Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw responds to questions about hygiene standards of blankets in trains; expert on whether these measures are up to par (2024)

He added that an extra bedsheet is provided in the bedroll kit for passengers to use as a quilt cover. This information came in response to concerns raised by Congress MP Kuldeep Indora, who questioned whether washing blankets only once a month met the basic hygiene standards that passengers expect, especially when paying for bedding services.

Vaishnaw also mentioned various measures taken to ensure that the linens provided to passengers are hygienic and of high quality. These included improvements in procurement processes, the use of mechanised laundries, and the monitoring of washing activities with whito-meters to check quality. With these practices in place, the railways aim to enhance the comfort and safety of passengers.

To understand whether these measures work, especially in public transport, indianexpress.com spoke to public health intellectual Dr Jagadish Hiremath.

Exploring standard hygiene practices for blankets and linens in public transport

In public transport systems worldwide, Dr Hiremath informs, the standard hygiene practices for laundering blankets and linens involve frequent washing, disinfection, and quality checks to ensure passenger health and safety. “Airlines, for instance, typically launder blankets and pillow covers after each journey or provide single-use items to ensure hygiene. In long-distance trains in Europe and the United States, linens are often replaced or washed after every use, depending on passenger turnover.”

He mentions, “While Indian Railways has made strides in improving its linen hygiene practices, the frequency of blanket washing remains an area that can be enhanced to align with global standards, especially considering India’s high passenger density and climatic conditions.”

How effective is washing blankets once a month in maintaining hygiene?

Dr Hiremath says, “Washing blankets once a month is insufficient to maintain optimal hygiene, especially in a high-traffic environment like Indian Railways. Research on textile hygiene, such as studies published in Environmental Health, indicates that infrequently washed items like blankets can harbour bacteria, fungi, and allergens, which can persist even after prolonged periods of use.”

Effective logistics in storing, transporting, and handling linens are as crucial as the laundering process itself. (Source: Freepik)

Effectiveness of monthly washing

While washing removes dirt and pathogens to some extent, Dr Hiremath notes, infrequent laundering increases the risk of microbial accumulation. Body oils, sweat, and dead skin cells from passengers create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and dust mites.

“In cold climates, blankets retain moisture from breath or humidity, exacerbating microbial growth if not regularly washed,” he states.

Potential health risks as mentioned by the expert:

Allergic Reactions: Dust mites and residual allergens in rarely washed blankets can trigger respiratory issues or skin irritations.

Infections: Blankets can become a vector for infections, particularly for vulnerable passengers with weakened immune systems.

Odour and Discomfort: Unwashed linens can develop unpleasant odours, affecting passenger comfort.

“To minimise these risks, increasing the washing frequency of blankets and ensuring the use of industrial-grade disinfectants and detergents are necessary,” recommends Dr Hiremath.

What role do mechanised laundries and whito-meters play in ensuring linen quality?

Mechanised laundries and whito-meters are pivotal in maintaining the quality and hygiene of linens in large-scale operations like Indian Railways, agrees Dr Hiremath. He explains each method:

Mechanised laundries

These laundries use industrial-grade washing machines, high-efficiency detergents, and programmed cycles to clean large volumes of linen efficiently. Steam sterilisation and high-temperature washes ensure the elimination of pathogens, as confirmed by research published in Textile Research Journal.

Mechanised processes minimise manual handling, reducing contamination risks during laundering.

Whito-meters

A whito-meter measures the whiteness and cleanliness of laundered linen, providing a quantifiable metric to assess hygiene standards. This ensures consistency in quality and helps identify when linens require replacement.

Regular monitoring through whito-meters ensures that even older linens meet hygiene and aesthetic standards.

Some key suggestions

Effective logistics in storing, transporting, and handling linens are as crucial as the laundering process itself. Mishandling or improper storage can negate the benefits of clean linens, leading to contamination before they reach passengers.

Key aspects of linen logistics, according to Dr Hiremath are:

Storage: Linens should be stored in clean, dry, and well-ventilated environments to prevent microbial growth. Use of sealed packaging after laundering can minimise exposure to contaminants.

Transportation: Linens must be transported in dedicated, sanitized containers to avoid contact with unclean surfaces. Cross-contamination during transit is a common issue in large-scale operations.

Handling: Staff handling linens should be trained in hygiene practices, including wearing gloves and avoiding contact with unwashed linens during distribution.

DISCLAIMER:This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.