Why Dissolvable Laundry Bags Are a Game-Changer for Infection Control

If you’re in healthcare, aged care, hospitality, or any industry where handling contaminated laundry is part of the job, you already know how important infection control is. But did you know that your choice of laundry bags can make a huge difference? Dissolvable Laundry Bags and Alginate Bags are two popular options—but not all dissolvable bags are created equal.

Let’s break down the key differences—and why Dissolvable Laundry Bags are the smarter, more reliable choice.

What Are Dissolvable Bags and Alginate Bags?

If you’re handling contaminated laundry in healthcare, aged care, or commercial laundry settings, you know how important it is to reduce risk and streamline the process. Two popular solutions have emerged in this space: Dissolvable Laundry Bags and Alginate Bags. At first glance, they might seem similar—but the differences between them can have a big impact on your operations.

Both options are designed for infection control and to protect staff from exposure to soiled or contaminated linens. However, Dissolvable Bags, made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), offer distinct advantages over Alginate Bags, which are made from PVA.

Let’s explore why Dissolvable PVOH Bags are quickly becoming the preferred choice in healthcare, aged care, and commercial laundry settings.

How Do Dissolvable Laundry Bags Work?

Dissolvable Bags are engineered to simplify contaminated laundry handling. Staff can place soiled linens directly into the bag, seal it, and load it straight into the washer. Once exposed to hot water the bag fully dissolves, eliminating the need to open or handle contaminated items manually.

This process significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination, protects laundry staff, and speeds up the entire workflow.

Why More Facilities Are Choosing Dissolvable Bags Over Alginate Bags

While Alginate Bags have traditionally been used in healthcare and commercial laundries, Dissolvable Bags offer clear advantages that are hard to ignore.

1. No Residue, No Hassle

Alginate bags don’t fully dissolve, often leaving a sticky residue that can clog pipes and cause costly maintenance issues. In contrast, Dissolvable Bags made from PVOH dissolve completely, leaving no residue behind.

2. Superior Strength

Dissolvable Bags are up to three times stronger than alginate bags. This extra durability reduces the risk of tearing or leakage during transport, keeping your staff safer and your workspace cleaner.

3. Clear for Easy Identification

Dissolvable Bags are clear, making it easy to identify the contents. Alginate bags, by contrast, are often opaque, requiring extra time and effort to confirm what’s inside.

4. Simple and Effective

Because Dissolvable Bags fully dissolve in hot water, there’s no additional handling or cleanup required after the wash cycle. It’s a straightforward solution that saves time and streamlines infection control processes.

The Benefits of Switching to Dissolvable Bags

If you’re looking for a smarter, safer, and more efficient laundry solution, Dissolvable Bags deliver key benefits that Alginate Bags simply can’t match:

• Enhanced Hygiene: No need to open the bag—just toss it in the machine and protect your team from exposure.
• Time-Saving: Streamlines the laundry process by reducing handling and eliminating extra steps.
• No Residue: Unlike Alginate Bags, Dissolvable Bags leave nothing behind that can damage your equipment.
• Sustainable: PVOH bags are water-soluble, breaking down into harmless components.  Leaving no microplastics.
• Stronger, Clearer, Better: With their superior strength and transparency, Dissolvable Bags are built for modern laundry operations.

How to Use Dissolvable Laundry Bags

Using Dissolvable Bags is easy:

1. Place contaminated linens directly into the bag.
2. Seal the bag with the integrated water-soluble tie.
3. Load the sealed bag into the washing machine.
4. Wash at 60°C or higher—the bag fully dissolves, allowing the wash cycle to clean and disinfect the contents thoroughly.

No mess, no extra steps, and no lingering residue.

What About the Environment?

While Alginate Bags boast sustainable credentials, Dissolvable Bags are also a sustainable option. Made from biodegradable PVOH, they break down completely in water, leaving behind no microplastics or harmful waste.

By choosing Dissolvable Bags, you can:

• Reduce your reliance on traditional plastics.
• Lower your facility’s carbon footprint.
• Support sustainable infection control practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dissolvable Bags

1. Are Dissolvable Bags safe for all laundry types?
Yes! They’re perfect for hospital linens, uniforms, towels, and more.

2. Do Dissolvable Bags dissolve in cold water?
They require hot water (above 60°C) for complete dissolution, ensuring thorough cleaning and infection control.

3. Where can I buy Dissolvable Bags?
You can explore and purchase premium-quality Dissolvable Laundry Bags from Zero Pac, an Australian leader in sustainable packaging and infection control solutions.

The Verdict: Dissolvable Bags Win on Safety, Strength, and Simplicity

While Alginate Bags have served their purpose, Dissolvable Bags are the clear winner when it comes to efficiency, hygiene, and peace of mind. Stronger, residue-free, and easier to use, they represent the future of safe laundry handling in healthcare, aged care, and beyond.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Discover Zero Pac’s premium Dissolvable Laundry Bags today.
Upgrade your infection control and laundry process with a solution that’s safer for your staff, easier on your equipment, and kinder to the planet.

Shop now or get in touch with our team for more information!