SPONSORED STORY: How an impervious membrane and antimicrobial protection can support cleaner, fresher and more welcoming care environments.
There is growing awareness of how colour, pattern and texture can either support or hinder the design of a care home. We often talk about using Light Reflectance Values to aid navigation, selecting fixtures and finishes that create a less institutional feel, and choosing textile designs that contribute to more comfortable and therapeutic environments. Yet sometimes it’s the features we cannot see that make the most meaningful difference, not only to residents, but also to the people who work in and manage these settings.
We use a range of manufacturing techniques to ensure our carpets perform effectively within care environments. However, two important features sit quietly behind the carpets colour and design, helping to support the wellbeing of residents, staff and visitors while making it easier to clean and maintain both the carpet and the subfloor beneath it.
The impervious membrane
An impervious membrane is an integral layer positioned beneath the carpet fibres and above the backing. It prevents liquid spills from penetrating through the carpet and reaching the subfloor below.
While this provides several practical advantages, its most significant benefits relate to effective cleaning and the long-term protection and maintenance of the building as well as reducing replacements.
Carpet can help contain spills at the point where they occur, reducing the immediate risk of liquid spreading across the floor and creating a slip hazard. In addition to this the impervious layer keeps that spilt liquid on the surface of the carpet allowing for it to be easily cleaned away.
By keeping spills at the surface, the impervious membrane allows them to be removed more effectively. This helps reduce the risk of residual staining and lingering odours that can develop when moisture and contaminants seep deeper into the flooring.
The membrane also helps protect the subfloor from moisture and contamination. If liquids are allowed to penetrate, the subfloor may deteriorate over time, potentially leading to persistent odours and the need to replace more than just the carpet. Remedial work can be costly and disruptive, taking bedrooms or communal areas out of use and potentially affecting the home’s day-to-day operation and revenue.
Antimicrobial Yarn Treatment
This is a treatment applied to the carpet yarn that cannot be seen or smelt, but whose benefits can be appreciated through the additional support it provides for hygiene and infection prevention and control.
BI-OME® forms a permanent antimicrobial coating around the yarn and provides a 99.99% reduction in selected harmful microorganisms, including MRSA and C. diff.
The treatment begins working when a microbe comes into contact with the treated yarn. It physically disrupts the organism’s cell membrane, rendering it inactive. This helps inhibit microbial growth within the carpet and can also reduce odours associated with microbial activity.
Both of these features may remain unseen, but their benefits can be felt throughout the lifetime of the carpet. Together, the impervious membrane and antimicrobial yarn treatment support effective cleaning and maintenance regimes, helping care teams maintain high standards of hygiene while preserving the carpet’s appearance and performance.
When selecting carpet for a care home, it is therefore important to look beyond the surface. Colour and design will always matter, but the construction and technology behind the carpet can make a meaningful difference to residents, staff and the long-term management of the building.
Explore the danfloor Healthcare Collection to discover carpets featuring impervious membranes and antimicrobial protection as standard, alongside a wide choice of colours and designs created for welcoming, practical care interiors.
Alternatively visit our stand at this year’s Care Show in Birmingham, view the Collections and speak with our team about our ranges and their innovative features.
