The 7-step cleaning process is a standardized procedure used to ensure effective and consistent cleaning, particularly in healthcare, commercial, and institutional settings like hospitals, schools, and offices. These steps ensure that all areas are cleaned thoroughly and disinfected properly, helping to maintain hygiene, reduce the spread of infections, and ensure safety.

Here’s a breakdown of the 7 steps in the cleaning process…

Preparation

• What Happens – This step involves gathering the necessary cleaning supplies and ensuring that the work area is ready for cleaning.
• Key Tasks
  • Gather cleaning tools – Mops, buckets, gloves, disinfectants, cloths, vacuums, etc.
  • Read labels – Check instructions on cleaning products for proper usage and dilution.
  • Clear the area – Move objects that might obstruct cleaning (e.g., furniture, equipment, personal items).
• Why It’s Important – Proper preparation ensures that all needed tools are at hand, preventing interruptions and ensuring that the area is safe and ready for cleaning.

Dusting and Dry Cleaning

• What Happens – Dust and loose debris are removed from surfaces.
• Key Tasks
  • Dust horizontal and vertical surfaces – Start from higher surfaces like shelves or light fixtures and work downward to avoid re-soiling cleaned areas.
  • Sweep or vacuum floors – Remove dirt, dust, and debris from hard floors or carpets.
  • Clean vents – Dust or vacuum air vents and exhausts.
• Why It’s Important – Removing loose dirt and debris prevents it from becoming airborne or getting mixed with water, which could lead to streaks or grime buildup.

Wet Cleaning or Washing

• What Happens – This step involves washing surfaces with a suitable cleaning solution to remove dirt, grime, and germs.
• Key Tasks
  • Clean surfaces with water and detergent – Use appropriate cleaning products for each type of surface (e.g., all-purpose cleaner for countertops, degreaser for kitchens).
  • Wipe down surfaces – Use cloths, sponges, or mops to scrub surfaces and remove dirt.
• Why It’s Important – Wet cleaning ensures that visible dirt and stains are effectively removed from surfaces, preparing them for disinfection.

Rinsing

• What Happens – Surfaces are rinsed to remove any remaining cleaning solution or residue.
• Key Tasks
  • Rinse surfaces with clean water – After scrubbing, use clean water to rinse off any soap, cleaner, or detergent residue.
  • Ensure no cleaner remains – Residual cleaning product can attract dirt and create sticky surfaces, so it must be thoroughly rinsed off.
• Why It’s Important – Rinsing ensures that no detergent or cleaning solution is left behind, which could lead to residue buildup or cause skin irritation for those using the surfaces later.

Disinfection

• What Happens – Surfaces are disinfected to kill bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens.
• Key Tasks
  • Apply disinfectant – Use hospital-grade or appropriate disinfectants for different surfaces (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds, bleach solutions, hydrogen peroxide).
  • Allow contact time – Disinfectants need to remain on surfaces for a specific amount of time (usually 3-10 minutes) to be effective.
  • Use proper technique – Use cloths, wipes, or sprays to apply disinfectant and ensure even coverage.
• Why It’s Important – Disinfection kills harmful pathogens and helps prevent the spread of infections, especially in high-risk environments like hospitals or kitchens.

Drying

• What Happens – After cleaning and disinfecting, surfaces are dried to avoid water spots and ensure the area is safe to use.
• Key Tasks
  • Dry surfaces – Use clean towels, microfiber cloths, or air dryers to dry cleaned and disinfected surfaces.
  • Ensure no puddles remain – Wet surfaces can lead to slips, or they may attract dirt or become breeding grounds for bacteria.
• Why It’s Important – Drying prevents water spots, reduces the risk of water damage, and ensures the area is safe for use.

Inspection and Maintenance

• What Happens – After cleaning, an inspection is done to ensure that the cleaning was effective and thorough.
• Key Tasks
  • Inspect the cleaned areas – Check that surfaces are free from dirt, streaks, or cleaning product residue.
  • Check for missed spots – Look for areas that may have been missed or need extra attention.
  • Maintain tools – After cleaning, clean and disinfect your cleaning tools (mops, cloths, buckets) to prevent cross-contamination.
• Why It’s Important – The inspection ensures that the cleaning process was effective and that no areas were overlooked. Proper tool maintenance helps prolong the life of your cleaning equipment and prevents contamination in future cleanings.

Summary of the 7 Steps

• Preparation – Gather tools and clear the area.
• Dusting and Dry Cleaning – Remove loose dirt and dust.
• Wet Cleaning or Washing – Clean surfaces with water and detergent.
• Rinsing – Remove detergent residue.
• Disinfection – Apply disinfectants to kill pathogens.
• Drying – Dry surfaces to prevent water spots and damage.
• Inspection and Maintenance – Inspect the area and maintain tools.

This 7-step cleaning process helps maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, especially in environments like healthcare settings where infection control is crucial. By following these steps, you can ensure that all areas are not just cleaned but also disinfected and safe for use.