Partner with OEM to optimize your processes
In healthcare laundry, infection prevention starts long before clean linens reach the patient. It begins with a scientifically engineered, tightly controlled process that ensures soiled textiles are cleaned, disinfected, and returned free of microbial contamination. Partnering with an experienced OEM like Braun helps healthcare providers optimize their laundry operations for infection control at every step.
Why Infection Control Matters in Healthcare Laundry
Healthcare providers have a responsibility to deliver hygienically clean linen to the facilities and patients they serve. However, maintaining microbial-free textiles requires strict adherence to processing protocols from the moment soiled linen leaves the facility to the time it’s returned clean. Each stage—sorting, washing, drying, finishing, and transport—presents its own risks for cross-contamination if not carefully managed.
Scientific principles play a critical role in ensuring that laundering environments and equipment do not become sources of microbial growth. That’s why infection control starts with proper laundry facility design, operational discipline, preventive maintenance, and process validation—all grounded in time-tested, evidence-based methods.
The Role of OEMs in Infection Control
As an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Braun plays a key role in helping laundries reduce infection risks. Our equipment is engineered with infection control in mind—utilizing proven material science, chemical compatibility, and operational design to support high-performance processing environments.
Braun’s commitment is to deliver solutions that are durable, easy to maintain, and scientifically validated—not just driven by marketing claims. Whether it’s healthcare laundry or any other high-risk environment, our goal is to provide equipment that delivers consistent, hygienic results across all applications.
Understanding the Science: The Wash Pie Explained
Proper linen processing depends on four key variables: time, temperature, mechanical action, and chemistry—collectively known as the Wash Pie. These variables must be balanced for effective cleaning and disinfection.
Failing to maintain this balance may lead to:
- Poor wash quality and high rewash rates
- Inadequate rinsing or neutralization
- Linen discoloration and shortened lifespan
- Excessive chemical usage and environmental impact
Braun equipment is designed to support the optimal wash pie configuration, ensuring efficient processing without compromising quality or safety.
Batch Tunnel Washers & Infection Control: Braun’s Differentiation
Batch tunnel washers have become a focus in infection prevention due to their high productivity and unique processing characteristics. However, if not properly designed or maintained, they can become liabilities for microbial growth.
Braun’s batch tunnel washers are uniquely engineered to mitigate these risks:
- Mono-Shell Open Helicoid™ Design: Offers pocket-like mechanical action and self-cleaning throughout each cycle.
- All-Stainless-Steel Construction: Non-porous surfaces reduce the risk of biofilm buildup.
- No Dead Spaces: Continuous mechanical cleaning prevents microbial accumulation.
- No Stagnant Baths or Outer Drums: Eliminates areas where bacteria can grow.
- Peroxide-Cured Seals: Exceptional resistance to temperature, chemical exposure, and microbial growth.
- Accessible Components: Easy cleaning and maintenance access ensures ongoing compliance.
- Integrated Heating Systems: Supports a wide range of chemical and sanitation requirements.
- Advanced Data Management: Real-time monitoring of process parameters ensures accountability and validation.
End-to-End Infection Prevention Requires Teamwork
Even with state-of-the-art laundry equipment, infection control is only effective when supported by strong operational discipline. Laundries must ensure:
- Proper facility layout and air flow
- Rigorous separation of clean and soiled zones
- Routine validation of cleanliness and compliance
- Controlled inputs across all stages of the process
It’s important to remember: dryers and ironers should not be relied upon to kill pathogens. True infection prevention starts with managing inputs and process controls, not simply hoping downstream equipment will “clean up the process.”
Consult Your OEM Partner – Maximize Your Infection Control Strategy
At Braun, we encourage healthcare laundries to engage with their OEM partner regularly. Leverage our decades of experience in equipment design and infection control science to get the most out of your operation.
While this article focuses on healthcare laundry, the principles of infection control apply to hostelería, corrections, military, and other high-demand laundry markets.
Science, innovation, and operational excellence are the cornerstones of effective infection control—and at Braun, we’re committed to helping you achieve it.