Miele Professional has released the results of a survey¹ looking at how practices handle their laundry, finding that two thirds do not comply with WRAS Category 5 Regulations.

The research found that 93% of practices have a washing machine on site, but two thirds of those use a domestic machine rather than a commercial one. 69% of staff also take their uniform home to wash in a domestic machine.

Only commercial machines conform to the WRAS regulations, with thermal disinfection capabilities to minimise the risk of cross infection. 

The survey also provided an argument for using a robust commercial machine able to cope with high levels of usage and the variety of materials needing to be cleaned: 83% of practices said they use their machines more than once a day and listed bedding, drapes and gowns as the most common materials that need to be cleaned regularly. 

Les Marshall, Sales & Marketing Director at Miele Professional, said: "Our research shows that veterinary staff realise the importance of hygiene when cleaning their laundry. At Miele Professional we understand that preventing infection is key. When caring for animals who need medical care, reliable and effective equipment that can wash items ranging from bedding to gowns to reusable bandages is essential.

"As a leading supplier to the care and hospital sectors, all our machines are tested and approved to Water Regulatory Advisory Scheme (WRAS) category 5 for mains connection in any high-risk establishment."

The company says that in addition to meeting WRAS category 5 requirements, it's machines:

• have thermal disinfection capabilities, which kill 99.99% of all pathogenic germs and are suitable for killing both vegetative bacteria (including mycobacteria and fungi) and deactivating viruses.
• use commercial filters to capture any animal hair during the washing process, thereby stopping it get stuck in the drum or blocking drain pipes.
• are available with different drum sizes so they can handle the differing laundry requirements of a small animal practice to an equine practice which may require larger and denser items such as horse rugs to be cleaned.  

Miele Professional is exhibiting at the London Vet Show and will be holding a seminar on 'Controlling the risk of infection with a commercial laundry system' in the Business Theatre on 18 November, 12-12.50pm.

The seminar will explore the benefits of using a commercial laundry over a domestic machine, best practice around thermal disinfection and why it’s vital for veterinary practices to meet WRAS category 5 requirements.

For more information visit www.miele.co.uk.

Reference

• 95 respondents were surveyed online in June 2016

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