Program Results

UCDMC first used the microfiber mops in a pilot test beginning in summer 1999, and within one year it completely replaced conventional loop mops with the microfiber alternative in all patient care areas. The program resulted in three measurable economic benefits:

• 60% lifetime cost savings for mops
• 95% reduction in chemical costs associated with mopping tasks
• 20% labor savings per day

The initial cost to implement the program was significant, as a microfiber mop costs over three times more than a conven-tional loop mop. However, the manufacturer guarantees the microfiber mop head for 500 washings, while a conventional mop typically withstands only 55 washings, giving the microfiber mop a comparatively low lifetime cost. Although UCDMC uses quaternary ammonium chloride solution for other applications, switching to the microfiber mopping system reduced the amount of the chemical purchased by 46 percent, from 513 gallons in 1999 to 283 gallons in 2000. Also, because the microfiber mops are easier and faster to use, UCDMC saved 638 hours per year for each worker, or approximately $7, 665 in wages.

Three other economic benefits are less easily quantified and will vary by location: 1) cost savings from decreased water use, 2) reduced workers' compensation claims, and 3) potential construction savings from eliminated need for mop sinks in janitor's closets. Because janitors no longer change cleaning solution every third room, UCDMC cut its water use for mop-ping by 95%. Another benefit that has become apparent is the cost savings from reduced workers' compensation claims. UCDMC management has determined that the microfiber mops are easy enough to use that janitors placed on "light duty" because of an injury are tasked with mopping floors. However, because of the variety of claims made and the inconsistent associated costs, UCDMC has been unable to quantify the cost savings from reduced claims. Lastly, since microfiber mops eliminate the need to frequently change cleaning solution and rinse mop heads, the need for a mop sink in janitor's closets is eliminated. This should be taken into consideration when new facilities are built or existing facilities are remodeled.

Limitations

UCDMC does not use the microfiber mops in areas contaminated with an extraordinary amount of blood or other body fluid, including certain areas of the emergency and operating rooms. In these cases, UCDMC personnel use conventional loop mops. The microfiber mops are also not used in greasy, high-traffic kitchen areas; rather, UCDMC continues to use mechanical floor cleaning machines in these areas.

The microfiber mop heads cannot be laundered in industrial washers and dryers, as the heat settings are often too high and can damage the material. To address this issue, UCDMC estab-lished a cooperative agreement with Mercy General Hospital (which also uses microfiber mops), to launder the mop heads in house. Mercy General Hospital uses a standard commercial washer and dryer with controlled heat settings and standard laundry detergent. The vendor advises against using chlorine bleach, which can degrade the material, and discourages washing microfiber mops with other non-microfiber materials.

How many mops do you need?

Because a clean microfiber mop head must be used in each patient room, UCDMC learned that it is important to consider the amount of time required to launder the mop heads when determining how many to purchase. If this factor is not properly evaluated, instances could occur where not enough clean micro-fiber mop heads are available for the day's cleaning routine.

Simply put, the longer the turnaround time for laundering the mop heads, the more mop heads needed. UCDMC learned that room size affects the number of mop heads needed. Because a microfiber mop is not dipped back in the cleaning solution once the mop has been used, larger rooms may require more than one mop head. Mercy General Hospital has implemented another way to add more moisture and cleaning solution with-out causing cross-contamination concerns: their janitorial staff carries a spray bottle of cleaning solution to use on stubborn spots or to provide additional moisture.

This fact sheet was produced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 Pollution Prevention Program. Mention of trade names, products, or services does not convey, and should not be interpreted as conveying, official EPA approval, endorsement, or recommendation.

UCDMC Case Study:
Environmental
Service Department
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