When Cleaning Up Blood: Why Use Cloth Towels Instead of Paper Towels?

In healthcare and emergency response settings, dealing with blood spills requires careful attention to safety and hygiene. The choice of materials used for cleaning can significantly impact the effectiveness of the cleanup and the safety of personnel.

While paper towels are a common choice for many cleaning tasks, using cloth towels for cleaning up blood is often recommended.

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This article explores the reasons behind this recommendation and provides guidance on best practices for handling blood spills, while also discussing the ideal uses for paper towels and the benefits of towel dispensers and tissues.

Understanding the Risks of Bloodborne Pathogens

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Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in blood that can cause diseases in humans, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV【CDC】. When cleaning up blood, it is essential to minimize exposure to these pathogens to protect both the person performing the cleanup and others in the environment.

Why Use Cloth Towels for Blood Cleanup?

Using cloth towels for blood cleanup offers several advantages over paper towels, particularly in terms of absorbency, durability, and environmental impact.

1. Enhanced Absorbency

• Greater Capacity: Cloth towels have a higher absorbency rate compared to paper towels, allowing them to soak up larger volumes of liquid quickly.
• Efficiency: With superior absorbency, cloth towels can reduce the number of towels needed for cleanup, making the process more efficient.

1. Durability and Strength

• Reduced Tearing: Cloth towels are less likely to tear or disintegrate when saturated, ensuring that the cleaning process is more controlled and less likely to spread contaminants.
• Reusable Material: Cloth towels can be laundered and reused, making them a cost-effective choice for frequent cleanups.

1. Environmental Considerations

• Sustainability: Using cloth towels reduces waste compared to single-use paper towels, aligning with environmentally sustainable practices【EPA】.
• Resource Efficiency: Cloth towels contribute to less environmental impact by decreasing the demand for paper products.

Best Practices for Cleaning Up Blood with Cloth Towels

When using cloth towels to clean up blood, it is crucial to follow strict protocols to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations:

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Wear Appropriate PPE: Always wear disposable gloves, and if necessary, masks, gowns, and eye protection to prevent contact with blood【OSHA】.

1. Contain the Spill

• Absorb the Blood: Use cloth towels to absorb as much blood as possible, working from the edges toward the center to contain the spill.
• Avoid Spreading: Use a blotting motion rather than wiping to prevent spreading the blood over a larger area.

1. Disinfection

• Apply Disinfectant: After removing the blood, apply an EPA-approved disinfectant to the area, following the manufacturer’s instructions for contact time and coverage【EPA】.
• Allow to Air Dry: Let the disinfectant air dry to ensure maximum effectiveness in killing pathogens.

1. Handling and Disposal of Contaminated Towels

• Secure Disposal: Place contaminated cloth towels in a biohazard bag for proper laundering or disposal by a professional service.
• Proper Laundry Procedures: If washing onsite, use a hot water cycle with an appropriate detergent and a disinfectant additive.

1. Post-Cleanup Hygiene

• Hand Hygiene: Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water after removing gloves and PPE【CDC】.

Where to Use Paper Towels and Towel Dispensers

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While cloth towels are preferred for blood cleanup, paper towels play a critical role in various cleaning and hygiene tasks. Here’s where they shine:

1. Everyday Cleaning Tasks

• Surface Cleaning: Paper towels are ideal for quick cleanup of non-biohazard spills, such as food and drink stains.
• Window and Mirror Cleaning: Use paper towels with glass cleaner for streak-free shine.

1. Towel Dispensers in Restrooms

• Hygienic Drying: Paper towel dispensers provide a convenient and hygienic way to dry hands in restrooms, reducing the spread of germs.
• Controlled Usage: Dispensers regulate the number of towels dispensed, minimizing waste and improving cost efficiency.

1. Complementing Cloth Towels

• Initial Absorption: Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture before applying cloth towels for deep cleaning.
• Disinfectant Application: Apply disinfectant with paper towels on non-critical surfaces, reducing cross-contamination risks.

The Role of Tissues in Healthcare Settings

Tissues, like those offered by Kleenex, provide additional convenience and hygiene benefits:

1. Personal Hygiene

• Facial Care: Tissues are perfect for wiping away moisture or cleaning minor facial stains without irritating the skin.
• Nose Blowing: Essential during cold and flu season, tissues help prevent the spread of germs when used and disposed of properly.

1. Portable Cleanliness

• On-the-Go Use: Tissues are compact and easy to carry, making them suitable for quick cleanups outside of healthcare settings.

Conclusion

Using cloth towels instead of paper towels for blood cleanup offers benefits in terms of absorbency, durability, and environmental sustainability. However, paper towels and tissues remain invaluable for other cleaning and hygiene tasks, especially when combined with the convenience of towel dispensers.

By understanding the appropriate use of each material and following best practices, healthcare professionals can maintain a safe and hygienic environment while optimizing their cleaning processes.

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