Introduction

A clean environment reduces the risk of transmission of infection posed by microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses) in that environment. Most microorganisms are found in dust and dirt, so cleaning or vacuuming alone can reduce the amount of organisms in the environment.

Some microorganisms (e.g. Clostridioides difficile spores) can survive in the environment for long periods of time. So, enhanced cleaning with disinfection is required when a patient has a confirmed or suspected infection.

Responsibilities

You should:

• clean equipment daily as part of your blocked stocked check
• clean and check any equipment before and after use, and between patients
• For HCA only: make sure that the curtains in all clinical rooms are changed every 6 months (if there are none in the stock room, you can order them from AV Surgery supplies)
• take part in audits, using our ‘How-to’ guide

You should:

• clean and check equipment before and after use, and between patients
• when cleaning and disinfecting, use a top-to-bottom, clean-to-dirty approach

• clean all large and flat surfaces using an ‘S-shaped pattern' from clean to dirty, top to bottom, overlapping slightly, but do not go over the same area twice. This cleaning motion reduces the amount of microorganisms that may be transferred from a dirty area to a clean area

• make sure that you leave your room clean and tidy at the end of the day

How to clean medical equipment

Spirometer

To clean:

1. Twist the transducer until the locating pip aligns with the cut out on the housing. You should then be able to pull off the transducer.
2. For routine cleaning, wash the transducer in warm soapy water. For sterile cleaning, wash the transducer in cold sterilising solutions (for recommended solutions, see the manufacturer’s guide)
3. Rinse the transducer using distilled water and make sure to dry thoroughly

Blood pressure machine/24-hour ambulatory blood pressure

To clean:

1. Wipe the monitor with Sani-cloth or alcohol wipes
2. Wash the cuff with lukewarm water and regular disinfectant
3. Remove the bladder from the cuff and monitor, then clean using Sani-cloth wipes
4. Allow all parts of the machine to drip dry at room temperature
5. A nurse or HCA should inspect the cuff thoroughly after cleaning. If it can’t be cleaned properly, dispose of it as general waste

Thermometers & otoscope

To clean:

1. Dispose of the thermometer/otoscope cover as clinical waste
2. Wipe the probe and tip using alcohol wipes before and after use

Peak-flow meters

To clean:

1. Remove the mouthpiece and dispose of it as clinical waste
2. Replace the meter if it looks damaged
3. Cover the meter in soapy water and shake it to get rid of any trapped air
4. Rinse and allow to air dry at room temperature

Ear irrigator

To clean the outside:

1. Wipe using a damp cloth, alcohol wipes, detergent or disinfectant

To clean the inside:

1. Put one CHLOR-CLEAN cleaning tablet into the reservoir
2. Fill up to the 500 mL mark with warm water
3. Wait for the tablet to dissolve
4. Run the machine for a few seconds (until the pump and hose are filled with water)
5. Switch off and leave to sit for 10 minutes
6. Pour the water out
7. Re-fill with cold water and run the machine to get rid of any remaining cleaning solution

Nebuliser

To clean:

1. Dispose of the tubing, medication chamber and mask/mouthpiece as clinical waste
2. Wipe the machine using Clenil wipes
3. Change the filter as often as the manufacturer’s guide recommends, or if it is looking grey or dirty
4. If any part of the machine is cracked or worn, be sure to replace it

Electrocardiogram (ECG) machine

To clean:

1. Wipe gently using a cloth slightly dampened with water, alcohol, disinfectant or detergent
2. Dry using a dry cloth
3. Use a soft cloth or cotton swab to remove any dirt from the electrodes

Vaccine fridge

Any fridges used to store vaccines should be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth or alcohol wipe. For more information, see our 🥶Managing Vaccines & Refrigerators page.

Environmental cleaning schedule

Cleaning materials and equipment

• Cleaning cloths used should be single use
• Make sure that cleaning equipment is stored clean and dry, in a designated lockable area
• Discard of disposable mop heads after use
• Wash reusable mop heads after use, in a bucket of detergent and warm water. Then, rinse and store upright and dry
• If the mop head is visibly stained, discard and replace
• To disinfect, wash in detergent and warm water as before. Then, rinse and soak in chlorine-based disinfectant solution (at 1000ppm) for 30 minutes before storing upright and dry
• After use, buckets should be washed with detergent and warm water. Then, dry with paper towels or store upside down to air dry (on a suitable surface). To disinfect, wipe the bucket with a chlorine-based disinfectant (at 1000ppm) and leave to air dry

• Floor scrubbing machines, steam cleaners and carpet shampoo machines should be designed to allow tanks to be emptied, cleaned and dried
• To clean after use, place the toilet brush head beneath the water level and flush the toilet

Colour coding of equipment used for cleaning

Our cleaning materials and equipment are colour-coded to make sure that these items are not used in multiple areas. This reduces risk of transmission of infection from one area to another (e.g. toilet to kitchen)

Additional guidance

Blood and body fluid spillages

In the event of a blood and/or body fluid spillage, please refer to our💧Body fluid spillage protocol

Furniture, fixtures, fittings and toys

• Surfaces should be smooth, wipeable and non-impervious to facilitate effective cleaning
• Damaged surfaces should be repaired or replaced
• A risk assessment must be performed if you want to provide magazines and toys for patients (e.g., in waiting areas). Make sure all toys are decontaminated regularly, wipeable, and in good condition