Crypton is Bleach Cleanable
Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) has long been known for causing irreversible damage
to textile fabrics. Crypton’s solution dyed acrylic fibers used for
indoor/outdoor applications can safely be specified, but it is important to
know you can also specify any polyester Crypton
selections when it comes to placement for healthcare and hospitality use as
well when bleach may be encountered. Some hospitals and extended care
facilities have decided to do all daily cleaning with bleach
solutions, and this can cause color loss issues on wallcoverings, cubicle
curtains, carpets and upholstery fabrics.
For some specific healthcare concerns, such as C Difficile, a spore that
requires bleach cleaning, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) instructions
require a10 percent bleach, 90 percent water mixture to effectively kill the
growth. Any 100 % polyester Crypton will safely withstand such cleaning,
and there will not be any color loss after allowing the mixture to remain on
the surface for the required 10-minute dwell time. Make sure to
thoroughly rinse the solution after cleaning using standard extraction
equipment, because great damage can occur from the crystallization of the
bleach where it encounters a non stable dye. If there is a question as to
what type of fabric to specify that will be safe with bleach cleaning, please
feel free to contact us at 1.800.CRYPTON for additional help.
Crypton also manufactures an extraction machine that features a reduced water
pressure sprayer, along with a vacuum motor that creates greater cfm (cubic
feet per minute) of air movement to help dry the fabric surface. This
machine, called Ruby , is engineered to thoroughly rinse
the fabric without over-wetting the surface.
Most healthcare accounts use quaternary disinfectants to clean their
facilities. These ammonium chloride compounds can be used on Crypton
fabric, but always be sure to look for quaternary disinfectant products that
are lower in soap with pH levels near that of water. More facilities
today are cleaning with bleach and water to simplify cleaning operations, so
more surfaces in the patient room and waiting rooms are susceptible to
experiencing color change or loss.
When you are specifying for high probability bleach use areas like pediatrics,
geriatrics and even emergency rooms…be sure to specify 100% polyester
Crypton. Other competitive fabrics use a film to accomplish their
“barrier” but these films can be affected by hospital
disinfectants, solvent cleaners and even certain water based cleaners leaving
the cushion unprotected.
So relax…you can specify Crypton with confidence. Call us to see when we might
be holding a Crypton Care and Maintenance Seminar near you!
1.800.CRYPTON
www.cryptonfabric.com
www.cryptoncare.com