Do hospitals reuse hospital gowns? Debunking the Myths

September 23, 2025 •

3 min read

Every year, healthcare facilities generate millions of pounds of laundry and waste, prompting the question of whether items like patient apparel are reused. The answer to Do hospitals reuse hospital gowns? lies in the distinction between different gown types and the strict protocols governing their use and reprocessing.

Quick Summary

Hospitals and medical facilities use both reusable cloth gowns and disposable versions, depending on the application and infection risk. Reusable gowns are sent to industrial-grade laundries for thorough cleaning and sterilization, while disposable gowns are used once and immediately discarded to prevent cross-contamination and ensure patient safety.

Key Points

Reuse depends on gown type: Hospitals use both reusable cloth gowns and single-use disposable gowns, which are handled differently.
Reusable gowns are professionally sterilized: Reusable gowns undergo a high-temperature, industrial-grade laundering process to ensure they are fully sterilized before being used again.
Disposable gowns are single-use: Gowns made for one-time use are immediately discarded after being worn, especially in high-risk environments like isolation rooms.
Infection control is the priority: Strict protocols for gown handling and disposal are followed to prevent cross-contamination and ensure patient safety.
Sustainability is a growing factor: The use of reusable gowns offers environmental and potential cost-saving benefits while maintaining safety standards.
Donning and doffing is critical: Healthcare workers follow specific steps for putting on and removing gowns to avoid self-contamination.

Reusable vs. Disposable: A Critical Distinction

The fundamental factor determining whether a gown is reused is its intended purpose and construction. Medical facilities employ a variety of gowns, from standard patient gowns to specialized isolation and surgical gowns. Each type is handled differently to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and patient safety.

The Lifecycle of Reusable Hospital Gowns

Reusable gowns, typically made from durable polyester-cotton blends, are designed for multiple uses. These are not simply thrown into a standard washing machine. Instead, they are processed by commercial healthcare laundry services that adhere to rigorous accreditation standards, such as those set by the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC). The process involves several key steps to ensure complete sanitation:

Collection and Sorting: Used gowns are collected in designated laundry receptacles and separated from regular waste. At the laundry facility, they are sorted carefully to avoid cross-contamination.
High-Temperature Washing: Industrial-sized washing machines use high-temperature water, strong chemicals, and long wash cycles to kill bacteria, viruses, and spores. This process effectively removes blood, bodily fluids, and other contaminants.
Drying and Pressing: After washing, items are dried at high heat and often pressed using super-sized heated rollers, which further contributes to sterilization.
Inspection and Maintenance: Trained personnel inspect each gown for wear and tear, including rips, holes, and missing ties. Damaged gowns are repaired or removed from circulation.
Storage: The reprocessed, clean gowns are then stored in a manner that protects them from contamination until they are distributed back to the hospital for use.

The Protocol for Disposable Gowns

Disposable gowns, often made from paper or synthetic materials, are designed for a single use only. They are most commonly used in situations where the risk of contamination is high, such as in isolation rooms, operating rooms, or during certain procedures involving bodily fluids. Following a single use, these gowns are discarded into the appropriate waste receptacle, which prevents any possibility of cross-contamination from one patient to another.

Comparison of Gown Types: Reusable vs. Disposable


Feature	Reusable Gowns	Disposable Gowns
Hygiene Protocol	Industrial-grade laundering with high heat and chemicals ensures sterilization for reuse.	Single-use and discarded immediately after use, eliminating risk of reprocessing failure.
Cost-Effectiveness	Higher upfront cost but lower long-term cost per use due to reusability.	Lower individual unit cost but higher overall cost due to constant replacement.
Environmental Impact	More sustainable choice, as it significantly reduces textile waste sent to landfills.	Creates substantial waste, contributing to environmental concerns.
Durability	Made from durable fabrics designed to withstand repeated washings and inspection.	Less durable, can tear or be damaged easily, not meant for extended wear.
Barrier Protection	Can offer superior fluid resistance and durability compared to some disposables.	Offers effective initial barrier protection but can lose integrity with prolonged use.

The Importance of Infection Control

The handling and use of both gown types are tightly regulated by hospital policy and public health guidelines, like those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For healthcare professionals, the protocol for putting on and removing gowns is a precise process to avoid contaminating themselves or the environment. Contaminated gowns are removed by rolling them inside out to contain any soiled surfaces and then immediately disposed of in the correct waste or laundry bins. This strict adherence to protocol is a cornerstone of patient safety and is vital for preventing the spread of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

A Shift Towards Sustainability

While the primary concern remains patient safety, a growing movement in healthcare is exploring the environmental and economic benefits of reusable textiles. Some studies and hospital systems have demonstrated that transitioning to reusable gowns can lead to significant cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint without compromising on safety standards. This approach requires robust systems for managing laundry and ensuring quality, but it represents a more sustainable long-term strategy for healthcare facilities.

In conclusion, the practice of whether hospitals reuse hospital gowns is nuanced and heavily dependent on the type of gown and its application. For patient apparel, reuse is a standard, safe, and regulated practice. The critical takeaway for patients is not to be concerned about the reuse of these items, but rather to trust that healthcare facilities follow stringent infection control procedures to ensure every garment they receive is clean and safe for use.

For more detailed information on healthcare protocols and personal protective equipment, refer to the official guidelines from authoritative bodies such as the CDC.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, hospitals do not reuse all gowns. They utilize both reusable fabric gowns, which are laundered and sterilized, and single-use disposable gowns, which are discarded after one use. The type of gown depends on the specific medical situation.

Yes, reusable hospital gowns are safe. They are sent to commercial-grade laundries that use high-temperature washing and sanitizing agents to kill all microorganisms, ensuring they are clean and safe for reuse.

Hospitals use disposable gowns in situations requiring stringent infection control, such as isolation rooms or sterile operating environments. Discarding them after a single use eliminates any risk of reprocessing failure.

Patient gowns are typically reusable cloth garments. Isolation gowns are often single-use disposable gowns made of fluid-resistant material and are intended for use when treating patients with contagious diseases, providing a higher barrier of protection.

Staff follow strict infection control protocols. When removing a gown, they roll it inside out to contain contaminants and place it in a designated laundry or biohazard receptacle, never reusing it for another patient.

When handled and reprocessed correctly, the risk of infection from reusable gowns is negligible. Studies have shown comparable infection rates between reusable and disposable options, as long as protocols are strictly followed.

Organizations like the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) set standards for the laundering and processing of reusable healthcare textiles, while the CDC provides guidance on infection control practices in healthcare settings.