6 Critical Areas to Clean in Your Medical Facility

Maintaining a safe and hygienic hospital environment is crucial. Cleaning the critical areas is the primary consideration if you want to increase hospital safety.

Cleanliness of the critical areas prevents disease spread and reduces the risk of infections. Hospitals must follow cleaning procedures and maintain industry standards.

Maintaining the healthcare facility ensures that everyone stays safe and healthy.

This blog will discuss the critical cleaning areas in hospitals and why they are crucial for hospital maintenance. We will explore tips for effective medical cleaning and why you should hire professionals to clean hospital facilities.

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Why is cleaning high-risk surfaces vital for hospitals?

Hospitals are crucial places that must be kept clean and sanitized. Cleaning high-risk surfaces for medical facilities ensures the safety of patients, visitors, and employees.

It is necessary to disinfect high-touch surfaces such as door handles, bed rails, and medical equipment.

Protocols for critical cleaning areas in hospitals incorporate advanced and thorough cleaning processes.

These processes reduce the chance of transmission and prevent germs and bacteria from entering the areas. Implementing effective cleaning procedures supports a healthy atmosphere for everyone.

Enhancing Patient Safety:

A hygienic and spotless area reduces the chances of patients contracting infections. It creates a safer environment for their treatment and healing.

Maintaining a Safe and Hygienic Environment:

Routine cleaning eliminates dust, grime, and various contaminants. It prevents harboring dangerous pathogens, promoting a safe setting for patients, visitors, and personnel.

Protecting Vulnerable Patients:

Sanitation protocols are essential for safeguarding patients, especially those with low immunity or pre-existing health issues. They increase their vulnerability to infections.

6 Critical Cleaning Areas in Hospitals

Healthcare facilities demand a high standard of hygiene to avoid infections and maintain safety. A disinfected environment is crucial to reducing healthcare-associated infections.

It can also affect healthcare quality. Thus, cleaning and disinfecting hospital areas and critical zones require focused attention.

Let us look into the critical cleaning areas –

Patient Rooms and Exam Areas

Patient rooms and intensive care units (ICUs) are the most critical parts of hospital treatment.

These areas accommodate vulnerable, immunocompromised people who are prone to infections. They require careful cleaning procedures to ensure their safety.

Each exam room should be well-addressed and properly cleaned. It guarantees the health and safety of the patients and staff.

Proper cleaning inhibits the spread of bacteria and creates a welcoming environment for patients. It also reflects professionalism and reliability, enabling patients to feel at ease.

Operating Theatres and Procedure Rooms

Operating rooms (ORs) are hygienic settings where even minor contamination might result in serious health risks. Maintaining sterility in these rooms is essential before, during, and after surgeries.

The potential for cross-contamination in healthcare settings is significantly high. This is particularly true in common areas such as patient rooms and waiting zones.

Sanitizing high-touch surfaces like bed rails, furniture, light switches, and door knobs is essential, as these areas can be breeding grounds for germs.

Some cleaning tips for these high-contact surfaces are:

• Daily disinfection is required using EPA-approved sanitizers.
• Thorough cleaning of upholstered furniture and carpets to eliminate allergens and bacteria.
• Focused attention on ventilation systems to avoid airborne contamination.

Restrooms for Staff & Patient Use

Hospital bathrooms should be immaculate, ensuring tidiness, disinfection, and hygiene. These areas serve as breeding sites for germs and bacteria, which can cause illness in individuals.

Thus, it is vital for hospital bathrooms to remain clean and disinfected consistently, safeguarding everyone from diseases.

These cleaning tips for restrooms help minimize the spread of germs, bacteria, and viruses:

• Sanitizing fixtures like faucets, soap dispensers, and handles is crucial.
• Detailed cleaning of floors and walls, removing mold and mildew caused by humidity.

Waiting Areas and Reception Desks

Ensuring the sanitation and cleanliness of medical facilities' waiting areas and reception desks is crucial.

A spotless area is hygienic for patients, and proper cleaning reduces dirt and dust accumulation. It reduces the transmission of microorganisms and safeguards patients from diseases.

Staff Rooms and Break Areas

Break areas and staff rooms provide a retreat for healthcare professionals, enabling them to refresh during lengthy shifts. However, these areas can become hotspots for contamination if not correctly cared for.

These high-traffic areas require frequent cleaning and offer a safe space for the staff. Areas that are frequently touched, like tables, chairs, and kitchen appliances, must be cleaned thoroughly.

Essential tips to follow –

• Create a cleaning timetable, ensuring daily disinfection of all surfaces, especially high-touch areas.
• Empty the trash bins and use lids to prevent odor and pest accumulation.
• Keep the hand sanitizers and wipes in break areas to promote continuous personal hygiene among staff.  

Ventilation and Air Filtration Systems

Ventilation and air filtering systems ensure a safe and clean hospital environment. Maintaining clean airflow is crucial, considering the large volume of patients and the risk of airborne diseases.

Proper ventilation reduces the chances of spreading airborne diseases. Polluted air leads to respiratory problems for patients and staff.

The tips for maintaining ventilation and air filtration systems are as follows –

• Routine ventilation and air filtration system checks should be performed to maintain air quality.
• Change the filters as per instructions or if they look dirty. Clean filters ensure the system's highest efficiency in eliminating impurities.
• Regular cleaning of air ducts is crucial to eliminate built-up dust and debris.  

Additional Tips for Effective Medical Cleaning

Implementing specific crucial tips to ensure effective medical facility cleaning is essential. Understanding and implementing additional tips for effective medical cleaning enhances the space's environment.

Healthcare facilities can strengthen their infection control measures by focusing on the targeted strategies.

Medical cleaning best practices include –

Establish a Cleaning Plan

Establishing a routine for medical cleaning is critical. Create a detailed checklist and procedure to direct your cleaning personnel efficiently.

It will ensure that professionals carry out their cleaning jobs uniformly, upholding cleanliness standards.

To make your cleaning regimen infallible, consider these steps:

• Identify high-traffic areas and commonly touched surfaces needing frequent cleaning.
• Create a digital or paper-based checklist.
• Assign tasks to specific staff and track completion.

Use EPA-Approved Disinfectants

Utilizing EPA-approved disinfectants is essential in the healthcare sector. These validated products efficiently eliminate harmful microorganisms, reducing the risks of infection transmission.  

Follow these tips to carry out germ management in your healthcare setting:

• Create a catalog of disinfectants approved by the EPA.
• Educate employees on correct application and dilution methods.
• Perform regular compliance audits.

Practice Regular Hand Hygiene

Proper hand hygiene is essential to mitigate the transmission of diseases. Proper handwashing or sanitizing by staff, patients, and visitors prevents pathogen transmission. Professional cleaning services maintain facility hygiene, resulting in good hygiene.

To keep hands clean and minimize disease spread:

• Install hand sanitizing stations at key locations.
• Create instructional signage for handwashing.
• Train and monitor staff for compliance.

Complete High Touch Surface Sanitization

High-touch surfaces like door knobs, light switches, and countertops are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. Deep cleaning of these surfaces reduces the transmission of diseases. It helps create a safer environment for patients and healthcare workers.

Tips to regulate the spread of germs –

• Identify all frequently touched surfaces.
• Establish a regular cleaning timetable.
• Educate employees on appropriate cleaning methods.

Complete Regular Equipment Sterilization

Medical facilities must routinely sterilize medical instruments. Failure to follow this procedure will result in cross-contamination and serious infection hazards.

Sterilization methods must follow the protocols prescribed by health authorities to guarantee their safety and efficacy.

Tips to follow to prevent contamination in a healthcare setting –

• Create a sterilization schedule for reusable equipment.
• Train staff on sterilization protocols.
• Maintain sterilization records for auditing.

Monitor Air Filtration and Quality Control

Ensuring top-notch air quality in a healthcare setting is essential. Check the air filtration systems and change the filters when required. Monitoring the air for pollutants is crucial for upholding a safe and healthy atmosphere.

To breathe easier and safer:

• Schedule regular inspections of air filtration systems.
• Change air filters when necessary.
• Install and monitor air quality sensors.

Perform Staff Training and Infection Control

Employee training is essential for managing infection control. Conducting specific training sessions ensures every employee comprehends and follows hygiene and infection control guidelines. Professionals must be updated with the latest practices in healthcare cleaning for better results.

For a well-trained and informed staff:

• Schedule regular infection control training.
• Evaluate staff knowledge periodically.
• Update training materials as guidelines evolve.

Complete Regular Auditing and Inspection

Regular inspections and audits help uphold top-notch cleanliness standards in healthcare settings.

They facilitate the early identification of problems and allow prompt corrective measures to be implemented. A successful auditing system ensures compliance with best practices for cleaning in healthcare.

To make sure you’re staying on top of cleanliness:

• Develop a checklist for auditing that corresponds with cleaning schedules.
• Assign auditing responsibilities to employees or external parties.
• Examine audit findings and execute adjustments.

Compliance and Industry Standards for Cleaning Your Medical Facility

Compliance with industry standards for cleaning medical facilities is vital. It ensures a safe and hygienic environment for both patients and healthcare staff.

In the US, healthcare organizations must adhere to guidelines set by some agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

These standards enable the implementation of best practices for cleaning and disinfecting various areas. It prevents the spread of infections and maintains a high level of care.

Following these regulations, professional cleaners safeguard public health and enhance patient safety. It creates a cleanliness culture that benefits everyone in the facility.

Let us look into the given industry standards for cleaning your medical facility –

CDC Guidelines:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers comprehensive guidelines for disinfection and sterilization, which involve cleaning procedures for different medical devices and surfaces.

OSHA Guidelines:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lays down specific regulations for cleaning medical facilities in the US. These regulations involve using personal protective equipment (PPE), communicating hazards, and maintaining general safety.

OSHA emphasizes preventing employee exposure to hazards, including infectious agents, cleaning chemicals, and other potential risks.

Healthcare Surfaces Institute (HSI):

The Healthcare Surfaces Institute (HSI) of the ISSA, the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, offers certifications to cleaning companies. These certifications show their capability to adhere to healthcare-specific cleaning standards.

EPA-Registered Disinfectants:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must approve using cleaning agents in healthcare environments. It ensures their effectiveness against particular pathogens.

Standardized Cleaning Protocols:

Implementing standardized cleaning procedures ensures uniformity and minimizes the chance of missing spots needing special care.

"Critical" vs. "Non-Critical" Surfaces:

The CDC classifies surfaces by contamination risk, designating critical surfaces. It also focuses on whether they need sterilization or high-level disinfection, while non-critical surfaces need low-level disinfection.

Environmental Cleaning Procedures:

According to CDC recommendations, medical facility environmental cleaning processes specify particular steps. They focus on surface cleaning and disinfection, including the use of suitable cleaning products and specified contact durations.

Cleaning and Disinfection of Medical Equipment:

Medical devices, such as endoscopes and surgical tools, must be cleaned and disinfected following established protocols.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Cleaning staff are required to wear suitable PPE. It includes gloves and masks to safeguard against exposure to pathogens.

Regular Monitoring and Evaluation:

Cleaning programs need to be consistently assessed and reviewed. It ensures their effectiveness and pinpoints areas that require enhancement.

Why Choose Professionals for Hospital Cleaning?

Hospitals are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses, so employing specialized cleaning services is crucial.

Choosing professionals for hospital cleaning is essential. They help maintain a safe and hygienic environment and address the unique challenges presented by such settings.

Trained professionals utilize advanced cleaning techniques and hospital-grade disinfectants. They effectively remove harmful pathogens, ensuring compliance with health regulations and standards. They come with expertise in infection control practices, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

Investing in professional cleaning services enhances the quality of care. It promotes a healthier atmosphere within the hospital.

Reasons to hire the professionals –  

Healthcare Expertise: They have experience cleaning and sanitizing healthcare environments. Professional cleaners know the significance of infection prevention and adhere to regulations. They have the necessary certifications and experience. They can handle hazardous pathogens in surgical environments and medical settings.

Advanced Methods: The professionals use high-grade disinfectants and advanced tools to sanitize different hospital sections. They also develop a tailored medical facility cleaning checklist and schedule it to reduce interference with hospital activities.

Patient Safety: The experts thoroughly clean and sterile environments, reducing the risk of infection spread and diseases.  

Cost-Effective: Professionals help save time and money in the long run and prevent money from being wasted. They enable you to avoid additional expenses, ensuring a healthy space.

Dedicated Cleaning Following Exceptional Standards with Sterling Cleaning Services!

Cleaning and disinfecting medical facilities focuses on preventing and controlling infections. In addition to legal obligations, inadequate cleaning protocols can jeopardize people's lives.

It is crucial to comprehend potential threats, healthcare protocols, and cleaning agents.

Understanding each medical facility's specific requirements is essential. Hiring professional cleaners will help maintain your clinic's health.

Hire us if you want to achieve patient satisfaction and a fresh environment. At Sterling Cleaning Services, we thoroughly perform medical practice cleaning services in NYC to ensure the hospitals are pristine, clean, and hygienic.

Reach out to us for thorough cleaning of various commercial spaces with expertise.