It is unsafe to return unused linens on exchange carts from the hospital to the laundry plant, where those textiles are topped off with clean linens and returned to the hospital, according to an article on the FacilityCare website.
While authorities don't address the return of unused linen, the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) believes that this practice presents opportunities for contamination.
To streamline their linen processes, many hospitals have exchange cart systems.
An exchange cart system minimizes linen handling and makes it easier to monitor linen usage.
5 Reasons Engineering is the Edge in Healthcare Master Planning
Building an AI-Ready Healthcare Facility 
Family Medical Associates of Raleigh Reports April 2026 Data Breach
Every Detail Matters: A Patient's Story of Healing, Hope and Healthcare Facilities
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Tops Off New 11-Story Tower