Microfibre Rick Catlin 26/09/17

Recap How do conventional agents work? Sodium hypochlorite Chlorine dioxide Quarternary ammonium compounds

Sodium hypochlorite (chlorclean, haz-tabs, actichlor (plus), milton etc.) Organic and fat solvent turning fatty acids into fatty acid salts (soap) and glycerol (alcohol) reducing the surface tension of the remaining solution It neutralises amino acids forming water and salt. This reaction interfere in cell metabolism Chlorine as a strong oxidant inhibits bacterial enzymes leading to an irreversible oxidation of essential bacterial enzymes It’s a strong base (pH>11) interfering with enzymatic sites, such as those in the membrane. These sites are responsible for essential functions such as metabolism, cellular division and growth, and take part in the last stages of cellular wall formation, biosynthesis of lipids and the transport of electrons

Chlorine dioxide (tristel) Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) acts as an oxidizing agent and reacts with several cellular constituents, including the cell membrane of microbes It "steals" electrons from them (oxidation) breaking their molecular bonds, resulting in the death of the organism by the breakup of the cell It alters the proteins involved in the structure of microorganisms and their enzymes causing very rapid bacterial kills

Quarternary ammonium compounds (QUATS, QACs) Quats disrupt the cytoplasmic and outer membrane lipid layers when the positively charged quaternary nitrogen molecules in the Quat bonds with the polar head of acidic phospholipids. The hydrophobic tail subsequently interacts with the hydrophobic membrane core This leads to the membrane becoming soluble and to the lysing of the cell Death occurs through generalized and progressive leakage of cytoplasmic materials

Microfibre – how does it work?

Microfibre – the science Microfibre is defined as any fibre that is 1 denier or less 1 denier = fibre weighing one gram for each 9000 meters There are approximately 200,000 fibers in one square inch of a typical microfiber towel Microfibre is a blend of polyester and polyamide (nylon) It is split during manufacture – a cross section looks like an asterisk They absorb liquid and dirt physically and using electrostatic charge (Van der Waal’s force) Adding water it helps emulsify the dirt allowing it to be scrubbed off the surface being cleaned

Cautions Microfibre cloths are for general purpose/daily cleaning and shouldn’t be used in areas where biocides are considered necessary They do not perform well on old and damaged surfaces due to snagging Microfibre is not suitable for cleaning up body fluids Not all microfibre materials are of the highest quality; lower-grade materials will not deliver the required level of cleanliness Must be used as part of a cleaning system Must be used by staff appropriately trained to use microfibre

Cautions Used cloths contain microorganisms and other contaminants and should be considered contaminated and stored/disposed/ laundered appropriately They have a finite ‘carrying capacity’ meaning that they must be changed/disposed of regularly They must be: Disposable and disposed of as clinical waste OR Safely packaged and transported for thermal recycling in purpose-designed and validated washing machines The materials are cleaned by heat and water only; detergents should not be used as they will degrade the microfibres