As a business decision-maker, you know that maintaining a clean and sanitary environment in your healthcare facility is essential for the health and safety of your patients and staff--one of the most important aspects of this is commercial floor care.
Keep Healthcare Floors Clean and Sanitary
Commercial floor care is essential for maintaining a clean and sanitary environment in healthcare facilities.
Floors are often the dirtiest surfaces in a healthcare facility, as they are constantly exposed to foot traffic, spills, and other contaminants.
Proper floor care can help prevent the spread of infection and keep patients and staff safe.
Key Steps Involved In Commercial Floor Care for Healthcare Facilities
- Sweeping and mopping - This is the most basic step in floor care. Sweeping removes loose dirt and debris, while mopping disinfects the floor and removes any remaining dirt. It is crucial to use a disinfectant solution when mopping and to change the mop water frequently to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Stripping and waxing - This is a more thorough cleaning process that is typically done on a monthly or quarterly basis. Stripping removes old wax and dirt, while waxing protects the floor and makes cleaning easier. It is vital that the floor stripper and wax be explicitly designed for healthcare facilities.
- Buffing and polishing - This step gives the floor a shine and makes it look its best. It is not essential for infection control, but can help make the floor more aesthetically pleasing.
- Disinfecting - Disinfecting kills germs and bacteria, which can help prevent the spread of infection. It is necessary to use a disinfectant solution specifically designed for healthcare facilities.
Additional Tips
- Use a walk-off mat at all entrances to help remove dirt and debris from shoes before entering the facility.
- Use a floor mat with a disinfectant solution in high-traffic areas, such as waiting rooms and hallways.
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent them from spreading.
- Use a separate mop and bucket for each type of floor surface.
- Dispose of dirty mop heads and cloths properly.
- Train staff on proper floor care procedures.
References
- Cross, J. (2022, May 25). The Impact of Floors on Indoor Air Quality and Health. Cleanfax. https://cleanfax.com/the-impact-of-floors-on-indoor-air-quality-and-health/
- Shoe Sole and Floor Contamination: A New Consideration in the Environmental Hygiene Challenge for Hospitals. (n.d.). Infection Control Today. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/shoe-sole-and-floor-contamination-new-consideration-environmental-hygiene
- Waiting room flooring: Combining patient comfort, aesthetics and function - Interior Design. (n.d.). Healthcare Facilities Today. https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/posts/Waiting-room-flooring-Combining-patient-comfort-aesthetics-and-function--16371
- Estes JM, Hayes YO, Freeman ZT, Fletcher CA, Baxter VK. Effectiveness of Various Floor Contamination Control Methods in Reducing Environmental Organic Load and Maintaining Colony Health in Rodent Facilities. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. 2019 May 1;58(3):329-337. doi: 10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-18-000107. Epub 2019 Apr 26. PMID: 31027519; PMCID: PMC6526484. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6526484/
Takeaway
Commercial floor care is an essential part of maintaining a clean and sanitary environment in healthcare facilities.
Key steps decision-makers should keep in mind:
- Use a qualified commercial cleaning service.
- Train staff on proper floor care procedures.
- Monitor the effectiveness of the floor care program.
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