Available research shows the virus only lives on fabrics for a short period of time, but, out of an abundance of caution, The Association for Linen Management (ALM) has chosen to compile instructions to best ensure the home wash process is effective for washing personal apparel after being in a setting possibly exposing the wearer to COVID-19.
While the commercial laundry process following CDC guidelines has been tested and proven to provide clean, safe textiles for patients within the hospital environment, the home laundry process deals with myriad differences in fabrics, detergents, wash temperatures, and more.
The new "Interim Guidance for Healthcare Personnel Home Washing Personal Uniform/Scrub Apparel During the COVID-19 Pandemic" is available on ALM's website, under COVID-19 Resources.
The guidance is NOT to be used for laundering any textile provided by employers as personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against a hazard. General work clothes, e.g., uniforms, pants, shirts, or blouses, not intended to function as protection against a hazard are not considered to be PPE.
The full guidance, as well as other COVID-19 textile information, is available on ALM’s COVID-19 Resources page, available at ALMnet.org/COVID-19.
