The word sanitary ware comes from the Latin "sanus" meaning clean, and "scantium" meaning medicine or treatment. Now the term is commonly used to refer to any number of medical or health equipment. In a broader sense, the term also covers any apparatus used in a hospital environment that is used to keep people healthy and clean. In the most common sense of the term, sanitary ware includes drinking water bottles, sinks, gowns (including pants and sleeves), surgical supplies, and similar items. In a less common sense, the term may apply to any medical or healthcare item that is designed for and used by patients.
But what exactly is sanitary ware? In the most broad sense, it means the articles of equipment used to promote cleanliness in a hospital or other public health facility. Hospitals have many different pieces of equipment that fall under the purview of this larger field. Some of these items include sinks, toilets, drinking fountains, and other devices that help maintain a clean and safe environment for patients. Other types of sanitary wares available for sale in the hospital environment can include air cleaners, incubators, and examination tables.
Historically, the manufacture of sanitary ware had a long history that began when ceramic items were first used. Ceramic pieces had been discovered in ancient civilizations and were used for such things as pottery. While there is little documentation available on the earliest use of sanitary ware, porcelain has been found dating back to around 1500 B.C.
The main material from which sanitary ware products are made today is ceramic. There are a variety of different types of clay used to make the various products. Clay types range from vitreous, meaning that they are made with the minerals found in the eye of the sea and amethyst, which is the most pure form of clay found on earth. Clay can also be created into various shapes, such as a bottle or even a golf ball, through the application of several chemicals.
Other materials that are sometimes used to create sanitary ware products are linseed oil and stearic acid. Linseed oil is an essential fatty acid that has antimicrobial properties, which makes it useful for treating cuts and burns on open wounds. Stearic acid is a waxy compound that is similar to butter that is often used in anti-bacterial creams. Both of these substances have proven highly effective in killing bacteria in open wounds and preventing infection in those who may already have a condition. Because of their abilities to create an environment hostile to bacterial growth, stearic acid and linseed oil are both widely used as sanitary ware ingredients.
As you can see, there are many different technical terms used to describe the products manufactured in the United States and other countries around the world. Although sanitary ware can be manufactured for other purposes, the most common uses include: cleaning human beings, sterilizing medical equipment, curing or relieving pain, disinfecting, protecting, etc. Based upon where the product is being used and what type of environment it is exposed to, different materials will require different cleaning processes and sanitizers. If you are uncertain as to whether or not your product needs a sanitizer, contact a sanitary ware manufacturer to discuss the matter further.