To the Editor—I read with interest the letter “Smarter cleaning is safer for health” by EE GillespieReference Gillespie1 in this journal. Although the motive behind ‘chemical-free’ cleaning is laudable, the approach needs a closer look. Repeated laundering of microfiber-based fabrics (MFBFs) will add chemicals to the liquid waste stream. Such laundering will also increase water consumption, potentially negating the water saved in cleaning. In addition, proper decontamination of MFBFs is more difficult due to their microstructure.Reference Wiencek2 The use of disposable microfiber fabrics may be an option, but their routine disposal will contribute to the load of nonbiodegradable materials in the solid-waste stream.
Assumedly, municipally treated tap water was used in the reported ‘chemical-free’ process. Although the primary objective of adding disinfectant chemicals (eg, chlorine or monochloramine) to tap water is to make it potable, residues of such chemicals may contribute to the pathogen reductions recorded. This factor could be checked using distilled water or tap water with no disinfectant residual, though the use of such water may compromise the field relevance of the regular surface decontamination process.
Undoubtedly, the physical action of wiping environmental surfaces can enhance their decontamination.Reference Sattar3 However, wiping with no or an ineffective disinfectant also runs the risk of spreading localized pathogen contamination over a wider area.Reference Sattar and Maillard4 Therefore, proper wiping using an effective, safe, and compatible disinfectant may be more desirable. Formulations based on oxidizers (with or without halogens) can be fast acting, broad spectrum, surface compatible, and residue free while being safe for humans and the environment.Reference Sattar, Bradley, Kibbee, Wesgate, Wilkinson, Sharpe and Maillard5 Combining the use of such chemicals with biodegradable or compostable wipes would further enhance their sustainability and overall acceptance.
Recognition of high-touch environmental surfaces (HITES) as vehicles of healthcare-associated pathogens is increasing,Reference Weber, Anderson and Rutala6 and subsequently, the emphasis on their proper decontamination for infection prevention and control is also increasing. Despite the recent advances in environmental decontamination (eg, no-touch technologies), wiping remains an essential and universal means of reducing the risk of spread of HITES-carried pathogens. Therefore, our focus must be on efficient and sustainable ways of achieving HITES decontamination using wiping with properly formulated oxidizers and biodegradable applicators.
