Cleaning senior and long-term care (LTC) facilities can be more involved and require more detailed attention than cleaning other types of locations. The concept of “cleaning for health” takes on a far more important meaning in these settings.
 
For this reason, Kaivac offers the following hygienic cleaning suggestions for cleaning professionals responsible for LTC facilities:
• Designate which surfaces need to be cleaned with a germicidal disinfectant (areas at high risk for contamination), a sanitizer (moderate risk), or an all-purpose cleaner (low-risk zones such as offices).
• Staff should avoid eating in clinical areas or nurse stations; food waste provides nourishment for microorganisms and can become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
• Phones should be cleaned with a sanitizer several times per day.
• Restrooms should be cleaned using sanitizers or disinfectants when there is an elevated health concern.
• Food service areas also need to be cleaned with sanitizers, and a disinfectant should be used when health concerns are elevated.

Along with traditional high-touch areas (such as light switches and doorknobs), a big concern in LTC facilities is fomites. Fomites are touchable areas in LTC facilities that can spread disease, including:
• Railings
• Bedside tables
• Remote controls
• Carts
• Push buttons
• Seating, tables, and any objects visitors may contact
• Walls
• Privacy and window curtains

In addition, workers should never reuse rags or mops, says Matt Morrison, Communications Manager for Kaivac. Instead, tools should be changed after cleaning each room. Cleaning workers should also wear gloves at all times.
 
“Of special concern is floor cleaning,” says Morrison. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] reports floors in health care–type settings can become contaminated due to settling airborne bacteria, contact with shoes and wheels, and especially from soiled mops and buckets. Alternative floor cleaning methods that do not use mops and buckets should be selected.”