Laundry bags

Laundry Bags for Healthcare, Hospitals, Hotels, and Dry Cleaning

Laundry bags collect used textiles right where they are generated and keep them together until they reach the laundry facility. In hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, dry cleaners, and medical practices, they allow for the separate collection, transport, and handover of bed linens, towels, or work uniforms. Within the laundry accessories category, laundry bags are specifically designed for the collection and transport of larger volumes of laundry.

The product range includes reusable bags made of polyester, polypropylene, or jute, as well as water-soluble laundry bags and labeled bags for infectious laundry. Key factors in selecting the right bag include material, size, closure, and whether the bag is washed along with the laundry or emptied first.

Features and Benefits of Laundry Bags

Laundry bags bundle laundry into a closed container that can be carried, hung on a rack, or placed in a cart. Depending on the model, the material, volume, and features vary significantly, ensuring that suitable options are available for different workflows.

Typical features and benefits include:

• separate collection of dirty laundry directly at the source
• Materials such as polyester, polypropylene, jute, or water-soluble film, depending on the model
• Capacities ranging from smaller bags to large laundry bags holding 190 liters
• Closures such as drawstrings, toggle closures, eyelets, or zippers, depending on the design
• Color-coded options for sorting by laundry type or area
• Reusable bags as well as disposable options

Which of these features apply in each specific case depends on the model and is specified on the product page.

Which laundry bags are suitable for which applications?

For contaminated laundry and work clothing in hospitals and nursing facilities, for example, the DEISS Premium® Infection Laundry Bag 93008, 85 liters, is suitable. It is made of yellow-transparent recycled LDPE film with the imprint “INFEKTIONSWÄSCHE,” measures 640 x 1000 mm, and, according to the manufacturer, comes in rolls of 20.

Where a sturdy, reusable bag with a large capacity is needed—such as in hotels, guesthouses, or by cleaning services—the VERMOP jute bag with 4 eyelets (190 L) is a good choice. The jute bag holds 190 liters and can be hung or secured using the four eyelets.

If dirty laundry needs to go directly into the machine without being transferred, the Novocal transparent, hot-water-soluble laundry bags (600 x 1000 mm, soluble at 45°C and above) are a good option. They are washed along with their contents and, according to the manufacturer, dissolve at 45°C and above; recommended uses include hospitals, nursing homes, and laundries.

What should you look for when buying laundry bags?

The starting point is what happens to the laundry next. If the bag is emptied at the laundry facility and reused, durable fabric or plastic bags are a good choice. If the laundry should be handled as little as possible, a water-soluble laundry bag is an option; in that case, the specified dissolution temperature must match the wash cycle.

The size depends on the amount of laundry and the mounting system. A large laundry bag saves trips but becomes heavy when full. If you hang bags on collection racks or carts, you should check the dimensions and volume against the existing mounting system to ensure the bag fits securely.

In facilities handling multiple types of laundry, a standardized color-coding system facilitates separation. Designated bags are provided for laundry posing an infection risk; the facility’s hygiene plan specifies which guidelines apply. The closure matters too: toggle closures and drawstrings are quick to use, while eyelets make hanging easier. Additional items for laundry collection can be found in the laundry accessories section.

Textile bag, water-soluble bag, or infectious laundry bag—which one is right?

Reusable bags made of polyester, polypropylene, or jute are designed for regular use between the ward and the laundry facility. They are emptied, washed, and reused.

Water-soluble laundry bags, on the other hand, go into the machine along with their contents and dissolve at the specified temperature. This reduces the need to handle used laundry but requires a suitable wash cycle.

Bags labeled for potentially infectious laundry are grouped in the “Infectious Laundry Bags” subcategory. Their high-visibility color and printed markings make the contents recognizable without having to open the bag.

No single option is inherently better—the type of laundry, hygiene requirements, and the laundry facility’s workflow are the deciding factors.

Usage and Guidelines for Laundry Bags

Laundry bags should only be filled to the point where they can be securely closed and carried. Water-soluble bags should be stored in a dry place and removed only shortly before filling, as moisture can damage the material. Reusable bags should be checked regularly for damaged seams, eyelets, or closures.

Dirty and clean laundry should be kept in separate bags whenever possible. Internal hygiene plans and the relevant guidelines from the employers’ liability insurance associations govern how to handle infectious laundry; information on suitability can be found on the respective product page.

Complementary items for laundry collection

• Laundry carts
• Laundry nets
• Disinfectant detergent
• Disposable gloves
• Trash bags and trash sacks

Laundry carts and laundry nets complement the bags for collecting and transporting laundry; disinfectant detergent and disposable gloves ensure hygienic handling of the laundry; and trash bags separate waste from textiles. For more items related to collecting, washing, and storing laundry, see the Laundry Accessories overview.