Medical cleaning practices use a number of practical tools and guidelines to combat the transfer of bacteria, bloodborne pathogens, germs, microorganisms, and viruses. These practices may be applied to residential and commercial spaces.
The transfer of potentially infectious microorganisms occurs with hand contact to high-touch surfaces or infected persons. Therefore, the initial step to implement infection control is to adhere to and teach good hand hygiene. Washing the hands regularly, with soap and water, for 20 seconds or more, will reduce to spread of contagious diseases. When Soap and water is not readily available, apply an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
Cleaning is the physical process of removing bacteria, dirt, germs, and viruses typically using soap and water. It’s the necessary first step of any residential or commercial infection control procedure. The physical action of rubbing/scrubbing any object with a cleaning agent will lower the risk of spreading infection. Once the obvious debris is removed, a disinfectant or sanitizer may be used.
Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill a broad spectrum of pathogens/germs and can lower the risk of spreading diseases. Disinfecting the home or workplace may be achieved with cleaning agents readily found in the grocery store. Once a week, if not daily, wipe down the high-touch surfaces (door handles/knobs, faucet handles, toilet flush handles). If ever feasible, remove tiles, and sanitize/deep clean carpets to eliminate the exposure to microorganisms that may have carried in from an infected area.
