In healthcare, aged care and hospitality, personal protective equipment (PPE) is the first line of defence against risk. But what happens once PPE has been used? How it’s collected, laundered and validated is just as critical as wearing it in the first place.
When it comes to compliance, laundry processes play a central role. Incorrect handling or inadequate wash procedures can compromise hygiene, reduce textile life and put both staff and clients at risk. Here’s what facilities need to get right.
Safe collection and segregation
Used garments, gowns and uniforms must be collected in clearly designated bags or bins and kept separate from clean textiles at all times. Proper segregation reduces the risk of cross-contamination and ensures different categories of soil or exposure are treated appropriately.
Correct wash parameters
PPE is designed to protect but it’s also subject to strict hygiene standards. Facilities must adhere to validated wash programs that reach the correct combination of temperature, time, mechanical action and chemical dosing. Falling short in any one area – whether through underloading, incorrect water temperatures or poor dosing – can compromise infection control.
Automated dosing and monitoring
Manual chemical dosing is not only inefficient, it’s a compliance risk. Automated dosing systems, like those offered by JayChem, deliver precisely the right amount of chemistry every time. Paired with remote monitoring tools such as JayCloud, facilities have real-time assurance that each wash meets disinfection thresholds – making compliance easier to track, validate and prove during audits.
Textile care and longevity
Compliance isn’t just about hygiene – it’s also about maintaining textile integrity. Overdosing chemicals or running PPE through unsuitable wash cycles can degrade fabrics, shortening their lifespan and leading to higher replacement costs. A well-calibrated system ensures garments remain both hygienic and fit for use.
Documentation and audit readiness
Auditors increasingly require detailed records to validate compliance. Facilities should maintain transparent, accurate data on every wash cycle including temperature, chemistry and load details. Digital reporting tools give managers the confidence to demonstrate compliance at any time, without relying on manual record keeping.
Smarter systems, safer outcomes
Managing PPE laundry is about more than meeting standards. It’s about protecting people, safeguarding operations and proving compliance. With the right processes and technology in place, facilities can achieve consistent hygiene, reduce risks and maintain peace of mind.
At JayChem, we partner with healthcare, aged care and commercial laundries across Australia to design systems that support compliance from collection through to audit. If you’re ready to simplify processes and strengthen outcomes, our team is here to help.