Hospitals use a variety of floor cleaners to ensure that floors are thoroughly disinfected and safe for patients, staff, and visitors. The choice of floor cleaner depends on the type of flooring, the level of contamination, and infection control protocols. In healthcare settings, the primary concern is to not only clean but also sanitize floors to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Common Types of Floor Cleaners Used in Hospitals

Hospital-Grade Disinfectants

• What They Are – These are strong, broad-spectrum disinfectants designed to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi on hospital floors. They are usually formulated to be effective in a wide range of settings, from patient rooms to hallways and waiting areas.
• Common Ingredients
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats) – These are widely used in hospital floor cleaners for their effectiveness against a variety of pathogens, including MRSA, E. coli, and influenza.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide – Sometimes used for its broad-spectrum disinfecting properties.
  • Chlorine Bleach – Effective for floors that need more intense cleaning, especially for high-risk areas where contamination is a concern.
• Example Products
  • Virex® II 256 – A hospital-grade cleaner and disinfectant effective against a broad range of pathogens, including norovirus and C. difficile.
  • Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant – Ideal for hard floors, it kills pathogens without leaving harmful residue.
  • Sani-Cloth® Prime Wipes – Often used for high-touch surfaces but can also be used for quick disinfecting of floors in certain areas.

Neutral Floor Cleaners

• What They Are – Neutral floor cleaners are non-abrasive and designed for daily cleaning without damaging or stripping floor finishes. These cleaners are used in areas like patient rooms and waiting areas where frequent, light cleaning is required.
• How They Work – Neutral cleaners don’t have a high pH (alkaline), which means they are safe for a variety of flooring materials, including vinyl, tile, linoleum, and sealed wood.
• Example Products
  • Diversey® Stride® Citrus Neutral Cleaner – Gentle on floors but effective at removing dirt and maintaining a clean, streak-free finish.
  • Zep® Neutral Floor Cleaner – Non-abrasive, used for daily cleaning, and ideal for hospitals with vinyl and tile floors.

Disinfecting Floor Strippers

• What They Are – Floor strippers are used when it’s necessary to remove old layers of wax or floor finishes to prepare floors for a fresh coat. These cleaners have a higher pH and are designed to break down and strip wax buildup.
• When They’re Used – Strippers are typically used periodically, especially in high-traffic areas, or during deep cleaning cycles. After stripping the old finish, hospital floors are typically re-waxed and re-polished to restore a protective layer.
• Example Products
  • Diversey® Stride® Floor Stripper – Highly effective in stripping wax and dirt buildup from floors, preparing them for re-coating.
  • P&G Professional® Floor Stripper – Removes wax and finishes, helping to maintain floor aesthetics and hygiene standards.

Steam Cleaners

• What They Are – Some hospitals use steam cleaning systems for cleaning and disinfecting floors, especially in sterile environments such as operating rooms or ICUs. Steam cleaning involves using high-temperature steam to sanitize and remove contaminants without chemicals.
• How They Work – Steam cleaners work by utilizing superheated water vapor to clean and sanitize floor surfaces. The heat kills bacteria and viruses, and the steam can lift dirt without leaving excess moisture.
• Advantages
  • Chemical-free cleaning and disinfection.
  • Effective at eliminating germs, bacteria, and even viruses.
  • Ideal for sensitive areas where chemicals are not allowed or where chemical residue may pose a problem.
• Example Products
  • Shark Steam Mop or Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop (for smaller hospital settings or for specific areas).

Automated Scrubbers

• What They Are – In larger hospital facilities, automated floor scrubbers are used for high-efficiency cleaning of large floor areas. These machines typically apply detergent, scrub the floor with rotating brushes, and then vacuum up the dirty solution, leaving the floor clean and dry.
• Why They’re Used – Automated scrubbers provide a more thorough cleaning than manual mopping, and they help to reduce the spread of contamination. They’re commonly used in hospital lobbies, hallways, waiting areas, and bathrooms.
• Advantages
  • Fast and efficient for cleaning large spaces.
  • Reduces the risk of cross-contamination compared to traditional mop-and-bucket methods.
• Example Products
  • Tennant® T300 – A ride-on floor scrubber that is commonly used in hospitals for large floor areas.
  • Nilfisk® SC2000 – A compact, automated scrubber ideal for smaller hospital spaces.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Hospital Floor Cleaner

• Effectiveness Against Pathogens – Hospital floor cleaners must be effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
• Compatibility with Different Flooring Materials – Different floors (e.g., vinyl, tile, or wood) may require specific cleaners to avoid damage or discoloration. Neutral cleaners are often preferred for sensitive flooring.
• Environmentally Friendly – Many hospitals now prioritize green cleaning solutions that are safe for staff and patients and have less environmental impact. Look for products with certifications like EPA Safer Choice or Green Seal.
• Residue-Free – Cleaners must leave minimal residue behind, especially in areas where patients walk or where food is served.
• Ease of Use – Hospital staff need floor cleaners that are simple to use, whether manually or through automated equipment.

Popular Floor Cleaners in Hospitals

• Virex® II 256 (Disinfectant)
• Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner
• Diversey® Stride® Citrus Neutral Cleaner
• Zep® Neutral Floor Cleaner
• Bona® Commercial System Floor Cleaner (often used in healthcare for wood and other sensitive floors)
• Diversey® Stride® Floor Stripper (for heavy-duty use)

Hospitals typically use hospital-grade disinfectants that are effective at killing a wide range of pathogens, neutral floor cleaners for regular maintenance, and specialty products like strippers and steam cleaners when deep cleaning is necessary. Automated scrubbers are commonly used in larger areas for efficiency and thoroughness. The goal is always to ensure that floors are not only clean but also free of contaminants that could potentially harm vulnerable patients.