Hospitals today face growing pressure to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), improve efficiency, and support frontline staff. Yet many still rely on pre-moistened clinical wipes as their main cleaning solution.
The problem? Research shows wipes are falling short. They lose effectiveness after covering just one to two square feet and can spread bacteria to as many as eight additional surfaces when reused. In fast-paced hospital environments, that adds up to unnecessary risk.
Each year in the U.S., 1.7 million patients acquire an HAI, with nearly 99,000 deaths. Evidence also shows that 20–40% of HAIs are linked to cross-infection from contaminated surfaces, and patients admitted to contaminated rooms are five to six times more likely to contract an infection.
That’s why leading facilities are turning to Rubbermaid Commercial HYGEN™ Disposable Microfibre Cloths—a smarter, evidence-backed alternative that delivers superior cleaning, efficiency, and safety.
Wipes may appear convenient, but in practice, they create more problems than they solve in clinical settings:
Limited coverage: A single wipe typically covers only 1–2 sq. ft. before performance drops off.
Cross-contamination risk: Reusing wipes can transfer microbes from one surface to up to 8 others.
Chemical dependence: Most wipes rely on disinfectants that require long dwell times, conditions that are rarely met during routine cleaning.
Reduced efficacy: Even small amounts of soil or organic matter can weaken disinfectants, increasing the spread of pathogens.
In environments where surface hygiene is critical, these flaws can undermine an entire infection control strategy. Instead of protecting patients and staff, wipes often make it easier for harmful microbes to persist and spread.
➡️ Explore the research that’s driving industry change – Download the White Paper.
HYGEN™ Disposable Microfibre Cloths are designed to outperform wipes on every level. Instead of depending solely on chemicals, they use advanced microfibre technology to physically trap and remove microbes at the microscopic level.
Key benefits include:
Proven infection prevention – removes 99.79% or more of tested pathogens with water only, including SARS-CoV-2, MRSA, Candida auris, C. diff, and P. aeruginosa.
More coverage, fewer cloths – each cloth cleans larger areas, reducing consumption.
Reduced cross-contamination – pathogens are trapped in fibres, not spread between surfaces.
Compatible with hospital protocols – works with common disinfectants, including Quat, Bleach, and Hydrogen Peroxide.
The result? Safer surfaces, fewer risks, and stronger infection prevention.
For hospitals under pressure, efficiency is non-negotiable. Disposable Microfibre Cloths deliver measurable gains where it matters most:
Faster cleaning – trials show a 19% reduction in daily clean times and 27% reduction in terminal cleans.
Lower chemical use – hospitals reported a 47% reduction in chemical consumption after switching.
Staff confidence – Environmental Services teams overwhelmingly preferred the HYGEN™ system, citing easier use and better results.
In addition to time and cost savings, efficiency directly impacts patient experience. Faster, more consistent cleaning ensures rooms are available more quickly for new admissions, reduces downtime for critical areas, and reassures patients and families that infection prevention is being taken seriously.
Staffing shortages are a reality across healthcare, with 70–90% of hospitals reporting severe gaps in Environmental Services (EVS) and nursing teams. This increases the risk of inconsistent cleaning and cross-contamination. By simplifying workflows, reducing chemical reliance, and covering more surface area with fewer cloths, Disposable Microfibre Cloths ease the pressure on overstretched staff—helping hospitals maintain high infection control standards even when resources are limited.
Unlike wipes, which drive ongoing waste and procurement costs, Disposable Microfibre offers better long-term value:
• Fewer cloths required thanks to superior coverage.
• Reduced chemical reliance lowers cost and exposure.
• Proven sustainability benefits with less waste compared to wipes.
Hospitals are under increasing pressure to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Moving away from wipes reduces landfill contributions and chemical consumption, aligning infection prevention with sustainability strategies. Over time, this not only supports compliance but also enhances the hospital's reputation as a leader in responsible healthcare.
Rubbermaid Commercial’s HYGEN™ Disposable Microfibre Cloths set the new standard for hospital cleaning.
Removes 99.99% of tested viruses and bacteria with water only.
Colour-coded to reduce cross-contamination.
Compatible with the disinfectants you already use.
Up to two times more coverage than traditional reusable options.
Built-in zig-zag scrubbers to tackle dirt and debris.
See more here: HYGEN™ Disposable Microfibre Cloth, 640 Pack
Clinical wipes have been the default for many years, but their limitations are now well established. Short-lived effectiveness, chemical reliance, and the potential for cross-contamination make them a less reliable choice for today’s hospital environments.
Disposable Microfibre Cloths offer a practical, evidence-based alternative. With superior pathogen removal, greater coverage, and proven efficiency gains, they help hospitals strengthen infection prevention while supporting staff to work more effectively.
For hospitals focused on reducing risk and improving patient safety, moving beyond wipes represents not just a change in products, but a step toward higher, more consistent standards of care.
Download the Disposable Microfibre White Paper to see the research and evidence behind why hospitals are moving beyond wipes.
Explore our product range:
