Span America - Cleaning Recommendations English (P10256 Rev 6)
RECOMMENDED CLEANERS
Suggested cleaners for all surfaces:
- Quaternary Cleaners (active ingredient-ammonium chloride)
- Phenolic Cleaners (active ingredient- o- phenylphenol).
- Chlorinated Bleach Solution (5.25%-1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
Avoid over saturation and ensure the product does not stay wet longer than the chemical manufacturer’s guidelines for proper disinfecting.
RECOMMENDED CLEANING METHOD
- Hand-wash all surfaces of the mattress with warm water and mild detergent cleaner.
- Dry thoroughly.
- Apply disinfectant solution either by spray, solution or pre-impregnated wipes (do not soak mattress).
- Clean per hospital protocol for mattresses.
- Wipe up excess disinfectant.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Allow surface to dry.
RECOMMENDED DISINFECTANTS
IMPORTANT: DILUTE ALL DISINFECTANTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH MANUFACTURER’S DIRECTIONS
When used in concentrations recommended by the manufacturer, diluted bleach, diluted phenolic or diluted quaternary germicidal disinfectants are recommended. Chlorine Bleach, typically 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite, should be used at a dilution ratio of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
RINSE OFF CORROSIVE CLEANERS
To protect your warranty, you must utilize an approved cleaner from our list and properly rinse all cleaning agents and disinfecting chemicals after application.
Over time, even approved cleaning solutions may cause damage to the integrity of the fabrics used on medical mattresses and support surfaces. Cleaning agents that are strong enough to be efficacious cleaners and disinfectants may cause degradation of the same fabrics on which they are being used.
To minimize the negative impact of those cleaning agents and to maximize the usable life of medical mattress covers; one needs to pay attention to the dwell time, or time when the cleaning solution is in contact with the fabric. This must be monitored and kept to the required time identified on the manufacturer’s instructions.
CO# 2215 P10256, Rev. 6
These products are NOT considered mild detergents. If the area being cleaned is simply wiped dry with a towel or allowed to air dry following the cleaning process, the solution itself will remain on the fabric surface and will continue to degrade the fabric. Every time the cover fabric is disinfected without being thoroughly rinsed with clean water, more residual chemicals are left behind to potentially damage the integrity of the fabric and negate the warranty.
CAUTION: Improper cleaning and rinsing and incorrect use of cleaning agents can lead to premature fabric discoloration, fluid-resistance, and fabric strength and will void the product warranty.
Iodophor type disinfectants are not recommended for use because staining may result.
In general, all three of our basic cover fabrics (Lifespan ® Stretch, Barrier, and Coverlet) can be used with the following cleaner/disinfectant types:
- PhenolicQuaternaryHydrogen Peroxide*AlcoholSodium Hypochlorite (bleach)**
**High concentration of active chlorine may have a negative effect on PU-coated fabrics. Please use diluted concentrations and rinse the cover extensively with water.
*Check product label. Concentrations greater than 0.5% and/or the presence of other active ingredients (example: benzyl alcohol) can prematurely undermine the integrity of the cover coating, especially when not rinsed after application. Use of these products is therefore not recommended.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
DO NOT STEAM CLEAN, PRESSURE WASH, HOSE OFF ORULTRASONICALLY CLEAN MATTRESSES.
Using these methods of cleaning are not recommended and may void this product’s warranty.
CO# 2215 P10256, Rev. 6
Examples of some approved cleaners are in the table below.
This list is not intended to be all inclusive nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by Span-America Medical Systems, Inc. of any product.
DISFENCTANTS APPLIED AT FULL CONCENTRATION OR IN HIGHLY CONCENTRATED SOLUTIONS WILL DECREASE THE USEFUL LIFE OF FABRICS.
The information contained in this bulletin is believed to be reliable. It is offered in good faith and intended for use as a general guide. Span-America Medical Systems, Inc. makes no guarantee of results and assumes no obligation whatsoever in connection with the use of this information.