Hygienically Clean in Practice: What “Certified Clean” Means for Patient Safety

Running a healthcare facility means balancing a thousand moving parts—caring for patients, supporting staff, and maintaining strict safety standards. Every process, every surface, and every linen must work together to protect people from harm.

That’s why “clean” can’t just look clean. When linens come into contact with patients, true cleanliness is measured at the microbial level.

That’s where our TRSA Hygienically Clean Healthcare Certification comes in. It’s more than a seal on paper—it’s verified proof that every item we process meets the highest standards of hygiene and safety, backed by science and regular third-party audits.

What Is the TRSA Hygienically Clean Healthcare Certification?

The Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) developed this certification to set a nationwide standard for hygienic laundering in healthcare. To earn and maintain it, laundry facilities must pass:

• Independent, third-party microbial testing to ensure textiles consistently meet safe levels for bacteria and pathogens.
• On-site inspections to verify equipment maintenance, workflow separation, and handling procedures.
• Ongoing employee training and documentation to confirm safe, repeatable practices.

Gunderson proudly maintains this certification, meaning our processes are continuously verified, not assumed, so every delivery you receive is as safe as the first.

Why It Matters for Patient Care

Protect Patients and Staff: Certified hygienic processing helps prevent cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Every sheet, gown, and towel is sanitized to hospital-grade standards, protecting both patients and caregivers.

Build Confidence in Your Facility: When your linens come from a Hygienically Clean Certified provider, you’re demonstrating a commitment to infection control that patients, families, and staff can trust. It’s a visible sign of invisible safety.

Reduce Risk and Stay Compliant: Certification adds a measurable layer of assurance. Detailed testing and documentation support compliance with healthcare regulations and accreditation standards—without adding more to your team’s workload.

What Inspectors Look For

Maintaining a Hygienically Clean certification means proving safety every step of the way. During audits, inspectors commonly review:

• Wash chemistry and temperature – Are disinfectants and cycles validated for healthcare-grade cleaning?
• Equipment maintenance – Are machines calibrated and serviced on a set schedule?
• Workflow separation – Are soiled and clean linens processed in separate areas to prevent cross-contamination?
• Employee hygiene and PPE – Are staff properly trained and protected during handling?
• Microbial testing records – Are samples regularly collected, tested, and documented?

Every box must be checked, every standard met. That’s what gives healthcare partners confidence in the safety of their linens.

Certified Clean Care, Delivered Locally

As a family-owned Wisconsin company, Gunderson delivers the best of both worlds: national-level hygienic certification and local, responsive service. We understand the daily challenges of healthcare and the importance of keeping patients safe with every sheet and gown.

Partner with Gunderson for certified-clean healthcare linens—because patient care starts with clean care.