Apron Care, Maintenance & Inspection
The warranty of the garments is 2 years from the date of the manufacturer. When not in use garments should be placed on a hanger or stored using apron storage solution. Avoid contact with hot surfaces or exposure to direct sunlight. Also avoid contact with sharp objects, as these may damage the garment’s protective core material. For transportation, garments should be carefully rolled up, not folded, and placed into a box or Proguard duffle bag. All of our apron storage options can be found at the end of the apron section.
Proguard Apron Cleaning
It is important to establish a consistent, deep-cleaning schedule to mitigate the risk of pathogen transmission. Please clean the apron immediately after ease use. You can clean most dirt and stains (blood, bodily fluids, barium contrast media) using designated apron cleaning solutions (PDF Sani-cloth AF3 Germicidal Disposable Wipes) or mild household soaps in diluted form. To apply cleaning fluid, please use a cloth or wipe and always use cold water. Please Note: If you’re dealing with biohazardous materials, we recommend using an additional barrier (such as SMS gowns) to protect the apron. Proguard aprons have been tested and approved to be cleaned with alcohol-based cleaners (under 20% concentration of alcohol). We do not recommend using hydrogen-peroxide to clean aprons.
DO NOT: Do not use petroleum-based cleaning solvents or solutions containing bleach. Do not machine wash or dry your apron. Do not use hot or warm water. Do not iron or autoclave.
In-Stock Apron Cleaning
Most dirt and water-soluble stains, including blood, other body fluids and barium contrast media, can be removed using mild household dish washing liquid-type soaps/detergents (eg “Palmolive”, “Dove” etc) in diluted form in cold water, or warm soapy water.
These are best applied by wiping the apron fabric with a cloth or disposable wipe dampened with this aqueous cleaner. Clinell wipes are also suitable.
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For stubborn marks, especially congealed barium contrast medium on a woven surface, the use of a soft scrubbing brush is recommended, using mild detergent liquid.
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For other proprietary cleaners, including combined cleaning/disinfecting agents, avoid the use of alcohol or alcohol-based agents, especially IPA/ethanol, and harsh caustic- or phosphate-based agents.
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Quaternary ammonium cleaners/disinfectants (QATS) are recommended, provided they are substantially alcohol-free and made up in dilute water-based forms. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for make-up/ dilution.
In all cases, the fabric surface should be wiped, rinsed with a water- dampened cloth, and then wiped dry, or aired.
Deodorising agents, such as Febreze, are suitable to clean the inner fabric lining from perspiration and body odors, especially thyroid collars/shields.
Don't
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Don’t iron
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Don’t fold garments or rest them on the back of a chair or rail (stress points)
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Don’t throw garments on the floor
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Don’t dry clean
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Don’t use autoclave
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Don’t use bleach or abrasive agents
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Don’t use alkali detergents
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Don’t use alcohol-based cleaners with more than 20% concentration of alcohol
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Don’t expose to essential oils
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Don’t rest hands in arm holes (Policeman stance)
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Avoid contact with sharp objects as these may penetrate the garment’s protective core
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Avoid contact with hot surfaces or exposure to extreme temperatures (material may heat up and melt layers together)
Do
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Do take off garments between procedures
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Do clean velcro regularly for infection control
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Do screen every 12 months
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Do clean with soap water
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Do hang garments on storage racks provided (both shoulders must be on the hanger/skirt hooks.) Pick up any garments that have fallen on the floor.
Iodine stains (Betadine, Povidine)
Iodine stains are the most difficult to clean, and are best cleaned as soon as possible. Aqueous proprietary iodine cleaners, using sodium thiosulfate to oxidize out the color, should be used.
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“Fade-A-Dyne”, a USA equivalent (Russ Medical, NC, USA) which contains aggressive acetone and IPA is NOT recommended.
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In application, do not spray the iodine cleaner directly on the surface of the apron; it is better if the iodine cleaner is first sprayed on a cloth and wiped on the stain.
In all cases, the fabric surface should be wiped and rinsed with a water-dampened cloth and then wiped dry.
Disinfection
Proguard aprons have been tested and approved to be cleaned with alcohol-based cleaners (under 20% concentration of alcohol). We do not recommend using hydrogen-peroxide to clean aprons.
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Information regarding specific bacterial, fungal and virocidal efficacy, required dilutions, preparation, and time can be obtained from the manufacturers’ websites.
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As with cleaning, the preferred procedure is to use a cloth or a disposable wipe dampened with the disinfectant.
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If a lengthier time is required for bacterial kill, the cloth or wipe may be left in contact for the required period.
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In all cases, the fabric surface should be wiped and rinsed with a water-dampened cloth or disposable wipe and then allowed to dry.
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Do not autoclave or use gamma irradiation for sterilizing. Contact Proguard for unusual ETO/gas sterilizing limits (long cycle, < 110 F).
Approved Cleaners
List of approved QAT or active oxygen proprietary disinfectants/cleaners (USA/Europe/global):
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“Clorox Pro Quaternary All-purpose Disinfectant 30182, CLO 30423”
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“Decon BDD Bacdown” (Decon Labs USA)
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“Fiberlock IAQ 2000” Fiberlock Technologies (USA)
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“Antifect FF” at dilution < 2% Schulke & Mayr, DE
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“Terralin Protect” at max 2% Schulke DE; avoid use of Terralin liquid and Terralin PAA
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“Terralin Perform” Schulke DE (active oxygen)
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“Lysol IC Quaternary Disinfectant” Reckitt Benckiser
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Medtrol “CTW”, CTG 175, 140 Clini-Tech
Apron Inspection
Regular inspections of the garment, at least annually, are recommended, using radiographic or fluoro operating at 70-90 kV. Lines may indicate cracks; dots may be pinholes, (seen as dark on film, clear on fluoro) – consult your RPS/RPA.
Apron Warranty Information
All aprons are covered by a two year warranty against defects in the core material or workmanship. Customer mishandling of products is not covered under warranty. These include but are not limited to the following: melting of apron due to heat exposure, exposure to essential oils, puncture holes through the nylon and core material of apron caused by a sharp object, and submersion of apron for cleaning purposes.
