Creating Comfort: Aged Care Cleaning Tips for Hygienic Living Spaces

Walking into a clean, fresh space has a unique way of making us feel at ease. For residents in aged care facilities, this sense of comfort takes on even greater importance. Cleanliness is about creating an environment where health and well-being come first. For families, knowing their loved ones are in a clean and safe space offers peace of mind. For staff, it means fewer infections and smoother operations.

However, aged care cleaning comes with its own challenges. Balancing thorough hygiene with the need for a welcoming atmosphere requires the right strategies. Whether you're managing a facility or overseeing cleaning operations, understanding the specifics can make all the difference. This blog dives into practical tips to help you create clean, safe, and comfortable spaces for aged care residents.

Why Aged Care Cleaning Requires Special Attention

Cleaning in aged care facilities is not just about maintaining appearances. It’s about creating a safe and healthy environment for individuals who are more vulnerable to infections. Many residents in aged care have compromised immune systems due to age, chronic conditions, or medication. This makes them more susceptible to bacteria and viruses, which can spread rapidly if cleaning practices are inadequate.

A clean environment goes beyond health; it ensures comfort, dignity, and a sense of peace for residents. Families trust that their loved ones are cared for in a safe and hygienic space. Staff benefit, too, as a clean facility reduces the chance of illnesses spreading, leading to fewer sick days and smoother operations.

However, achieving these outcomes requires addressing the unique challenges of aged care cleaning. Each facility has its own layout, resident needs, and cleaning priorities, making a one-size-fits-all approach ineffective.

Key Challenges in Aged Care Cleaning

Following are some of the challenges that people face when caring for aged care homes:

1. High Infection Risks

Aged care residents are at a heightened risk of infections, such as respiratory illnesses or gastroenteritis.
Even minor lapses in cleaning can lead to outbreaks that put all residents and staff at risk.
Pathogens like norovirus or influenza thrive in shared spaces, requiring consistent disinfection of surfaces.

2. High-Touch Surfaces

Residents and staff frequently touch items like bed rails, light switches, call buttons and door handles.
These surfaces can harbour germs for hours or even days if not disinfected properly.
Overlooking these areas in daily cleaning routines significantly increases the risk of cross-contamination.

3. Diverse Cleaning Needs

Kitchens require food-safe cleaning solutions to ensure hygiene without risking chemical contamination.
Bathrooms need attention to remove mould, mildew, and harmful bacteria that can thrive in wet environments.
Common areas, such as lounges and dining rooms, require frequent cleaning due to high foot traffic and shared use.
Resident rooms need to balance thorough cleaning with respect for personal belongings and privacy.

Developing an Effective Aged Care Cleaning Plan

Cleaning in aged care facilities needs a structured approach. It’s essential to establish a plan that outlines tasks, frequency, and cleaning methods tailored to the specific needs of the space and its residents.

Setting Hygiene Standards

Regulatory Compliance: Familiarise staff with Australian health and safety guidelines specific to aged care cleaning. These set minimum requirements for cleanliness and infection control.
Task Protocols: Divide cleaning into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks to ensure all areas are covered systematically. For example:

Daily: Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
Weekly: Deep clean carpets, curtains, and ventilation systems.
Monthly: Inspect and polish floors or deep-clean appliances.

Approved Products: Use cleaning products certified for aged care use. This includes hospital-grade disinfectants and biodegradable options that ensure safety without harming the environment.

Prioritising Resident Safety

Minimising Disruption: Plan cleaning schedules to align with residents’ routines. For instance, clean bathrooms when residents are not using them or tidy rooms during mealtimes when common areas are busier.
Proper Ventilation: Ensure rooms and common areas are well-ventilated during and after cleaning. Open windows or use air purifiers to disperse fumes from cleaning agents, reducing respiratory risks for residents.
Preventing Cross-Contamination: Use clearly labelled cleaning carts and colour-coded cloths or mops. For instance:

Red: Bathrooms
Blue: General surfaces
Green: Food prep areas

Train staff to change gloves and cleaning materials between rooms to avoid spreading germs.

Daily Cleaning Tips for Aged Care Facilities

Daily cleaning in aged care facilities requires a targeted approach to reduce the spread of germs, maintain hygiene, and create a safe and welcoming environment. Below are detailed, actionable tips to ensure effective cleaning practices.

Focus on High-Touch Areas

High-touch areas are among the most significant sources of germ transmission. These surfaces are frequently used by residents, staff, and visitors, making them hotspots for bacteria and viruses.

Examples of High-Touch Surfaces

Door handles: Frequently used by everyone, often overlooked during routine cleaning.
Handrails: Essential for residents' mobility, often touched throughout the day.
Lift buttons: High-traffic areas requiring multiple cleanings daily.
Light switches: These are used in every room and are prone to germ accumulation.
Mobility aids: Items like wheelchairs, walkers, and canes that residents rely on daily.

Steps to Clean High-Touch Surfaces

Wipe visible dirt: Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust, smudges, and debris.
Apply disinfectant: Use an EPA-approved disinfectant and ensure it covers the entire surface. Let it sit for the recommended dwell time to kill bacteria and viruses effectively.
Dry the surface: Use a clean, dry cloth to remove any residue, preventing streaks and maintaining the surface’s appearance.

Cleaning Bathrooms

Bathrooms are high-risk areas that require strict attention to detail. Maintaining cleanliness here is crucial to preventing the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses.

Checklist for Bathroom Cleaning

Scrub sinks, toilets, and showers: Use hospital-grade disinfectants to clean all surfaces. Focus on areas prone to soap scum or hard water stains.
Replace towels and toiletries: Provide fresh towels, toilet paper, and soap daily to reduce germ buildup.
Inspect for mould and mildew: Regularly check shower corners and grout lines. Use mould removers to address any growth immediately.
Mop floors: Use separate mops or cleaning equipment for bathrooms to avoid cross-contamination. Ensure floors are dried properly to prevent slips.

Cleaning Dining Areas

Dining areas are central to daily life in aged care facilities, making them critical spaces to keep clean and safe.

Steps for Maintaining Clean Dining Areas

Disinfect tables and chairs: After each meal, use a food-safe disinfectant to clean surfaces.
Clean food-contact surfaces: Any area that comes into contact with food—like countertops or serving trays, should be cleaned with non-toxic cleaning products approved for kitchen use.
Sanitise trays and utensils: Use a dishwasher or sanitising station to ensure all trays, cutlery, and dishes are germ-free.
Empty bins: Food waste should be disposed of immediately to prevent odours and pests.

Resident Rooms

Resident rooms are personal spaces that require thoughtful and consistent cleaning. Maintaining cleanliness here ensures comfort while minimising health risks.

Room Cleaning Tips

Vacuum and mop floors: Vacuum carpets to remove dust and allergens. Mop hard floors using cleaning products that are safe for indoor air quality.
Dust shelves and surfaces: Use a microfiber cloth to capture dust without dispersing particles into the air.
Change bed linens: Replace sheets and pillowcases weekly or more often if needed. Wipe down mattresses with a disinfectant spray.
Clean personal items: Disinfect items such as remotes, phones, and light switches, which are often touched but easily overlooked.
Sanitise mobility aids: Clean wheelchairs, walkers, and other personal equipment using a disinfectant suitable for non-porous surfaces.

Additional Room Cleaning Tips

Respect residents’ belongings and space by asking for permission before moving personal items.
Regularly check air conditioning units or fans for dust buildup to ensure clean airflow.

Weekly and Monthly Deep Cleaning Protocols

While daily cleaning ensures immediate cleanliness, weekly and monthly deep cleaning addresses areas that accumulate dirt and germs over time. These tasks are essential for maintaining hygiene standards and creating a safe, comfortable environment in aged care facilities.

Weekly Cleaning Tasks

Weekly cleaning tackles areas and items that require more thorough attention to prevent the buildup of allergens, bacteria, and dust.

1. Wash Soft Furnishings

Items to Clean: Curtains, bedspreads, cushion covers, and throw blankets.
Why It Matters: These fabrics trap dust, pollen, and allergens that can affect residents' respiratory health.
Steps:

Remove and launder soft furnishings using hot water to kill bacteria and dust mites.
Ensure items are dried completely before replacing them to prevent mould.

2. Deep Clean Kitchen Appliances

Appliances to Clean: Ovens, refrigerators, microwaves, and dishwashers.
Why It Matters: Food residue and grease can harbour bacteria, increasing the risk of contamination.
Steps:

Remove all contents from refrigerators and freezers. Clean shelves and compartments with food-safe disinfectants.
Scrub ovens to remove grease and burnt food particles.
Check and clean dishwasher filters to ensure efficiency and hygiene.

3. Inspect and Clean Air Conditioning Units

Why It Matters: Dust and allergens can circulate through the air if units are not maintained.
Steps:

Remove and clean filters using warm water and a mild detergent.
Wipe down external vents and ensure no obstructions are present.
Schedule professional servicing for deeper maintenance if required.

Monthly Cleaning Tasks

Monthly cleaning ensures deep sanitation for areas that accumulate hidden dirt and grime over longer periods.

1. Shampoo Carpets or Steam Clean

Why It Matters: Carpets trap dirt, bacteria, and allergens that can compromise air quality and hygiene.
Steps:

Use a carpet shampoo or steam cleaner to remove embedded dirt and stains.
Focus on high-traffic areas, such as hallways and common rooms.
Allow carpets to dry thoroughly to avoid mould growth.

2. Polish Hard Floors and Reapply Sealants

Why It Matters: Floors can lose their protective layers over time, making them more prone to wear and germs.
Steps:

Strip old wax or sealant using a professional-grade floor stripper.
Clean the surface and reapply a sealant to protect the floor from future damage.
Buff the surface to create a clean, polished finish.

3. Clean and Sanitise Storage Areas

Why It Matters: Storage areas can become breeding grounds for pests if left unattended.
Steps:

Empty storage spaces and inspect for pest activity.
Wipe down shelves and floors with disinfectant.
Ensure all items are stored in sealed containers to prevent contamination.

Managing Infection Control in Aged Care Facilities

In aged care facilities, infection control requires proactive measures, particularly during flu season or outbreaks. Adhering to strict cleaning protocols can significantly reduce risks.

Cleaning During Outbreaks

When outbreaks occur, facilities must intensify their cleaning practices to contain the spread of pathogens.

Steps for Outbreak Cleaning:

Increase Frequency of Cleaning:

Disinfect high-touch surfaces (e.g., door handles, handrails) multiple times a day.

Use Hospital-Grade Disinfectants:

Choose products proven effective against common pathogens like influenza and norovirus.

Provide Disposable Supplies:

Use single-use cleaning tools, such as disposable mop heads and cloths, to prevent cross-contamination.

Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is a foundational element of infection control in aged care facilities. Encouraging regular hand washing and sanitisation can drastically reduce germ transmission.

For Residents:

Provide Hand Sanitiser: Place sanitiser stations at entrances, dining areas, and common rooms.
Encourage Hand Washing: Ensure residents wash their hands before meals, after using the restroom, and during outbreaks.
Support Mobility: For residents with mobility challenges, offer hand wipes or assistance to ensure proper hygiene.

For Cleaning Staff:

Wear Gloves: Use gloves for all cleaning tasks and change them between rooms to prevent spreading germs.
Wash Hands Regularly: Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves and before handling clean items.
Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use separate cleaning supplies for different areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and common spaces.

Incorporating Technology in Aged Care Cleaning

Technology can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of aged care cleaning.

Digital Cleaning Schedules

Use software to create and track cleaning schedules.
Monitor task completion in real time to ensure accountability.

Advanced Cleaning Equipment

Use HEPA filter vacuums to capture fine particles and allergens.
Invest in automated floor scrubbers for large common areas.
Consider UV light sanitising devices for high-risk areas like clinics or shared bathrooms.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips for Aged Care Facilities

Switching to eco-friendly cleaning practices can benefit residents and the environment.

Use plant-based, non-toxic cleaning products that meet regulatory standards.
Replace disposable wipes with reusable microfiber cloths.
Train staff to use the correct cleaning solutions to minimise waste.

Training and Staffing for Aged Care Cleaning

Properly trained staff are essential for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.

Training Programs

Offer hands-on training for infection control and equipment use.
Conduct regular refresher courses on updated cleaning protocols.

Staffing Considerations

Ensure adequate staff-to-resident ratios to manage cleaning tasks effectively.
Use a checklist system to ensure all areas are cleaned consistently.

Conclusion: Partner with Perth Express Cleaning for Comprehensive Aged Care Cleaning Solutions

Aged care cleaning is a critical component of creating hygienic and comfortable living spaces for residents. By focusing on high-touch areas, implementing infection control measures, and adopting eco-friendly practices, aged care facilities can ensure the well-being of their residents.

Perth Express Cleaning offers tailored aged-care cleaning solutions to meet the unique needs of your facility. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how our professional cleaning services can enhance your facility’s hygiene and safety.

FAQs

1. How often should high-touch surfaces in aged care facilities be cleaned?

High-touch surfaces, like door handles, handrails, and call buttons, should be cleaned and disinfected multiple times a day, especially during peak activity periods or outbreaks.

2. What cleaning products are safe to use in aged care facilities?

It’s essential to use hospital-grade disinfectants that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe for residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions or allergies.

3. How can facilities prevent cross-contamination during cleaning?

Using colour-coded cleaning tools (e.g., red for bathrooms, green for kitchens) and disposable materials, along with regularly changing gloves between rooms, helps prevent cross-contamination.

4. What’s the best way to clean mobility aids like wheelchairs and walkers?

Mobility aids should be cleaned with a disinfectant approved for non-porous surfaces, ensuring all handles, seats, and wheels are thoroughly wiped down without leaving residue.

5. How can aged care facilities improve air quality during cleaning?

Facilities can improve air quality by using HEPA-filter vacuums, ensuring proper ventilation during cleaning, and employing air purifiers to minimise dust and chemical fumes.