When Disinfecting Is Needed In Your Cleaning Routine
December 2, 2024
As a commercial cleaning company that specializes in services for healthcare buildings and facilities, we know it’s important to understand all the areas and surfaces where germs can gather in hospitals and doctors’ offices, not just the ones you may expect. Identifying and addressing these surprising places is imperative to successfully promoting health and wellness amongst us, and preventing the spread of germs and illnesses.
Here we’ll share some of the most unexpected areas to watch out for, as well as tips on how to properly clean and disinfect them.
One of the most common places where patients spend time while waiting for their appointment is the waiting room. However, this also means that it is a high-traffic area where germs can easily spread from person to person. While most cleaning companies may focus on disinfecting high-touch areas such as doorknobs and countertops, they often overlook the chairs in the waiting room.
According to a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, waiting room chairs were found to have high levels of bacterial contamination, including strains that can cause infections and illnesses. To properly clean and disinfect these chairs, it is important to use a broad-spectrum disinfectant and ensure that all surfaces are thoroughly wiped down.
In today’s digital age, computers are an essential tool in healthcare facilities. However, this also means that they are constantly being used by different individuals, making them a prime area for bacteria and germs to thrive. A study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that computer keyboards contained up to 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat.
To prevent the spread of germs through computer keyboards, it is important to regularly clean and disinfect them using an alcohol-based cleaner. It is also recommended to use keyboard covers that can easily be wiped down and changed between users.
Stethoscopes are an essential tool for any healthcare professional, but they are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting. A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that stethoscopes can carry a variety of bacteria and even drug-resistant organisms.
To properly clean and disinfect stethoscopes, it is recommended to use a disinfectant wipe or an alcohol-based cleaner after each use. It is also important to regularly replace the earpieces and diaphragms to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
Elevators are another high-traffic area in hospitals and doctors’ offices, making them one of the worst breeding grounds for germs in a healthcare facility.
To properly clean and disinfect elevator buttons, it is important to use a multi-purpose cleaner and ensure that all surfaces are thoroughly wiped down. It is also recommended to use a paper towel or tissue to press the buttons instead of using your fingers.
In patient rooms, remotes and phones are frequently used by both patients and staff. However, they are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting. TV remote controls can be one of the most contaminated surfaces in hospital rooms.
To properly clean and disinfect remotes and phones, it is important to use a disinfectant wipe or an alcohol-based cleaner after each use. It is also recommended to designate specific remotes and phones for patient and staff use to prevent cross-contamination.
Given that there are many surprising areas and surfaces that can gather germs on a daily basis, it’s crucial to have a all-encompassing cleaning strategy for hospitals and doctors’ offices . A thorough cleaning routine should not overlook these areas, and will assure the proper disinfection is carried out, ideally by an industry professional. By following these tips, we can help create a safer and healthier environment for both patients and staff in healthcare facilities!
DBS Building Solutions delivers consistent, reliable, quality commercial cleaning and janitorial services to businesses and commercial spaces around the country.
