Green Cleaning and Infection Control: An Expert Roundtable Discusses the Issues

Morrison: Typically, when cleaning professionals and facility managers think of green cleaning they think of chemicals only. But green cleaning products include a variety of tools and equipment, from extractors and vacuum cleaners to floor machines and even no-touch cleaning machines. For instance, all of our no-touch cleaning systems have received the Seal of Approval certification from the Carpet and Rug Institute. This means they meet a number of criteria and guidelines helping to protect indoor air quality.

Nelson: Just because there is no such thing as a green-certified disinfectant cleaner, that doesn’t mean healthcare facilities can’t clean green. There are numerous other things they can do:

• Use microfiber mopping systems.

• Use green chemicals in nonpatient areas.

• Use Green Seal-certified paper products.

• Use proper entranceway matting.

• Use the right size trash can liner for the container to reduce plastic waste, or use liners with high recycled content.

• Use Green Seal-certified soaps (where antibacterial soaps are not required).

• Install low-flush toilets to save water.

• Install touchless restroom fixtures and soap/paper towel dispensers to reduce cross-contamination.

Sawchuk: There are three issues. First, there have been a lot of studies and reports showing the poor cleaning practices in many healthcare facilities. Given that, there needs to be a better focus on proper (proven and science-based) work loading and scheduling based on the desired level of clean. Second, there is a need for greater training and exposure to more modern custodial hardware, equipment, and chemicals. Last, facilities need to look at going Green as a journey, not a destination. Begin with one product in one area, and make a change to a product that is safer and cleans as well or better. If it works, expand to other areas, and look for a second product to change. Don’t start with the disinfectants and sanitizers if the infection control department has any concerns or needs time to investigate safer alternatives to what is currently being used. Some of the most harsh to people (cleaning staff, patients, and all occupants and visitors to the facilities) and the environment are the floorcare products (strippers, sealers, finishes), bowl and urinal cleaners, and disinfectants. The second area of concern could be the odor-control products.