Dealing with Cleaning-Related Infection Control Issues Head-On

“Using these systems, hospital staff can better detect where germs and pathogens are located and take steps to remove them, protecting patient health and outcomes,” says Richter. “But, just as many infection control practitioners indicate, many of the cleaning systems used today need to be updated first.”

Hygienic Cleaning

Richter advocates for a re-evaluation of cleaning methods. “Using ATP and other measurements, we now know that some conventional cleaning systems, such as mops, buckets, and microfiber cleaning cloths, simply do not effectively remove contaminants from surfaces,” says Richter. “What’s worse, these same studies indicate they may actually be spreading contaminants from one surface to another.”

Instead, Richter recommends that infection control specialists as well as hospital housekeeping staff consider the following cleaning systems and procedures:

• For a variety of surfaces, including floor cleaning, restroom cleaning, and on food-preparation surfaces, a high-flow fluid extraction system works well. These systems combine automatic chemical metering and injection, an indoor pressure washer, and a wet vacuum into a single integrated unit. Tests indicate they can be as much as 60 times more effective in reducing bacterial contamination than conventional cleaning, such as the use of buckets and mops.

• For non-floor flat surfaces, flat surface cleaning (FSC) systems are recommended. These systems incorporate motorized chemical injection to apply diluted cleaning chemicals and disinfectants onto a microfiber applicator pad. The surface is wiped down with the microfiber pad and a hand-held squeegee is used to remove the cleaning solution, simultaneously removing contaminants as it dries the surface. FSCs have been shown to remove up to 80 times more bacteria from flat surfaces than traditional cloths and wipes.

• Finally, for irregular or sensitive surfaces and touch points, such as door handles, remote controls, call buttons, bed controls and railings in hospitals, as well as keyboards and telephones, disposable wipes work very well. Some wipes have just been introduced in the professional cleaning industry which allow users to add their own cleaning or disinfectant solution. This enhances flexibility and cost effectiveness. The refillable wipes can also be used dry.