Microfibre has become the contemporary method for cleaning in aged care as the product is ideal for containing all soils in the surfaces used and not bleeding through the other surfaces as it would with a viscose cloth and a chux cloth. Microfibre is launderable up to 600 washes if the laundry practices have been set up correctly costing ≤ $0.02 per use. Chux which need to be discarded are each use and are oversized cost anywhere from $0.15 upwards per use.
Advantages of Pre-Soaking Microfibre Cloths & Mops
1. Workplace Health & Safety
- Reduced aerosol exposure: No fine mist from sprays, which lowers inhalation risks and improves indoor air quality.
- Less lifting strain: Eliminates the need to carry heavy buckets of water and chemicals, reducing musculoskeletal injuries.
- Ergonomic workflow: Pre-soaked cloths and mops are lightweight and ready to use, minimising repetitive bending and wringing.
2. Efficiency & Time Savings
- One cloth/mop per area: Prevents cross-contamination and ensures compliance with hygiene standards.
- No return trips: Staff don’t need to keep going back to the cleaners’ room to change water or refill buckets.
- Faster turnaround: Pre-prepared cloths/mops streamline the process, especially in large facilities.
3. Environmental & Sustainability Benefits
- Lower chemical use: Microfibre technology cleans effectively with less detergent, reducing chemical footprint.
- Water savings: Pre-soaking uses controlled amounts of solution, unlike buckets that often require frequent refills.
- Waste reduction: Less packaging from aerosols and fewer disposable wipes.
4. Compliance & Quality
- Consistent dosing: Pre-soaking ensures each cloth/mop has the right amount of cleaning solution.
- Audit-friendly: Easier to demonstrate standardized processes for infection control and facility compliance.
- Improved outcomes: Microfibre lifts dirt and microbes mechanically, not just chemically, leading to cleaner surfaces.
From a systems-thinking perspective, this method aligns perfectly with your focus on continuous improvement and sustainability. It reduces staff fatigue, improves compliance, and saves resources — all while delivering better cleaning outcomes.