Antimicrobial fabric is designed to fight the growth of bacteria, mold, fungus, and other microbes. These microbe-fighting properties come from a chemical treatment, or antimicrobial finish, that is topically applied to textiles during the finishing stage, granting them the ability to inhibit microbial growth.
Antimicrobial textile is ideal for many commercial, residential, and industrial applications. However, in regards to stopping the spread of viruses, it is important to understand what this type of fabric can and can’t do.
What Is Antimicrobial Fabric?
Antimicrobial fabric refers to any textile that protects against the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, and other pathogenic microorganisms. This is achieved by treating textiles with an antimicrobial finish that inhibits the growth of hazardous microbes, creating an added layer of defense and prolonging the life of the fabric.
Common Applications
The pathogen-fighting capabilities of antimicrobial fabric makes it suitable for a wide range of applications across diverse industries, including but not limited to:
- Medical. Hospital scrubs, medical mattress covers, and other medical fabric and upholstery often utilize antimicrobial textiles to reduce the spread of disease and infection.
- Military and Defense. Used for chemical/biological warfare garments and other equipment.
- Activewear. This type of fabric is suitable for athletic wear and footwear as it helps to prevent odors.
- Construction. Antimicrobial textile is used for architectural fabrics, canopies, and awnings.
- Housewares. Bedding, upholstery, curtains, carpets, pillows, and towels are often made from antimicrobial fabric to prolong their life and defend against bacterial growth.
Can antimicrobial fabric stop the spread of viruses?
While antimicrobial fabric works great to slow the growth of microbes, it does not kill pathogens on contact, meaning it is not completely effective at stopping the spread of viruses. Even the fastest acting antimicrobial textiles take several minutes to kill microbes, while others only stop or slow their growth. Instead of using them as a substitute for hygiene and other health and safety precautions, they should be thought of as an extra layer of defense against harmful microorganisms to use in addition to your regular sanitary protocol.
Antimicrobial Fabric Solutions from Jason Mills
As an expert manufacturer of mesh materials, fabrics, and textiles, Jason Mills keeps up with the latest technology and innovations in antimicrobial textiles to ensure high performance materials for our customers. Our antimicrobial polyester mesh is designed to meet the ever growing requirements of industries such as healthcare, recreation, and more, and it is suitable for products ranging from patient slings and medical curtains to camping materials and pool/spa upholstery.
Contact Us for More Information on Antimicrobial Fabrics
Although antimicrobial textiles are not effective at completely stopping the spread of viruses, they serve as an added layer of protection by slowing or stopping the growth of harmful pathogens and other microbes. At Jason Mills, we research and develop fabrics to meet the needs of various industries, including healthcare, recreation, automotive, industrial, and more. Our commitment to innovation and approach to quality customer services makes us the ideal manufacturer for your textile needs. To learn more about our products, or to get started on your antimicrobial fabric solution, contact us or request a quote today.