Planning to clean your aged care facility but not sure which areas to prioritise? Maintaining a clean and safe environment for the elderly is crucial for their overall well-being.
Not only do you have to ensure high standards of hygiene to prevent germ spread but also create a comfortable living space so individuals can thrive and make the most of their stay. Here are some of the most important areas you should focus on first when you start with aged care cleaning. Read along.
Flooring
Most important of all, the floors of your aged care facility should be at the top of your priority list and must be cleaned daily. Floors in aged care facilities generally harbor microbes and become transfer points for contamination.
Start with a dry mop using a microfiber head to trap and remove dirt. Follow with a wet mop to thoroughly clean and disinfect the floors. For deeper cleaning, consider using specialty mops that clean surfaces 90% well and better than conventional mopping.
Porous and Non-porous Surfaces
When cleaning furniture made of porous materials like timber and vinyl, ensure the surface in your aged care facility is adequately wet to allow the cleaning solution to penetrate deeply. To clean, simply wipe the surface in even, circular motions and remove any dirt or debris from the pores.
Non-porous surfaces include everything like tiles and stainless steel, and even surfaces found in bathrooms and toilets. It’s recommended to use hospital-grade disinfectants for cleaning such surfaces. Allow the cleaner to air dry to maximize its effectiveness. For stainless steel, use a non-smear solution and wipe with a non-absorbent cloth as this will prevent watermarks and ensure more ongoing disinfection.
Kitchen Surfaces
Kitchen surfaces are those areas in an aged care facility that require special care as this is where food for the elderly is prepared. Start by wiping down surfaces, then disinfect them using a food-safe disinfectant or sanitiser.
It’s crucial to focus on other key touchpoints in the kitchen and adhere to the required dwell time to effectively kill bacteria and viruses so it doesn’t affect the wellbeing of the elderly.
Walls and Ceilings
Ceilings and walls collect dirt, dust, and other contaminants and are also one of those points that are frequently touched by individuals.
To clean them well like professional aged care cleaning services providers in Sydney, take a microfiber mop and for thorough disinfection consider using a fogger that disperses disinfectant as a fine mist, reaching all areas of the room. Keep cleaning these areas daily.
Ventilation Spots and High-Traffic Touchpoints
Indoor air quality in aged care facilities can be less than outside air and can contribute to respiratory issues among individuals. Ensure good ventilation and use air purification filters to filter out any contaminants and microbic droplets, thus improving overall air quality.
High-traffic touchpoints such as door handles, handrails, and light switches require frequent cleaning as well. See that you avoid using cotton and microfiber cloths that can soak up the disinfectant and reduce its effectiveness. Prioritise these areas in your schedule to minimise any risk of infection.
Electronics and Sensitive Areas
Electronic equipment and other sensitive surfaces also need special treatment and shouldn’t be ignored in the facility. To clean such areas, use an alcohol-based disinfectant for hydrophobic surfaces such as screens and monitors. For other sensitive surfaces, ensure the cleaner is non-corrosive and apply disinfectant indirectly by pre-moistening a cloth or using wipes.
By focusing on these key areas and following these cleaning practices, you can ensure your aged care facility remains a safe, hygienic, and comfortable environment all year long. Need help with aged care cleaning in Sydney or nearby? We can help. Get in touch with Keen to Clean for a quick quote.
