Best practices for environmental cleaning of surfaces
Sanitizing and cleaning many different high-touch areas in your organization can be exhausting. Here are some tips for best cleaning practices from the CDC.
The CDC lists the following best practices for environmental cleaning of surfaces:
- Use fresh cleaning cloths at the start of each cleaning session
- When a cloth is no longer saturated with solution, replace it with a new, wetted cloth
- For higher-risk areas, change cloths between each patient zone
- Ensure there are enough cloths to complete the session
- Never double-dip cloths into portable containers used for storing cleaning products
- Never shake mop heads or cleaning cloths, as this can disperse dust or droplets containing microorganisms
- Never leave soiled mop heads or cleaning cloths soaking in buckets
In addition, the CDC lists recommended frequency and processes for cleaning specific areas, such as operating suites, pediatric wards, burn units, emergency departments, and labor and delivery units.
It is important to identify high-touch surfaces and items in patient care areas because they will be different for each unit, ward, or room. According to the CDC, common high-touch surfaces include:
- Bedrails
- IV poles
- Sink handles
- Bedside tables
- Counters where medications and supplies are prepared
- Edges of privacy curtains
- Patient monitoring equipment (e.g., keyboards, control panels)
- Transport equipment
- Call bells
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Blood pressure cuffs
- Tray tables
- Floors
- Public and private toilets
Transmission of pathogens along high-touch surfaces is a preventable source of HAIs. Facilities with a commitment to patient safety have strong environmental services departments with clear SOPs to manage the cleaning of these surfaces. Healthcare facilities should regularly review and update their practices as more pathogens emerge and as technology advances.
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