What action must a facility take to assure that residents' personal belongings do not spread infection?

Regular laundering of items is essential for preventing the spread of infection among residents in a facility. Personal belongings can harbor pathogens, making it crucial for facilities to implement a routine cleaning and laundering schedule for items such as clothing, bedding, and towels. This helps eliminate any bacteria, viruses, or fungi that may accumulate on these surfaces, thereby reducing the risk of cross-contamination between residents.

By maintaining cleanliness through regular laundering, facilities not only promote a healthier environment but also demonstrate a commitment to infection control practices. This action aligns with standard infection prevention protocols, which emphasize the importance of hygiene in communal living situations to protect vulnerable populations.

Other options may contribute to infection prevention, but they do not directly address the potential for pathogen transmission through personal items in the same effective manner as regular laundering does.