Healthcare textiles are fabric items such as linens, healthcare employee clothing, patient gowns, surgical drapes, and privacy curtains. Textiles that become contaminated with blood and other body fluids are recognized as significant reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms.There is a lack of large-scale epidemiological research studies demonstrating an association between healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and contaminated textiles; however, case studies have linked outbreaks of infectious diseases to inadequate infection prevention and control (IPC) practices during the laundering process. Adherence to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control and compliance with the mandated requirements in the Occupational Standards and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard reduces the risk of disease transmission to patients and healthcare personnel (HCP). Ref 113-1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities. Recommendations fro... - You do not have permission to view this object. ,Ref 113-2 Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Bloodborne pathogens. 29 CFR 1910.1030. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/part-1910/se... - You do not have permission to view this object. ,Ref 113-3 Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Bloodborne pathogens and needlestick prevention. https://www.osha.gov/bloodborne-pathogens... - You do not have permission to view this object.  Every stage of the laundering process plays a crucial role in ensuring that textiles are safe for patient use. The key elements in the laundering process include water temperature, type of detergents, disinfectant (i.e., sodium hypochlorite [chlorine bleach]), rinsing, and finishing. The process is supplemented by the application of best practices to ensure the cleanliness of textiles during the collection, transportation, and storage phases until it reaches the end user. Adhering to established guidelines and best practices at each step helps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination and ensure that textiles are clean, disinfected, and safe for patients.