How to Clean a Hospital Bed Correctly
When patients are being looked after at home, knowing how to clean a hospital bed is a top health concern. A clean bed can help prevent the spread of disease as well as increase the patient's comfort and psychological well-being.
Cleaning a hospital bed involves cleaning all its individual parts thoroughly and regularly. Implementing a regular cleaning routine will help you keep your home hospital bed hygienic and help prevent functional problems from a buildup of oils and dirt.
Important Cleaning Routines for Home Hospital Beds
A thorough hospital bed cleaning procedure will involve looking after the hospital mattress, providing clean sheets, and regularly disinfecting the whole surface of the bed. Keeping hospital beds clean is a process that will require diligence and patience but is of paramount importance to the patient's care.
Make sure you have enough space to effectively clean the bed and the room itself; be sure to measure the hospital bed dimensions to know you have enough space for the bed itself and to clean it properly ahead of hospital bed rental or purchase.
The following procedures should be completed regularly:
Wash Sheets a Minimum of Once Per Week
Ideally, you should wash bed linen at least once a week. This is especially true for patients who are bedridden or who spend a lot of time recuperating in bed. Our bodies shed a lot of organic matter like oils and dead skin when in bed. This can cause the growth and spread of bacteria. Therefore, beds can become unsanitary fairly quickly.
Hospitals in Denver tend to outsource their linen cleaning to professional companies that use specialist products and equipment to thoroughly clean the sheets and pillowcases. Though this isn't realistic at home, you can still do a thorough job using a regular washer and dryer.
How to Wash Your Sheets
Always wish bed linen on the highest heat setting and use good quality detergent. If you are concerned about biohazardous materials on the sheets, washing your sheets in the machine with bleach and detergent will sterilize them. If the patient shows any sign of irritation after washing your sheets with bleach, rinse the sheets thoroughly with cold water. Then, consult a medical professional about the best way to wash the sheets in the future without causing skin irritation.
Wash Your Pillows Too
It's important to wash the pillows regularly as well as the pillowcases and pillow protectors. You should wash the pillowcases and pillow protectors with the sheets. Pillows should be washed every three months if the patient sweats a lot or eats in bed. Otherwise, twice a year is usually sufficient.
Deep-Clean the Mattress Every Six Months
Deep-cleaning the mattress twice a year is also an important hygiene step. As patients often eat in bed as well as sleep, cleaning the mattress carefully ensures that mold, bacteria, and food don’t build up and become hazardous.
Be sure to check the manufacturer's specifications before you clean the mattress as some types of cleaner can damage mattresses. Memory foam mattresses typically shouldn't get wet, for example.
Standard hospital bed mattresses are made from therapeutic foam covered in a vinyl outer layer that’s easy to clean. One hospital bed advantage is that the mattress generally comes with an easy-clean design.
How to Deep-Clean the Mattress
Start by stripping the mattress and washing the bed linen. Then, vacuum the mattress to get rid of any dirt on the surface.
Prepare a solution of soap and water or equal parts hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar and water. Spot clean the mattress, focusing on any stains. You may need to use a stain remover for more stubborn stains. Let your cleaner sit for several minutes before blotting it with cold water and then patting it dry with a paper towel.
Allow the mattress to dry. Some people like to sprinkle the surface of the mattress with baking soda to help kill any bacteria remaining on the mattress, as baking soda has antibacterial properties. Go over the mattress again with a vacuum cleaner to make sure you get rid of any unwanted particles.
What Products Should I Use to Clean a Hospital Mattress?
In a study published by the American Journal of Infection Control, cleaning hospital mattresses with soap and water is recommended before using a chemical disinfectant. These products should then be rinsed off the surface.
It was also noted that disinfectants with a pH of 5-9 should be used. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you don't exceed the disinfectant's appropriate contact time with the mattress.
Caregivers Must Protect Themselves
If you are looking after somebody with a contagious condition, make sure you protect yourself against cross-contamination. When handling soiled bed linen, consider using protective equipment like gloves or a face mask. Transporting sheets in plastic, impermeable bags can also be a good practice.
Tip: Use a Mattress Cover or An Easy-Clean Mattress
Mattress protectors are a great investment when looking after a patient at home. Mattress covers look like fitted sheets and protect mattresses from bodily fluids. The level of protection your mattress cover provides depends on how water-resistant it is:
Water-resistant covers will prevent liquids from penetrating the mattress but may not keep all of the liquids out, especially if there is a lot.
Water-repellant covers repel most liquids before they can soak into the mattress.
Waterproof covers will repel all liquid before it can soak the mattress.
When looking for a mattress cover, consider those coated in an antimicrobial solution. These solutions inhibit the growth of microbes on the mattress’s surface.
Other Considerations
Check your mattress cover regularly to make sure the mattress surface is completely covered and the protector isn't stained or torn. Though mattress covers can be useful with some mattresses, you may not need one if your hospital mattress is easy to clean or comes with its own cover.
Use Pillow Protectors and Change Pillows Every One To Two Years
Much in the same way that a mattress protector works to save your mattress, a pillow protector helps keep your pillows clean. Pillow protectors have the same features as mattress covers, and come in water-resistant, repellant, and waterproof varieties. As a best practice, replace the pillows once a year as they can lose their shape and become less supportive, which can lead to back and neck problems.
Diligent Cleaning Helps to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Complications
When caring for a loved one at home, keeping the patient's room and hospital bed clean must be a top priority. Not only will keeping their environment clean keep them comfortable, but it will also help to prevent hygiene-related health complications.
When establishing a cleaning routine, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to protect the bed and mattress and avoid damaging them. Remember also to look after yourself by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed.