For nurses, surgical technologists, radiology & laboratory technicians, and other healthcare workers in Mesa, laundry is something laundry is critical component of IPC (Infection Prevention and Control) infrastructure. Healthcare laundry management massively relies on rigorous infection control protocols. They need specialized high capacity equipment to clean them in order to remove pathogens. Preventing cross-contamination between soiled and clean textiles is important to maintain a hygienic environment for both patients and staff. So, Mesa scrub cleaning needs to address bacteria, viruses, and odors that ordinary household detergent might not fully remove.
Long shifts, contact with bodily fluids, and continuous patient interaction mean the same medical uniforms need proper cleaning. This blog post covers two practical points in that regard.
- Why can ozone sanitation at CoinLess Laundry deliver a higher level of cleanliness for scrubs?
- How can wash and fold services save time for healthcare workers who need as much rest as possible between shifts?
Contaminants in Healthcare Workers’ Scrubs
It is common to think of washing a load of laundry to remove the visible stains. But for healthcare workers, the primary concern is the bacteria, viruses, and non-visible organic matter that have settled into the microscopic creases and fibers of the fabric that cannot always be removed by regular detergent washing.
Bacteria and Viruses
Scrubs get exposed to pathogens and germs during the daily grind, including MRSA, C. diff, influenza, and many more bacteria and viruses that linger on the fabric for days after the initial exposure. Detergent helps get rid of the visible organic matter, but it rarely sanitizes the fabric. The main reason is that detergent is not intended to disinfect; therefore, even the cleanest-looking scrubs can potentially host pathogens.
Bodily Fluids and Organic Matter
Blood, saliva, mucus, vomiting, and other fluids can also stick to the scrubs during the day, leaving the garments with unpleasant odors and rancid smells that detergents cannot remove. The fluids left on the garment after a day in scrubs hold onto the organic matter, feeding bacteria that can live inside the fabric for days. As a result, the scrubs can give off unpleasant odors during the following day when worn again.
Odor-Causing Compounds
Sweat and bacteria combine to create odor-causing compounds that linger in the synthetic blend commonly used in the fabric. Even after washing the scrubs, foul odors can reappear because the fabric is made of polyester that holds the smell. Adding fragrance to the laundry detergent during washing only masks the odors instead of eliminating them. For healthcare workers who wear scrubs for 12 hours or more, odor elimination is essential to their personal hygiene and confidence.
Ineffective Home Laundry Practices
A home laundry machine has less water volume and mechanical action than a commercial washer, making it less efficient at removing soil from heavily used garments. Most home laundry detergents are not suitable for healthcare laundry needs, and washing the scrubs in hot water runs the risk of setting the odors and colors. Furthermore, overloading the machine reduces the cleaning action by limiting the movement and tumbling of clothes during the washing cycle, which reduces the ability of the laundry detergent to penetrate the fabric.
Local context for Mesa
Healthcare workers across Banner Desert Medical Center, Cardon Children’s Medical Center, and Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa experience the daily grind of caring for patients while dealing with the uncomfortable reality of germs and bacteria that stay on the scrubs for days. Twelve-hour shifts are standard for most healthcare workers, including nurses and technicians, which means the scrubs are worn for more than one day at a time and expose the workers to second-day bacteria.
What Is Ozone Sanitation and How Does It Work?
Ozone sanitation is a cutting-edge technology that CoinLess Laundry utilizes in its laundry process to sanitize and disinfect healthcare workers’ scrubs during every wash cycle. While the process might sound complicated and unnecessary for some healthcare workers, it has several significant benefits for those working in the medical industry.
What Is Ozone?
Ozone (O3) is a reactive form of oxygen that is useful in its ability to oxidize other elements. A commercial laundry ozone generator creates ozone gas and introduces it into the washing water during the washing cycle. Ozone has unique oxidation properties that make it a powerful disinfectant and deodorizer, as it reacts with the organic matter in the laundry and oxidizes it. After the reaction, ozone changes back into oxygen, leaving no chemical residue behind.
How Ozone Compares to Other Methods
| Method | Bacteria Reduction | Odor Elimination | Chemical Residue | Fabric Safety |
| Regular detergent | Low | Moderate (masks) | Yes | High |
| Bleach | High | Moderate | Yes | Low (damages fabrics) |
| Hot water (140°F+) | Moderate | Moderate | No | Moderate (can shrink) |
| Ozone sanitation | High (up to 99.9%) | High (eliminates source) | No | High |
Payment Options: Convenience For Healthcare Workers
CoinLess Laundry locations accept flexible payment options that fit busy healthcare schedules.
No coins needed: No more searching for change or keeping quarters on hand. Great for healthcare workers who are constantly on the move between shifts.
Credit card accepted: Make a direct payment without having to pre-load a card. Perfect for first-time visitors, travel nurses, or those who don’t want to mess with a laundry card.
Card-operated system: Load your card once and use it for multiple machines and visits. Great for regular customers who want to keep track of their spending.
Bill changer available: For those who want to use coins, a bill changer is available on-site.
Healthcare workers and wash machines
Nurses and technicians often work long shifts and do not have time to stop for change or deal with coin-only machines. Card and credit card payments are more convenient for first-time visitors or travel nurses who may not be familiar with the location. Tracking spending is also easier with card payment than unpredictable coin costs.
How Often Should Healthcare Workers Wash Scrubs?
Washing scrubs is an important part of any healthcare worker’s hygiene routine. Here are some practical guidelines for Mesa healthcare workers.
After Every Shift
Scrubs should be washed after every shift, especially if they were exposed to bodily fluids, patients, or high-risk areas. Even if they look clean, scrubs can carry bacteria and viruses that are not visible to the naked eye. Washing after every shift reduces the chances of getting infected by pathogens from the previous day.
Separately From Your Other Laundry
They should also be washed separately from your other laundry. Use a separate laundry bag or hamper for your work clothes, and keep it separate from your household laundry. This is especially important for healthcare workers who live with young children, the elderly, or people with compromised immune systems.
With Ozone Sanitation, If Possible
Ozone provides an extra layer of cleanliness beyond regular detergent. This is especially important for healthcare workers in high-acuity areas like the ICU, ER, and NICU, who are more likely to come into contact with pathogens. Ozone sanitation kills bacteria and viruses that regular detergent may leave behind.
Not Outside Your Hospital
You should not wear your scrubs to and from work (if possible). You should change into your scrubs at the hospital and into your street clothes before you leave.
Store Your Clean Scrubs Separately.
Keep your clean scrubs in a separate area, and away from your street clothes. Avoid storing your scrubs in your gym bag, in your car, or in any other place where bacteria can thrive.
Mesa Healthcare Workers Should Know These Money-Saving Tips.
Visit the laundry on days with special offers. (Ex: 30 lb or 80-100 lb washers are discounted on certain days for $1 OFF or $2 OFF, for example.) This can be a great way to reduce your monthly laundry budget.
Use the Wash and Fold Service Sparingly: Use self-service for smaller loads, and save the wash and fold for larger loads when you’re short on time.
Wash Your Scrubs With Other Work Clothes: Save money by washing your scrubs with your other work clothes, like your lab coat or work shoes. You can also wash your scrubs with your everyday clothes if you want to save space.
Visit the laundry early in the morning, or in the afternoons on weekdays. It’s usually less busy then, and you’ll have more options for machines.
Track Your Spending With Card Payment: You can use a card to keep track of how much you’re spending on laundry each month. This can be a great way to set a laundry budget and save money.
Ask About Special Promotions For Healthcare Workers: Special promotions are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to ask about them before your next visit. Ask about any healthcare worker discounts, or other special offers that may be available at the time of your visit. Some laundries have less advertised healthcare worker discounts, so it’s always a good idea to ask.
Conclusion
CoinLess Laundry locations across Mesa offer ozone sanitation for deep cleaning. With flexible payment methods and longer operating hours that better fit the irregular schedules of healthcare staff. Whether you’re working at Banner Desert Medical Center, Cardom Children’s Medical Center, Banner Baywood Medical Center, or other nearby clinics, don’t hesitate to avail our services. Our ozone technology cleaning method offers a higher standard of cleanliness for medical uniforms. Our wash and fold services are a time saver for busy nurses, technicians, and other healthcare staff.
Be ready to experience the difference ozone sanitization makes for your scrubs. Visit CoinLess Laundry locations near you in Mesa and other 50+ locations in Arizona. Check our specials, plan your visit around discounts, and find a more convenient way to handle your medical scrubs in Mesa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does CoinLess Laundry include ozone sanitation in each wash?
A: Yes, ozone is included in each wash, at no additional cost. There is no special cycle required for sanitization.
Q: Can I wash heavily soiled scrubs with visible blood or bodily fluid?
A: Scrubs should be pre-treated and may require special handling if visible blood or bodily fluids are present. Please ask at the location.
Q: How long does a wash and fold service take for scrubs?
A: Turnaround is typically 24 hours; please ask at the store for the current time frame.
Q: Can I use my own detergent for self-service washing?
A: Yes, you are welcome to bring your own detergent for self-serve washing. Vending machines can also be found in the store if detergent is needed.
Q: Is ozone sanitation safe for all types of scrub material?
A: Ozone is safe for all materials and will not leave any harsh chemical residue, as it breaks down to oxygen molecules during the washing process.
Q: Do I need to separate my scrubs from my other clothing?
A: It is recommended that scrubs are washed separately from home-laundered clothing to prevent cross-contamination.
Q: Can travel nurses use wash and fold service as a temporary solution?
A: Yes, wash and fold is an excellent option for travel nurses who do not wish to invest in a home laundry system, but still want to enjoy the benefits of a professional-grade cleaning.