Hospitals clean rooms through a systematic, multi-step process to ensure the environment is safe, hygienic, and free from infection risks.

Here’s a breakdown of how hospital rooms are cleaned…

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• What – Cleaners wear gloves, gowns, masks, and sometimes face shields to prevent contamination while cleaning.
• Why – PPE ensures the cleaner doesn’t transfer pathogens from the room to themselves or other areas.

Remove Linens and Trash

• What – Dirty linens (sheets, towels, gowns) are removed, along with any trash or medical waste.
• Why – It helps reduce contamination and prepares the room for disinfecting.

Dusting and Wiping Surfaces

• What – High-touch surfaces like light switches, doorknobs, bed rails, call buttons, and furniture are wiped down with disinfectant.
• Why – These areas harbor the most germs, so disinfecting them is essential for infection control.

Cleaning the Floors

• What – The floor is swept or vacuumed to remove dust, followed by mopping with a hospital-grade disinfectant.
• Why – Floors can accumulate dirt and germs, so they need thorough cleaning to maintain hygiene.

Disinfecting the Bathroom

• What – The bathroom is cleaned with powerful disinfectants, focusing on sinks, toilets, showers, and floors.
• Why – Bathrooms are high-risk areas for spreading infections, so they need extra attention.

Disinfection of Equipment

• What – Medical equipment in the room, such as monitors, IV poles, and chairs, is wiped down with hospital-grade disinfectants.
• Why – Reusable equipment must be disinfected to prevent the spread of germs from one patient to another.

Terminal Cleaning (Post-Patient Discharge)

• What – After a patient is discharged, a deep clean is performed. This includes disinfecting all surfaces and sometimes even steam-cleaning carpets or upholstered furniture.
• Why – It ensures the room is free of any pathogens before the next patient arrives.

Replace Linens and Restock Supplies

• What – Fresh linens are put on the bed, and essential supplies (e.g., tissues, gloves, hand sanitizers) are replenished.
• Why – The room needs to be fully prepared for the next patient, with clean bedding and necessary supplies.

Air Quality

• What – In some hospitals, air filters may be changed or air purifiers may be used.
• Why – Proper air circulation and quality are critical in preventing airborne infections.

The entire process, from removing waste to disinfecting surfaces, is done with special care to prevent cross-contamination. It’s often followed by a terminal clean if the room was used by a patient with a contagious disease, ensuring an even more thorough disinfection before a new patient is admitted.