Reasons for Change

Although change is never easy, the environmental staff worked with custodial supervisors to communicate the personal benefits of using microfiber mops in place of a conventional mop. There were two characteristics that helped alleviate the concerns of the custodial staff. First, the microfiber mops weigh approximately five pounds less than conventional wet loop mops, making them much easier to use. Second, the microfiber mop head is changed after every room is mopped, benefiting the custodial staff in two ways: 1) the effort of wringing a conventional mop is eliminated, and 2) as long as the used mop head is not put back in the cleaning solution, the custodian does not have to change the solution between rooms. The latter feature was particularly attractive, as a full bucket of cleaning solution can weigh 30 pounds or more and has to be lifted an average of seven times a day. Both characteristics have significantly reduced labor costs. Moreover, because the same mop water is not being shared between rooms, microfiber mopping virtually eliminates the cross-contamination risk that floor mopping can pose for patients.

To address concerns regarding the effectiveness of the microfiber mops, the environmental staff performed demonstrations in which an area would first be cleaned with a conventional mop and then re-cleaned with a microfiber mop. In each case, the microfiber mop would capture more dust and dirt. However, when the same test was done in reverse order, the conventional mop was not able to capture more dust and dirt beyond the capabilities of the microfiber mop.

Cost comparisons between conventional wet loop mops and microfiber mops for UC Davis Medical Center.

*Vendors guarantee microfiber mop heads for 500 washings; UCDMC typically used mop heads for over 1, 000 washings.

**Vendors estimate conventional wet loop mops to last 55 washings; UCDMC replaced them after 200 washings.

Microfiber mops use 95% less water and chemicals