Well, it involves more than just mopping the floors. In this guide, we break down the hospital cleaning procedures and methods Jani-King uses to maintain medical centres, hospitals and healthcare facilities. Whether you’re a healthcare professional or just curious about how hospitals remain so clean, this guide will show you how Jani-King’s professional cleaning services help to keep our communities safe with spotless medical facilities.
Table of Contents
The key takeaways
- Understand the differences: Sterilisation kills all microbes, disinfection reduces harmful germs and sanitation lowers germ levels to safe standards.
- Regular surface cleaning: High-touch areas need frequent cleaning with hospital-grade cleaning products to minimise infection risks.
- Colour-coded cleaning tools: Use specific colours for cleaning tools to prevent cross-contamination between different areas.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, masks, gowns and eye protection, to safeguard against exposure to infectious agents and cleaning chemicals.
- Proper waste disposal: Separate and dispose of medical waste correctly using colour-coded bins to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
Understanding Medical Cleaning
First, let’s break down some key terms in medical centre cleaning: sterilisation, disinfection and sanitation. Understanding these medical cleaning concepts is essential for maintaining a safe and hygienic environment.
Sterilisation: Completely eliminating all forms of microbial life
Sterilisation is the ultimate level of hospital cleaning. This process wipes out all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores. Sterilisation is essential for tools and instruments that come into direct contact with sterile body areas or fluids, like surgical instruments and needles.
Disinfection: Reducing the number of pathogenic microorganisms
Disinfection reduces the number of pathogenic microorganisms to a level that is no longer harmful. Disinfection is your go-to for areas like hospital beds, countertops and medical devices that don’t necessarily need to be completely sterile but still require a high level of cleanliness to prevent the spread of infections.
Sanitation: Lowering the number of germs to a safe level
Sanitation is all about lowering the number of germs to a safe level, making medical centres healthier and safer for patients and healthcare workers. Medical centre cleaners commonly use this process for general cleaning tasks, such as washing hands, cleaning floors and disinfecting surfaces in non-critical areas.
Surface Cleaning
In a medical facility, everything from door handles to bed rails can harbour harmful microorganisms. Regularly cleaning these surfaces, especially in high-traffic areas, reduces the risk of infections.
Recommended cleaning agents and tools
It's important for medical cleaning companies to use the right cleaning agents and tools. Hospital-grade cleaning products containing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or bleach are commonly recommended due to their ability to kill a broad spectrum of pathogens.
Frequency and methods of cleaning
Medical centre cleaners should aim to clean high-touch surfaces at least several times a day, while other areas might need daily or weekly cleaning.Â
The method includes:
- Wiping with disinfectant wipes or cloths soaked in disinfectant solution.
- Spraying disinfectants directly onto surfaces and wiping them down.
- Using UV light for disinfection, especially for equipment that cannot be exposed to liquids.
The importance of colour-coded cleaning tools
To prevent cross-contamination, professional cleaners should use colour-coded cleaning tools designated for specific areas. Mixing these tools can lead to the spread of harmful bacteria and other pathogens. Here’s a quick guide for all cleaning needs:
- Green: Used for food prep and kitchen areas to ensure food safety.
- Blue: Reserved for general areas like waiting rooms and offices.
- Yellow: Designated for infectious areas to contain and control the spread of pathogens.
- Red: For washrooms and bathrooms, handling areas prone to high levels of bacteria and bodily fluids.
Sterilisation Procedures
Sterilisation procedures are essential for maintaining a sterile environment, especially in areas like operating rooms, laboratories and any place where invasive procedures are performed. There are several methods of sterilisation, each with its own applications and effectiveness.
- Autoclaving: Uses high-pressure steam to kill all microorganisms. Great for most surgical instruments and linens.
- Chemical sterilants: Includes substances like ethylene oxide and hydrogen peroxide. Used for heat-sensitive equipment.
- UV light: Uses ultraviolet light to damage microorganisms’ DNA. Ideal for air and surface sterilisation.
Best practices and standards
To ensure effective sterilisation, medical facilities must adhere to best practices and standards, such as:
- Proper cleaning before sterilisation: Instruments must be thoroughly cleaned of any organic material before sterilisation to ensure effectiveness.
- Correct Loading: Autoclaves and other sterilisation devices should be loaded correctly to allow proper steam or chemical penetration.
- Regular Maintenance and Testing: Sterilisation equipment must be regularly maintained and tested to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
- Documentation: Keeping detailed records of sterilisation cycles, including temperature, pressure and duration, helps maintain compliance.
Compliance with health and safety regulations ensures a high standard of sterilisation. These regulations can vary by state, so it’s important to be aware of specific requirements in your state. When you choose a medical cleaning company like Jani-King, you can trust your cleaner will meet the relevant standards for your state and facility.
Wet Areas Cleaning
Bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms present unique cleaning challenges due to their constant exposure to moisture. Effective healthcare cleaning services in these areas are critical to prevent the spread of infections and maintain a hygienic environment.
For medical centre cleaners to stay on top of wet areas, it’s essential to use the right cleaning agents and techniques. Hospital-grade disinfectants with bleach or quaternary ammonium compounds effectively kill bacteria and viruses. Anti-fungal agents help combat mould and mildew, while non-abrasive cleaners preserve surfaces like stainless steel and tiles. Effective maintenance involves frequent cleaning multiple times a day, thorough drying of surfaces to prevent moisture buildup, proper ventilation to reduce humidity and using protective gear like gloves and masks to safeguard against chemicals and contaminants.
Tips for preventing mould and mildew
Mould and mildew thrive in damp, humid conditions. Preventing their growth requires proactive measures:
- Use dehumidifiers: These devices help control humidity levels in wet areas.
- Regular inspection: Routinely check for signs of mould and mildew, especially in hidden or less accessible areas.
- Prompt repairs: Fix any leaks or plumbing issues immediately to prevent water accumulation.
- Proper ventilation: Ensure bathrooms and kitchens have adequate ventilation through exhaust fans or windows.
- Anti-mould products: Regularly use anti-mould sprays and treatments in medical centre cleaning routines, especially in areas prone to dampness.
Disease Control Areas
In disease control areas, such as isolation rooms and infection control zones, rigorous cleaning is key to preventing the spread of infections and protecting patients and healthcare workers. These areas require strict protocols that include thorough disinfection of all surfaces, proper waste disposal and the use of hospital-grade cleaning products known to eliminate pathogens.Â
Medical centre cleaners must adhere to stringent Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, including gloves, gowns, masks and eye protection, to safeguard against exposure to infectious agents. As well as that, guidelines for preventing cross-contamination are essential; these include using dedicated, colour-coded cleaning tools for different areas, changing PPE between cleaning tasks and ensuring proper hand hygiene.
Guidelines for preventing cross-contamination
Keeping cross-contamination at bay in medical facilities is key to ensuring a safe and clean environment for everyone. At Jani-King Australia, we adhere to the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (2024). These guidelines recommend using colour-coded cleaning tools and PPE. This means different tools for different areas—no mixing allowed.Â
For example, tools used in high-risk zones like isolation rooms shouldn’t be used elsewhere to prevent the spread of germs. Hand hygiene is a big deal, too, with strict protocols in place for staff to wash their hands before and after patient interactions and when moving between areas.Â
The guidelines also highlight the need for hospital-grade disinfectants and proper waste disposal to keep everything squeaky clean. By sticking to these steps, medical facilities can cut down on infections and keep both patients and staff safe.
Handling spills of laboratory cultures and human pathogens
In the event of spills involving laboratory cultures and human pathogens, act promptly to mitigate risks and ensure safety by following these steps:
- Isolate the area: Immediately line off the affected area to prevent further contamination and exposure.
- Alert personnel: Notify all personnel in the vicinity about the spill and potential hazards.
- Wear PPE: Before proceeding, ensure that appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, gowns and eye protection, is worn.
- Contain the spill: Use absorbent materials, such as paper towels or spill pads, to contain the spill and prevent it from spreading.
To manage spills of laboratory cultures and human pathogens effectively, use EPA-approved disinfectants such as bleach solutions (1:10 dilution) and alcohol-based disinfectants. Apply these liberally over the spill area, ensuring full coverage and allowing sufficient contact time for efficacy. Carefully wipe the disinfectant and any remaining spilled material with absorbent pads or cloths and dispose of them in biohazard bags.Â
Medical centre cleaners must wear full PPE, including gloves, gowns, masks and eye protection and ensure the area is well-ventilated. The cleaning team should be trained in spill response procedures and the proper use of PPE and disinfectants. After handling the spill, staff should immediately remove and dispose of PPE correctly and perform thorough hand hygiene. Place all contaminated materials into designated biohazard bags, autoclave them if applicable before disposal and follow facility protocols for the disposal of biohazardous waste.
Waste Disposal: Clinical and Pharmaceutical
When cleaning medical facilities, proper disposal of medical waste is critical for maintaining a safe and hygienic environment.
Types of medical waste: sharps, pharmaceuticals, clinical
- Sharps: Includes needles, syringes, scalpels and any other items that can puncture or cut the skin. These items are particularly hazardous due to the risk of injury and infection.
- Pharmaceutical waste: Encompasses expired, unused or contaminated medications and vaccines. This type of waste poses a risk of chemical contamination and requires careful handling.
- Clinical waste: This category includes infectious waste that can pose a biological risk. It consists of waste from medical treatment, including bandages, swabs, gloves f and any material contaminated with bodily fluids.
Segregation of Waste: Colour-Coded Bins and Bags
Effective waste segregation is essential to prevent and eliminate cross-contamination and ensure safe disposal:
- Yellow bins/bags: Used for clinical and infectious waste, including contaminated PPE, bandages and swabs.
- Red bins/bags: Designated for sharps disposal. These containers are puncture-proof to prevent injury.
- Blue bins/bags: For pharmaceutical waste, ensure medications are kept separate from other types of medical waste.
- Black/general waste bins: For non-hazardous waste that doesn’t pose a risk of infection or contamination.
Safe Handling and Disposal Procedures
- Training: All healthcare staff should undergo rigorous training in proper waste segregation, handling and disposal procedures.
- PPE: Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling medical waste.
- Sharps disposal: Place all sharps immediately into designated puncture-proof containers. Never attempt to recap needles or manually manipulate sharps.
- Pharmaceutical disposal: Ensure that all pharmaceutical waste is placed in the correct bins and that any liquid medications are contained to prevent spills.
- Clinical waste handling: Handle all clinical waste carefully to avoid exposure to infectious materials. Double-bagging may be required for heavily contaminated items.
- Transport and storage: Securely transport waste to designated storage areas while ensuring containers are sealed and labelled correctly.
Regulations and compliance requirements
Example Medical Centre Cleaning Schedule
1. Patient rooms and wards
Daily Cleaning:Â
- High-touch surfaces: bed rails, bedside tables, light switches, doorknobs, call buttons, remote controls
- Floors: sweeping and mopping
- Bathrooms: toilets, sinks and floors
- Trash removal and replacement of liners
Weekly Cleaning:Â
- Walls, windows and blinds
- Ventilation grills
- Deep cleaning of floors (buffing or polishing)
After Patient Discharge:
- Complete terminal cleaning, including disinfection of all surfaces, removal of curtains for laundering and changing bed linens
2. Bathrooms
Multiple Times Daily:
- High-touch surfaces: door handles, flush handles, faucets, soap dispensers
- Toilets and urinals: cleaning and disinfecting
- Sinks and countertops
- Floors: sweeping and mopping with disinfectant
- Trash removal and replacement of liners
Weekly Cleaning:
- Deep cleaning of walls and partitions
- Descaling of faucets and showerheads
3. Waiting areas and lobbies
Daily Cleaning:
- High-touch surfaces: chairs, armrests, tables, light switches, doorknobs
- Floors: vacuuming or mopping
- Trash removal and replacement of liners
Weekly Cleaning:
- Windows and glass doors
- Deep cleaning of furniture upholstery
- Overall dusting of less frequently touched surfaces
4. Nurse stations and administrative areas
Daily Cleaning:
- High-touch surfaces: phones, keyboards, desks, light switches, doorknobs
- Floors: vacuuming or mopping
- Trash removal and replacement of liners
Weekly Cleaning:
- Windows and blinds
- Deep cleaning of office equipment (copiers, printers, etc.)
- Organising and sanitising storage areas
5. Cafeterias and food preparation areas
Multiple Times Daily:
- High-touch surfaces: counters, tables, condiment stations, refrigerator handles
- Floors: sweeping and mopping with disinfectant
- Trash removal and replacement of liners
Daily Cleaning:
- Food preparation surfaces: cleaning and sanitising
- Equipment: stovetops, ovens, microwaves, slicers
- Sinks and drainage areas
Weekly Cleaning:
- Deep cleaning of floors and walls
- Inside of refrigerators and freezers
- Cleaning and descaling of coffee machines and other frequently used equipment
6. Hallways and corridors
Daily Cleaning:
- Floors: sweeping and mopping
- High-touch surfaces: handrails, light switches, door handles
- Trash removal and replacement of liners
Weekly Cleaning:
- Walls and baseboards
- Windows and blinds
- Deep cleaning of floors (buffing or polishing)
7. Elevators and stairwells
Multiple Times Daily:
- High-touch surfaces: buttons, handrails
Daily Cleaning:
- Floors: sweeping and mopping
- Mirrors and stainless steel surfaces: wiping and polishing
Weekly Cleaning:
- Deep cleaning of walls and floors
- Cleaning of light fixtures and ventilation grills
8. Specialty areas (e.g., laboratories, diagnostic rooms)
Between Uses:
- Immediate disinfection of all surfaces and equipment after each use
- Proper disposal of any medical waste and materials
Daily Cleaning:
- High-touch surfaces and equipment
- Floors: sweeping and mopping with disinfectant
- Sinks and workstations
Weekly Cleaning:
- Deep cleaning of all surfaces, including walls and ceilings
- Cleaning of ventilation systems and air filters
Quality Assurance and Compliance
Effective medical centre cleaning reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections, protects healthcare workers from harmful pathogens and ensures adherence to health authority standards. Having reliable medical cleaning services on-site boosts your facility’s reputation, instilling confidence in patients and visitors.
Regular audits and inspections
It’s important to conduct frequent internal audits and third-party inspections to ensure your cleaning is effective and compliant.Â
We recommend performing random spot checks and using audit results to give your team quality and specific feedback to help them continue improving.
Staff training programs
Set your team up for success with thorough initial training when you take on new staff, and keep the momentum going with refresher training for all team members.
Through hands-on demonstrations and specialised training for those high-risk areas (like isolation wards), you can keep your team operating at a high level.
Documentation and record-keeping
Keep detailed logs of cleaning activities, incident reports, audit findings and training records. Importantly, make sure these records remain up to date so if you ever need to prove compliance, you can feel confident everything is ready to go.
Jani-King Australia provides medical centre cleaning services tailored to your organisation’s unique requirements. With a team of highly trained professionals, state-of-the-art cleaning technologies and strict adherence to health and safety regulations, Jani-King ensures your medical centre is clean and compliant with the highest standards. You’re in good hands with Jani-King.
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Request your free proposal today and protect your patients, staff and reputation with professional medical cleaning services from Jani-King Australia.
