Controlling infection in healthcare facilities is done on multiple fronts: protecting patients from disease and bacteria during procedures or hospital stays; protecting staff, including nurses, doctors and maintenance staff such as janitors from patient infections; and protecting all occupants by properly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, equipment and touch points.

The use of paper towels to clean ensures better prevention against cross-contamination, as they are thrown away after each use. This leaves less room for human error, as opposed to microfiber cloths, which are used in many other settings that do not have as many health risks associated with incorrect cleaning.