as the world becomes more connected, the need for these products will only increase.

Now what?

Visit our disinfectant product category

Clean this or that? How often?

Gaétan Lanthier

I develop maintenance program for my clients and the question that comes up most often is:
“How often should I clean this or that?”

clean

How often should I clean this?

Here is a non-exhaustive list of 16 surfaces to clean regularly at home.

Item Frequency Tips
1. Cellular phone

 Daily Wipe with a microfiber glass cloth to remove any greasy substances and germs
2. Kitchen Counter

 Daily Use a mild all purpose cleaner. When using a disinfectant cleaner, rinse the surface.
3. Dishwasher

 Monthly Use specially designed capsules or a little bit of baking soda and vinegar and the trick is done.
4. Refrigerator

 Quarterly To avoid the appearance of mold and other undesirable contents, empty and clean the shelves and containers.
5. Kitchen floor

 Weekly Use a broom after each meal and a good damp mopping every week.
6. Carpets

 Weekly Vacuuming carpets every week will even reduce allergies. Remove the dog and the baby before to do so!
7. Furniture

 Monthly Vacuum furniture and fabrics every month and steam clean annually
8. Remote control or joystick

 Weekly Remove the batteries, clean the remote control surface by rubbing the buttons and gaps.
9. Ceiling fans

 Quarterly With an all purpose cleaner, wipe the blades. Do not forget to turn off the fan!
10. Window blinds

 Quarterly Dust and clean batten by batten with soapy water and a soft cloth.
11. Toilet

 Daily Brush daily and thoroughly clean once a week.
12. Towels

 After some use After the shower or the bath, hang to dry and use a few times (3 or 4 times), then machine wash. Note: If you have teenagers, this thing may not work!
13. Shower curtain

 Monthly Spray a bathroom cleaner to remove residual accumulated soaps and limescale.
14. Bed linen

 Weekly Wash in warm water to remove bacteria and mites. Avoid eating in your bed!
15. Mattress

 Biannual Vacuum the mattress twice a year to remove dead skin cells and mites.
16. Air filter

 Monthly Changing air filters every month or as recommended by the manufacturer contributes to a healthy environment.

We have the tools to clean

At Lalema, we serve a large industrial and institutional clientele with an online catalog of more than 18000 products ! Come and have a look!

www.lalema.com

Source :

inspired from http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-how-often-clean-this.

Photos are owned by me or from various talended photographs via unsplash.com

Let’s talk about surface disinfection

Gaétan Lanthier

How to safely perform cleaning and disinfection a surface soiled with bodily fluid and dispose of waste properly?

Here is some of the content from my exclusive training on Infection Prevention and Control in the Presence of Body Fluids. This training (in French with English documentation), presented in the form of short video clips (nearly forty), lasts approximately 2 hours and covers several exclusive and relevant content for hygiene and sanitation workers.

Disinfection

OVERVIEW OF THE CONTENT OF A TRAINING ON DISINFECTION TECHNIQUES

  • The main microbes to which sanitary maintenance workers can be exposed, the associated risks and the means of transmission
  • Basic concepts in sanitary maintenance for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
  • The different body fluids (body fluids) and the associated risk factors
  • Products and accessories for cleaning and disinfection
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Cleaning and disinfection techniques including hand washing.

THE MAIN MICROBES TO WHICH HEALTH MAINTENANCE WORKERS MAY BE EXPOSED, THE ASSOCIATED RISKS AND THE MEANS OF TRANSMISSION

  • Microbes
  • Viruses or bacteria
  • Reproduction of bacteria
  • Survival of bacteria on surfaces
  • Infectious risk
  • Transmission of infections
  • Virus or bacteria

BASIC CONCEPTS IN SANITARY MAINTENANCE FOR THE CLEANING AND DISINFECTIONS OF SURFACES

  • Basics
  • Sinner’s Circle
  • Wetting power
  • Micelles
  • Foaming power
  • PH scale
  • Eradication of microbes
  • Contact time
  • DIN
  • Types of disinfectants
  • Why dilute a product
  • Always read the manual
  • 7 ways to make maintenance safer

THE DIFFERENT BODY FLUIDS (BIOLOGICAL LIQUIDS) AND THE ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS

  • Body fluids and associated risks
  • Body fluids (body fluids)
  • Risk factors

PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR CLEANING AND DISINFECTION

  1. Produits et accessoires
  2. Trousse de matériel

LES ÉQUIPEMENTS DE PROTECTION INDIVIDUELLE

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Hand hygiene
  • Dressing procedure
  • Undressing procedure
  • Practical advice
  • Wearing the mask

CLEANING AND DISINFECTION TECHNIQUES

  • Cleaning and disinfection steps
  • Steps to follow
  • Cleaning and disinfection procedure
  • Waste management
  • What is biomedical waste

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

A training cannot be complete without a formal evaluation! This is why we offer each participant a quiz of 10 questions before issuing a superb attestation!

So, are you going to try?

Surface Cleaning Methods & Products with RCP

Rémi Siv
Hygen microfiber from Rubbermaid Commercial Products
Hygen microfiber from Rubbermaid Commercial Products

The COVID-19 has led us to adopt new protocols to ensure patient and staff safety in healthcare facilities. Having said that, it is crucial to equip yourself with the right surface cleaning and disinfection products in healthcare facilities! What are the right products? How should you clean? Let’s explore them with the help from Rubbermaid Commercial Products, a world leader in the commercial cleaning industry! Of course, in these strange days, depending on the availability of some products, Lalema has suggestions as well ;)!

SURFACE CLEANING PRODUCTS

First of all, here are some products suggested by RCP for surface cleaning. Overall, most of them are available. Otherwise, we have replacements.

Recommended surface cleaning products
Recommended surface cleaning products

Hygen microfiber cloths – Rubbermaid Commercial Products’ all-purpose 16″ x 16″ HYGEN microfiber cloths remove 99.9% of the viruses and bacteria tested on surfaces.

Bowl Brush – This bowl brush has a plastic handle. The brush is made of polypropylene bristles. It is odor and stain resistant.

Toilet brush holder – This toilet brush holder is made of polypropylene. It is stain and odor resistant.

Bottle and Sprayer: Graduated bottle for inserting and spraying cleaning solutions.

As a replacement for Hygen disposable microfiber cloths and its charging tub system, we suggest this:

Dry Wipes and MYOSAN TB Kit – Kit of dry wipes and MYOSAN TB designed to disinfect and eliminate microorganisms on hard surfaces. It should inactivate the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Dry Wipes and MYOSAN TB Kit
Dry Wipes and MYOSAN TB Kit

BEST PRACTICES

Second, as expectations for cleanliness and hygiene rise, facilities must ensure that they have an established surface cleaning and disinfection process. This includes regular cleaning of high-traffic areas. Below are the best surface cleaning practices used in hospitals around the world today.

CLEANING TIPS

  1. Clean systematically, clockwise or counterclockwise – No surface is forgotten, this process saves time and is more ergonomic
  2. Go from clean to dirty – This reduces the likelihood of the spread of infections and contaminants
  3. Clean from the top to the bottom – Any dust or debris dislodged from the upper surface will naturally fall to the lower surfaces
  4. Wipe in one direction (unidirectional wiping) – Unidirectional wiping ensures that the solution is applied over the entire surface, while circular wiping re-contaminates areas
  5. Color Coding – Use single color wiping cloth for each zone. For example:
  • Red for high risk areas
  • Blue for mirrors
  • Yellow for baths and showers

8-SURFACE FOLDING METHODOLOGY

Finally, the 8-surface folding methodology! This is the 8-sided folding for microfiber cloths. It optimizes the use of the cloth while reducing the risk of cross-contamination during the cleaning process. Here are the steps:

8-SURFACE FOLDING METHODOLOGY
8-SURFACE FOLDING METHODOLOGY

8-surface folding methodology by Rubbermaid Commercial Products

  1. Start by opening a clean microfiber cloth
  2. Fold the microfiber cloth in half
  3. Fold the microfiber cloth into four pieces
  4. Clean surfaces with both sides of the cloth exposed
  5. Open the microfiber cloth once to change the sides
  6. Fold over to expose both clean cleaning surfaces
  7. Fully open the microfiber cloth when all four sides have been used
  8. Repeat steps 2 to 7 to use all eight sides

In short, these tips are only general since we could have gone deeper into the details or in further checklists. However, the importance is to set up a methodology for surface cleaning and disinfection and to be equipped with the right products. Don’t forget to wear personal safety equipment! Let’s save the subject of floor cleaning for another day!

Lalema would like to thank and salute all the staff in the healthcare facilities for their services!

Spotlight on microfiber!

Rémi Siv
Microfiber cloths
Wipeco multi-use microfiber cloths MFC-1414/10P

As we all know, the cleaning and disinfection of premises and surfaces have never been more critical with the COVID-19 pandemic. We often talk about disinfectant cleaners, but this time the focus is on microfiber cleaning cloths and tools. Since its commercial introduction, microfiber has been part of everyday life because of its reliability and effectiveness in cleaning and wiping.

WHAT IS A MICROFIBER CLOTH?

Microfiber is a synthetic textile fiber (polyester, polyamide or a mixture) that is very fine and light with a denomination which is less than one decitex. The decitex is a unit of measurement: 1 decitex = 1 g / 10 km of yarn. In fact, the term “microfiber” is used when 10 km of yarn weighs less than one gram.

A microfiber (filament) is characterised by its small diameter, the nature of its fiber and its structure. Therefore, not all microfibers are the same or of the same quality.

This revolutionary material has quickly become a must in the hygiene, health and automotive sectors. See how it is made.

THE “STORIES” OF MICROFIBER

No one is entirely sure where and when microfiber was developed. However, here are two interesting stories/versions:

  1. According to Texasmicrofiber:
    “In the late 1950s, various spinning techniques were used to produce ultra-fine fibers. At that time, experiments had resulted in random length pieces, and the first real success occurred in Japan in the 1960s.

    Dr. Miyoshi Okamoto and Dr. Toyohiko Hikota worked on this project to finally find microfibers suitable for industrial use. Ultrasuede fiber was one of the first success stories, and reached the market in the following decade. This led to an explosion in the value of microfibers in the textile sector. »
  2. According to Maboutiqueecolo:
    “It would have been invented by the Swede Rudolf Nordine in the 1980s. The invention of microfiber is said to have come about by chance during the manufacture of “towels” for hairdressing salons. These were so absorbent that they could suck out the dye from freshly dyed hair. Nordine was quick to file a patent to protect this discovery. He was awarded a prize at the Lépine competition in 1998 for this invention at the International Invention Salon in Paris. »

USE AND EFFECTIVENESS

Microfiber has the power to clean and dust different kinds of surfaces without necessarily adding a cleaning product. This is why it can be seen as an organic and ecological product.

Microfiber cloths can be used dry or wet. First, when used dry, they attract dust and trap it in its microfibers (micro-filaments). Then, when wet (with or without a cleaning product), they trap grease and dirt.

During a pandemic, it is used with a disinfectant cleaner to disinfect surfaces. Lalema also suggests using a microfiber cloth with a tuberculocidal disinfectant. This Myosan TB starter kit is an example:

Myosan TB starter kit
Myosan TB starter kit

There are several types of microfiber products for all kinds of surfaces: cloth, pad/mop, feather duster, towel, etc.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THEM?

Microfibers are economical and environmentally friendly. They can be reused up to 500 times. “Avez-vous le pouce microfibre?” by Kim Beauregard is an article about the maintenance of microfibers. Unfortunately, it is in French only. But here are key elements:

  • Wash the microfibers separately from other textiles and items
  • Use a small amount of liquid laundry detergent while washing.
  • Do not use a softening agent
  • Wash them in cold or room water
  • Dry the microfibers at low temperature or without heat

So, microfiber is a revolutionary material in the world of cleaning. Whether it is used as a cloth, a pad/mop or a duster, it is the ultimate cleaning tool for cleaning and wiping in many sectors. Finally, microfiber cloths can replace disposable wipes. Use them with a disinfectant product to disinfect the surfaces in your environment.

Lalema has several microfiber products from leading brands.

Sources:
https://www.microfibrefrance.com/quest-ce-quune-microfibre.html
https://www.gralon.net/articles/materiel-et-consommables/materiels-industriels/article-la-microfibre—une-matiere-revolutionnaire-4549.htm
http://www.maboutiqueecolo.com/fr/menage-rapide
https://texasmicrofiber.com/blog/brief-history-microfiber/
https://www.parish-supply.com/microfiber-history.aspx

How to clean and dispose of a mask?

Rémi Siv

Wearing a mask has become our new habit during the pandemic situation. Therefore, let us explore how to clean and remove a mask or a face cover. In fact, there is more than one way to clean a mask including some additional precautions. So, let’s go over some methods!

CLEAN IN THE LAUNDRY

First, according to Health Canada, if you plan to rewear a reusable (non-medical cloth) mask, we suggest cleaning it by putting it directly in the laundry. It can be washed with other items using a hot water cycle. As for the cleaning product to use, regular laundry soap should be fairly effective, according to the New York Times. In addition, according to Le Parisien, washing with hot water should be at least 60° C for 30 minutes.

Laundry machine

CLEAN BY HAND

Second, following what was shared in the New York Times, experts have said that hand washing face covers in a sink works as well. You should lather the soap and rub the mask for 20 seconds. It’s a similar process to hand washing.

Hand laundry kit

SOAK WITH HOT SOAP

Third, soak the mask in warm soapy water. This method comes from Professor Golemi-Kotra, an expert in molecular biology in Toronto York University. She said the best way to clean a cloth mask would be to soak it in hot, soapy water for at least an hour.

DRY THE MASK

Afterwards, dry the mask completely in the dryer or by hanging it.

Drying masks

ELIMINATE A MASK

Finally, we dispose a mask that cannot be washed when it is wet, soiled or wrinkled. So just throw the mask properly in a lined trash can. It’s the same for a damaged reusable mask or a face cover at the end of its life span. Do not leave your mask lying anywhere else.

In short, these were ways to clean a face cover. Which method is right for you? Above all, do not forget to wash your hands properly before putting on a mask and also after removing it! Also, disinfect your surfaces as well!

Visit Lalema for masks and soaps!

Sources:
– https://quebec.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/voici-comment-laver-masques-tissu-faits-maison_qc_5e960ed6c5b6a7e383dfffca
– https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/how-put-remove-clean-non-medical-masks-face-coverings.html
– http://www.leparisien.fr/societe/coronavirus-comment-laver-et-entretenir-correctement-son-masque-en-tissu-30-04-2020-8308476.php
– https://www.lesoleil.com/actualite/le-masque-en-tissu-doit-etre-desinfecte-apres-chaque-sortie-voici-comment-faire-video-1fcd1b8b27e5a48f580cb589d22273c5

One-wipe cleaning system in hospitals proven to be effective

Sara Lafond
Source: Flickr

According to Infection Control Today (2018), a recent study carried out in a hospital in the UK has determined that a “one wipe” cleaning system was proven to be more effective than the traditional “two wipes” system in reducing the risk of MRSA in hospitals. Between 2013-2016, the hospital had been using a “two wipe” system, which consisted of first using a detergent wipe and then using an alcohol wipe as a disinfectant. In May 2016, a universal cleaning and disinfection wipe was introduced to the healthcare facility, and it made a significant difference.

According to Infection Control Today (2018),

“Using a Poisson model the researchers demonstrated that the average hospital acquisition rate of MRSA/100,000 patient bed days reduced by 6.3 percent per month after the introduction of the new universal wipe.”

Infection Control Today (2018)

These results were significant, and led to a big change in how this UK healthcare facility cleans its equipment. Not only did the universal disinfectant wipes lead to higher efficacy, but they also led to higher efficiency, since healthcare workers now only have to go over the equipment once and are assured that it will be clean.

Keeping this in mind, there are many different types of disinfectant wipes to choose from. If you would like to learn more about different types of disinfectant wipes, and how each of them work, feel free to visit our official website, and view our product offerings, or contact us directly by phone or email.

Click on the link below to view our product offerings for disinfectant wipes.

http://www.lalema.com/catalog/disinfecting-wipers-101

Source:

https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/environmental-hygiene/simple-one-wipe-system-cleaning-nurses-effective-strategy-researchers-say

https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/posts/Study-says-one-wipe-cleaning-system-for-nurses-is-effective–20336

Surface Damage and its implications for healthcare facilities

Sara Lafond

Preventing and controlling the spread of contamination and infection is of very high importance for healthcare facilities, and it is safe to say that many measures have already been taken in order to reach these goals. However, like many things, there is still much room for improvement moreover when it is about surface damage.

medical equipment surface damage

Source: Shaw Air Force Base

Evidently healthcare facilities use a wide variety of equipment, from monitors to surgical instruments to cleaning tools, and over time, this equipment wears down. Sometimes, equipment will break completely and be unusable, however sometimes there will only be a few scratches or other small damage.  But what happens when these scratches or other forms of damage become shelters and areas of growth for microorganisms? This is an example of how surface damage may not only impede the prevention of bacteria growth, but also provide the microorganisms with a place to grow.

What is surface damage?

According to Infection Control Today, surface damage is defined as:

a quantifiable physical or chemical change from the original manufactured state of an object (surface or device).

While it is recognized that surface damage of medical equipment poses a potential threat in the spread of bacteria in healthcare facilities, there is no standardized method for healthcare workers to determine what is considered surface damage, and at what point the damage is likely to cause the spread of bacteria. In a later blog post, I will discuss the ideal surface damage testing protocol, proposed by Peter Teska et al. in “Infection Control Today.” In this article, the authors discuss ideal methods of avoiding the problems that surface damage presents.

Are your surfaces damaged?

At Lalema, when we talk about hygiene and cleanliness, we offer a wide range of technical and consulting services. Find out more.

You can also read this article about The complete guide for hospital cleanliness.

Source: Infection Control Today. Vol. 21. No. 12. January 2018.

How often should I clean this or that?

Gaétan Lanthier

I develop maintenance program for my clients and the question that comes up most often is:
“How often should I clean this or that?”

clean

How often should I clean this?

Here is a non-exhaustive list of 16 surfaces to clean regularly at home.

Item Frequency Tips
1. Cellular phone

 Daily Wipe with a microfiber glass cloth to remove any greasy substances and germs
2. Kitchen Counter

 Daily Use a mild all purpose cleaner. When using a disinfectant cleaner, rinse the surface.
3. Dishwasher

 Monthly Use specially designed capsules or a little bit of baking soda and vinegar and the trick is done.
4. Refrigerator

 Quarterly To avoid the appearance of mold and other undesirable contents, empty and clean the shelves and containers.
5. Kitchen floor

 Weekly Use a broom after each meal and a good damp mopping every week.
6. Carpets

 Weekly Vacuuming carpets every week will even reduce allergies. Remove the dog and the baby before to do so!
7. Furniture

 Monthly Vacuum furniture and fabrics every month and steam clean annually
8. Remote control or joystick

 Weekly Remove the batteries, clean the remote control surface by rubbing the buttons and gaps.
9. Ceiling fans

 Quarterly With an all purpose cleaner, wipe the blades. Do not forget to turn off the fan!
10. Window blinds

 Quarterly Dust and clean batten by batten with soapy water and a soft cloth.
11. Toilet

 Daily Brush daily and thoroughly clean once a week.
12. Towels

 After some use After the shower or the bath, hang to dry and use a few times (3 or 4 times), then machine wash. Note: If you have teenagers, this thing may not work!
13. Shower curtain

 Monthly Spray a bathroom cleaner to remove residual accumulated soaps and limescale.
14. Bed linen

 Weekly Wash in warm water to remove bacteria and mites. Avoid eating in your bed!
15. Mattress

 Biannual Vacuum the mattress twice a year to remove dead skin cells and mites.
16. Air filter

 Monthly Changing air filters every month or as recommended by the manufacturer contributes to a healthy environment.

We have the tools to clean

At Lalema, we serve a large industrial and institutional clientele with an online catalog of more than 18000 products ! Come and have a look!

www.lalema.com

 

Source :

inspired from http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-how-often-clean-this.

Photos are owned by me or from various talended photographs via unsplash.com

Safe hand soap: a primer

Rémi Charlebois

hand soapHandwashing is the single most important action to break down the transmission of infection. Anyone working in the food industry, in a lab or in healthcare environment will tell you how often they have to wash their hands. So many products are available, however, it is clear that not all product were created equal. Multiple claims are often written on the bottle confusing users and buyers. A lack of regulation is seen. However, recently the American FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and Health Canada seems to be going toward new regulation in order to increase the safety of hand soaps.

FDA bans Triclosan

The American FDA (Food and Drug Administration) banned the use of Triclosan and 18 other chemicals in consumer hand soap. The decision was based on the lack of information regarding the effectiveness of this product compare to regular handwashing. Also, serious doubt concerning the safety of this product was crucial in the decision process. The debate has been going on for a while before the decision was made.

Health Canada identified risk regarding Methylisothiazolinone

According to Health Canada, the repeated exposure to this substance and its derivatives can generate multiple symptoms including:

  • a red rash or bumps;
  • itching;
  • swelling, burning, or tenderness of the skin;
  • dry, cracked or scaly skin;
  • blisters.

These symptoms may occur each time someone uses a product containing Methylisothiazolinone and its derivatives and may become more severe with repeated use.

Multiple solutions exist

Hopefully, many suppliers offer products without triclosan, paraben, methylisothiazolinone, benzalkonium chloride, polyacrylamide, dioxane, nonylphenol ethoxylated alcohol or any chemicals of concern. Ask you supplier what are the options regarding safe hand soap, it might save you a lot of trouble.

 

Reference:

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm378393.htm

http://canadiensensante.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2016/58290a-fra.php