Care homes require a variety of detergents to maintain hygiene and cleanliness for residents, staff, contractors and visitors. Due to the vulnerable nature of the residents, infection control and adhering to strict hygiene standards are critically important.
This guide will outline the wide range of general cleaning, laundry and kitchen detergents used by care homes across the UK.
Laundry detergents
Infection control is key for a care home laundry room. The UK Department of Health and Social Care stipulates the ‘Appropriate decontamination of all care home laundry’, with detergents and cleaning chemicals forming a key part of the decontamination process.
Biological detergents
These contain enzymes that are very effective at breaking down protein-based stains like blood and food, which are common in care home laundry rooms. They often work well at lower temperatures and are known for their high performance.
Non-bio detergents
Non-bio detergents do not contain enzymes and are often preferred for sensitive skin, which can be a common complaint among some elderly residents and staff. They are usually less effective than biological detergents in lower temperature washes.
Laundry destainers
Destainers are used for removing stubborn stains and helping to maintain the brightness of fabrics. These can be low-temperature or oxygen-based and are ideal for cleaning clothing of some vulnerable residents who may be prone to accidentally spill food or drink on their clothing.
Fabric conditioners
Used in the final rinse to reduce wrinkles, fabric conditioners prevent static, and leave laundry feeling soft and fresh. Some also contain encapsulated fragrances for a longer-lasting scent helping to improve the laundry quality for residents to make them feel as comfortable as possible.
Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers help detergents work more effectively by breaking down grease, soiling and tough stains to improve rinsing and ensure garments are fully cleaned.
Otex detergents
Our OTEX biological liquid laundry detergent has been specifically developed to work in coordination with our OTEX ozone disinfection system. It removes stains and maintains linen quality and colour during the cool wash cycles in which OTEX works best.
Discover more information on our Otex disinfection laundry system.
General cleaning detergents
General cleaning detergents are important to ensure the overall hygiene and health of the care home, including reducing surface-transmitted illnesses.
Multi-purpose cleaners
These are the ‘go-to’ general cleaning cleaners and are used for cleaning various surfaces like floors, walls, and furniture.
Disinfectants
Commercial disinfectants are crucial for killing bacteria and preventing the spread of infections. They are available in various types, including those with bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal properties.
Floor cleaners
Different types are used for various floor surfaces, including hard floors, tiles, lino and even carpets. Due to the vulnerable nature of residents, spillages can happen frequently so a reliable commercial grade floor cleaner is essential.
Odor neutralisers
Odor neutralises and air fresheners are important for maintaining a fresh and pleasant environment, particularly in busy communal areas.
Commercial kitchen detergents
A care home kitchen requires a range of commercial cleaning chemicals and detergents to maintain high standards of hygiene and prevent foodborne illnesses. These products are typically more concentrated and powerful than household equivalents and are essential for maintaining hygiene standards in care homes.
Here are some common categories and examples of kitchen chemicals a care home might use.
Dishwasher detergents
Powerful formulas designed for commercial dishwashers to remove food debris, grease, and residue effectively in a high-volume setting. They can be liquid or powder-based and sometimes include built-in rinse aid or descaler.
Rinse aid
Used in the final rinse cycle to help dishes dry quickly and without streaks or water spots. This ensures glasses and crockery are presented aesthetically and frees up staff resource and time on drying.
Descalers
Descalers remove limescale and mineral buildup from the dishwasher machine, which can affect its performance, hygiene and leave an unpleasant odour.
Commercial oven cleaners
Oven cleaners are a ‘must have’ in every care home kitchen, including smaller properties to eliminate baked-on carbon and grease from ovens and grills, which are available in a spray, foam or gel form.
Staff training and advice
Staff must be properly trained with the different cleaning solutions and detergents before use, including how to handle and store them safely, the use of PPE and cleaning effectively to maximise hygiene.
If you need tips and advice on your care home detergents and chemicals, contact the team at JLA for assistance.
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