• This guideline provides information on the safe laundering of staff clinical uniforms at home.

This is a controlled document. If you are using a printed copy, check it against the guidelines site to ensure you are using the latest edition. Print copies must be destroyed after use.

1.1 Wash uniform separately from other items.

1.2 Hand washing uniforms is ineffective and unacceptable, uniforms should be machine washed (RCN 2020).

1.3 Wash at the hottest temperature recommended on the care label of the clothing.

1.4 The type of laundry washing powder/ liquid used is not important, but it must be used at the quantity recommended by the manufacturer.

1.5 Tumble drying and/or ironing are recommended (Patel et al 2006) to reduce bacterial count.

1.6 Uniform should be stored in a clean location.

1.7 A clean uniform must be worn daily. Please inform your line manager if you do not have sufficient uniforms to allow this.

1.8 If uniform becomes grossly soiled with blood or body fluid while at work, please send the item to be laundered by the hospital laundry contractor. The items should be first sealed in a hot water-soluble alginate bag prior to placing in a blue outer bag.

NB: Items must be labelled (complete a laundry list) and can take at least a week to return.

NHS England 2020 Uniforms and workwear: guidance for NHS employers. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Uniforms-and-Workwear-Guidance-2-April-2020.pdf

Patel SN, Murray-Leonard J, Wilson AP 2006 Laundering of hospital staff uniforms at home Journal of Hospital Infection 62 (1): 89-93.

Perry C, Marshall R, Jones E. 2001 Bacterial contamination of uniforms Journal of Hospital Infection 48 (3): 238-241.

Wilson JA, Loveday HP, Hoffman PN, Pratt RJ 2007 Uniform: an evidence review of the microbiological significance of uniforms and uniform policy in the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections. Report to the DH Journal of Hospital Infection 66 (4): 301-307.

This guideline has been registered with the Trust. However, clinical guidelines are guidelines only. The interpretation and application of clinical guidelines will remain the responsibility of the individual clinician. If in doubt, contact a senior colleague or expert. Caution is advised when using guidelines after the review date. This guideline is for use in Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust hospitals only. Any use outside this location will not be supported by the Trust and will be at the risk of the individual using it.

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