What is the major advantage to choosing covered or enclosed linen carts over an open design?



Multi Shelf Laundry Cart

Depending on the environment in which linen carts will be used either an enclosed or an open design may be the most effective. Obviously the biggest concern will be the need to protect clean linens from exposure to dust, debris or liquids with a particular environment. Typically the enclosed laundry carts are covered with a nylon or vinyl/nylon soft cover. This can be lifted up to expose the contents of the cart and then dropped back down and into place.

Closed carts do not necessarily provide full protection however. Airborne contaminants as well as dust and fine debris can still enter into the cart depending on the type of cover use. Cabinet style enclosed models provide the most significant protection while the soft cloth covers provide good levels of protection in most typical environments.

Typically any linen that is going to be moved around in a building, including a hospital or medical facility, laboratory or patient area should be covered while in transit. This minimizes the risk of contamination as well as keeps linens as clean as possible before use. Of course a covered design also gives you the option to store the clean linen right on the laundry cart until it is needed. This can save time in transferring linens into supply cabinets or cupboards and then back onto a cart at a later time.

What are the typical size options of linen carts and is there a best size?
There are many different sizes of linen carts available. The larger styles enclosed baskets with multiple adjustable shelves are a good option for large facilities or areas where the distance between the laundry and the various rooms or locations in the facility is significant. Larger carts prevent multiple trips. However, larger laundry carts are also more difficult to move through busy hallways and to take in and out of individual rooms. Often a combination of smaller and larger carts is the most effective option. This allows staff to choose the right sized laundry carts for the job to be as efficient as possible.

Multi Section Garment/ Laundry Cart

It is important to keep in mind that the size of the cart is not a factor in how easy it is to push or maneuver. The carts are designed with easy of movement in mind and with larger swivel casters they can be moved across either solid flooring or carpeted areas by staff. Handles also make pushing and turning the cart very easy regardless of weight and size. Larger carts do need more turning room and may not be ideally suited for moving in confined spaces such as elevators or narrow storage rooms.

Understanding the sizes and types of linens that will be moved throughout the facility is important in selecting linen carts. Having carts that are too small for the volume is not efficient or effective. On the other hand very large carts hauling small amounts is not a good use of your budget either. Most facilities will continue to expand so selecting carts both for today's needs as well as the foreseeable future is the best possible option.

In our facility we need options for moving both clean and soiled linen using the same cart. What options should we consider?

When both clean and soiled linen needs to be moved using the same transport cart an excellent choice includes a turnabout cart. This allows you to use it as a bulk bin for soiled laundry and, by flipping down the wire shelves that make up the side wall, it coverts to a multi-shelved cart that can also be used for storing the linen.

The wire shelves and the poly sides can be easily cleaned and disinfected between uses. This eliminates any contamination and, with quick drying materials, there is no time lost during the cleaning process.

What options are available in laundry carts that could be used for both soiled and clean laundry transportation in large facilities?

There are a huge range of different options in transport carts for both soiled and clean laundry and linens. Some of the most popular for small loads and requirements are the wire carts, which are similar to the carts used in many public laundry facilities. They are ideal for moving through hallways and in rooms plus they are designed to be easy on staff for loading an unloading. Often these types of baskets are used in the laundry itself to move loads between the washers and dryers. With their lightweight frame yet large load capacity they are a tried and true option that is very durable for years of use.

For larger bulk movement of all types of linen items a transport basket type of laundry cart is a time saver. These large capacity bins on wheels have enough capacity to remove the linens from several rooms in one easy pass. Smaller options may be made of a variety of different materials including fiberglass, poly and vinyl/nylon laminate on aluminum or aluminum and stainless steel frames. Although slightly heavier than the wire options they are very durable and resistant to any type of damage even with heavy and continual use.

Some of the poly linen carts have an optional hinged lid that allows the cart to be closed between uses or during use. These carts may also be able to tilt, allowing very easy emptying of the contents of the cart at the laundry facility. These carts can also double for other transport of items as needed within a facility provided they do not exceed the recommended weight capacity of the individual cart.

In a different usage situations what is the best option in a laundry cart?

Narrow designs in wire basket carts are an excellent option in very small spaces or when limited movement of laundry is required. These carts will hold a standard load of laundry and, because of their narrow size, are very easily to maneuver in tight spaces. In busy hallways and traffic areas they are a good option since they are narrower than standard types of laundry carts. 

Another option for a limited use type laundry basket is a folding option. This linen cart is on wheels and is easy to move through the facility. When not in use it is folded up to lie flat, allowing it to be stacked against a wall or stored easily in a closet or supply area. It most closely resembles a hamper and can easily be left in a room and picked up when full. This makes these very practical in a wide range of settings including locker rooms, patient rooms, dormitories and kitchens. In addition the bag is easily washed and dried with the laundry, providing a practical way to keep equipment in top shape.

Are there any types of laundry carts that can be safely used in laboratory environments where acids and chemicals may be present on clothing and supplies that will be carried in the cart?

One of the biggest concerns in using standard types of hospital or industrial use linen carts in areas where acids and chemicals are used is that the carts may be damaged or there may be reactions with the cart material. In addition contamination from leaks may spread chemicals throughout the facility if the cart is not designed to prevent leaks. Using fiberglass carts prevents this issue. The fiberglass is resistant to chemical action and, even when acids are present, will not leak, stain or become damaged with exposure. They are also designed with a seamless bottom, ensuring there are no potential weak points in the bin. These carts come in a variety of sizes and options, including an optional soft cover which allows the cart to be easily converted into a storage space for either soiled or clean items.