Long-term care furniture company Kwalu and Clorox Healthcare have announced a joint marketing venture that will promote disinfectants on non-porous furnishings.

Kwalu’s furniture has surfaces that are compatible with Clorox Healthcare® Bleach Germicidal Wipes and Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes, the company said. 

The collaboration will involve Kwalu promoting the Infection Prevention Patient Room with patented polymer based surfaces, including patient room chairs, recliners, bedside cabinets, guest chairs, sink surrounds, sleeper sofas, headboards, footboards and wall protection.

C. difficile, a gastrointestinal infection that can be fatal, is one example of an illness where providers need products that will kill the spores, said Keri Lestage, Ph.D., Tech Solutions Group Manager for Clorox Healthcare. Yet different chemistries of environmental cleaners have the potential to corrode or damage furniture, which is why Clorox wants its products to be compatible. 

The bleach wipes are ideal for residents with an infectious disease such as C. diff, whereas the hydrogen peroxide wipes can be used for everyday cleaning, Lestage said. 

“There should be a visibility of furniture that can be disinfected but isn’t so sterile, and appeals to residents’ mental health,” she told McKnight’s. “Residents and patients want to be comfortable and in an aesthetically pleasing environment.” 

Kwalu approached Clorox and tested its portfolio to make sure none of its products cause damage, she explained.

 “One of the hallmarks of its furniture is that it can be wiped,” she said. “We’re pleased to be associated with Kwalu, as they have nice, comfortable and homelike furniture. The synergies have been spot-on.”