INDIANAPOLIS – In the fight against healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), hard surface disinfection is not enough. Dangerous pathogens can lurk on all types of surfaces in healthcare environments, including soft surfaces like privacy curtains. Recent findings show that 92 percent of hospital privacy curtains are contaminated one week after laundering, yet 37 percent of facilities report that they only launder privacy curtains when they are visibly soiled. If left unattended, contaminated soft surfaces can undermine a healthcare facility’s infection control protocols and pose infection risks for patients, staff and visitors. 

Finally, there is a simple solution for eliminating microorganisms from healthcare soft surfaces. Clorox Healthcare Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectants are U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered to kill microorganisms on hard and soft surfaces.* Healthcare facilities trust Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectants to disinfect hard surfaces quickly, and now they also kill bacteria on soft surfaces in 30 seconds. The products can be used on high-touch soft surfaces such as privacy curtains, chairs, couches, rugs, cushions and mattresses.

 "Stopping the spread of infection-causing pathogens in the healthcare environment is a top priority for infection prevention professionals, but while hard surface disinfectants are widely available, no simple solution for soft surfaces has been introduced,” said Lynda Lurie, marketing manager, Clorox Professional Products Company. “With the new soft surface EPA-registration of Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectants, healthcare professionals finally have a two-in-one solution for quickly killing microorganisms on both hard and soft surfaces to help stop the spread of infection-causing pathogens, wherever they may be."

 In addition, Clorox Healthcare has introduced new and improved Citrace Hospital Disinfectant & Deodorizer, which is also EPA-registered to kill bacteria on soft surfaces in just 30 seconds. Citrace Hospital Disinfectant & Deodorizer disinfects hard surfaces, deodorizes, and kills bacteria on high-touch, soft surfaces such as curtains, chairs, lab coats†, linens and mouse pads. 

 Soft surface decontamination in healthcare environments is a hot educational topic at this year’s AHE EXCHANGE Annual Conference. Most infection prevention protocols focus on hand hygiene, contact precautions and hard surface disinfection without addressing soft surface decontamination. However, bacteria can survive on soft surfaces, like polyester and cotton, for up to 90 days, putting patients, families and staff at risk.

 "Studies have shown that soft surfaces are sources of microbial contamination which could aid in pathogen transmission,” said Dr. Kelly Reynolds, MSPH, PhD, researcher and associate professor in the College of Public Health at the University of Arizona. “In my extensive research on the topic, I’ve found that regularly treating fabrics and upholstered furniture with a product that is EPA-registered to kill bacteria on soft surfaces can help to minimize patient and healthcare worker infection risks."

To learn more about Clorox Healthcare® soft surface solutions, visit www.CloroxHealthcare.com/SoftSurface.

About Clorox Professional Products Company 

Clorox Professional Products Company, a division of The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX), offers some of the industry's most recognized brand names for the commercial, cleaning and infection prevention industries. Whether it is hospitals, offices, restaurants, schools, hotels or other commercial facilities, Clorox Professional Products Company is committed to meeting the demands of industry professionals. For more information, visit www.CloroxProfessional.com.