Guidance

Linen processing within adult social care: information sheet

Published 14 August 2023

Main messages

In the summer bacteria can grow on linen faster because of higher temperatures. However, appropriate handling of linen can decrease the risk of infection from contaminated linen.

Adult social care providers must ensure the national guidelines on correct handling of linen are in place and follow the advice outlined in this document.

Who this document is for

This information sheet is aimed at adult social care providers in England.

What you should do

The steps you can take to reduce the risk of linen becoming contaminated are outlined in national guidance.

To reduce the risk to your residents it is important that your local policies and procedures for the management of linen are based on this national guidance. They should be followed by everyone working within your setting.

In all settings

For all linen in all settings ensure you:

• always keep clean and used linen separate
• store clean linen above floor level, in a clean, cool, dry place
• maintain stock rotation of linen, with the oldest linen used first

A cleaning schedule should be in place for all areas used in the reprocessing of linen including the laundry room, clean linen storage, and used linen storage. This is to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and the build-up of dust.

Figure 1 provides an overview of the main steps to take.

Figure 1: Linen and laundry practices.

Adapted from Prevention and control of infection in care homes, Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England, published February 2013.

Linen and laundry

The provision of clean linen is a fundamental requirement of care.

Incorrect handling and storage of linen can pose an infection hazard.

Care homes use a variety of different laundry systems and equipment, therefore it is important to understand the system being used and why.

Washed

Items should only be washed in a dedicated laundry room, using your current process.

Used

Used linen and clothing must always be kept in laundry bags or baskets and not loose on the floor.

Handling

When handling laundry you should always wear gloves and an apron and carry out hand hygiene.

Segregate

It is the responsibility of the person handling linen to ensure it is segregated appropriately.

Storage

Clean linen is to be stored in a dry area above floor level. It must not be stored with used linen.

Trolleys

Separate trolleys should be used for clean, used and soiled laundry to avoid cross-contamination.

Linen cleaned off-site

If your used linen is cleaned off-site ensure you:

• remove clean linen from plastic bags when you receive it as this will reduce the risk of spore growth
• store used linen for the shortest time possible before transportation

Linen cleaned in-house

If your used linen is cleaned in-house:

• make sure there is a clear separation of clean and dirty areas within the laundry room
• make sure there is clear separation of clean and dirty linen in the workflow
• make sure there is no manual sluice facility or sluicing basin in the laundry area
• store clean linen separate from the laundry area where used linen is laundered or stored
• store used linen for the shortest time possible before washing

Further information

Information on laundry practices is available in the prevention and control of infection in care homes summary for staff.

A more detailed description of the handling of linen in care homes can be found in prevention and control of infection in care homes information resource.

The Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 01-04 gives guidance for those who process linen used in health and adult social care settings, with a specific document being available on decontamination of linen within social care settings.

The Health and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance outlines how registered providers can ensure that the storage, supply and provision of linen and laundry are appropriate for the level and type of care.