Arkansas Long Term Care Administrator Practice Exam

Can bed linens and clothing be washed together with tablecloths?

1. Yes, to save water

2. No, they must be washed separately

3. Yes, as long as they are similar colors

4. No, tablecloths must be done outside

The correct answer is: No, they must be washed separately

Washing bed linens and clothing together with tablecloths is not advisable primarily due to infection control and hygiene standards in long-term care settings. Different items can harbor various bacteria and contaminants. Bed linens and clothing are often associated with personal care and hygiene, whereas tablecloths may come into contact with food and thus must be handled with specific sanitary considerations to prevent cross-contamination. Further, washing these items separately helps to maintain the integrity of the fabrics and ensures that cleaning agents effectively address the specific types of contaminants found in each category. For instance, bed linens and clothing may require a different wash cycle or temperature than tablecloths, which could risk damaging these items if washed together. Therefore, keeping these materials separate supports both cleanliness and compliance with health regulations in care environments.