Evidence does not support that housekeeping surfaces (eg, floor, walls and sinks)pose a risk for disease transmission in dental healthcare settings. Actual, physical removal of microorganisms and soil by wiping or scrubbing is probably more critical than disinfection. The majority of housekeeping surfaces need to be cleaned only with a detergent and water or an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant/detergent, depending on the nature of the surface and the type and degree of contamination.
Floors should be cleaned regularly, and spills should be cleaned up promptly with detergent. An EPA-registered hospital disinfectant/detergent designed for general housekeeping purposes should be used in patient-care areas if uncertainty exists regarding the nature of the soil on the surface (eg, blood or body fluid contamination versus routine dust or dirt). Unless contamination is reasonably anticipated or apparent, cleaning or disinfecting walls, window drapes and other vertical surfaces is unnecessary. However, when housekeeping surfaces are visibly contaminated with blood or OPIM, prompt removal and surface disinfection is appropriate infection control practice and required by OSHA.
Part of the cleaning strategy is to minimize contamination of cleaning solutions and cleaning tools (eg, mop heads or cleaning cloths). Cost, safety, product-surface compatibility and acceptability by housekeepers can be key criteria for selecting a cleaning agent or an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant/detergent. In the cleaning process, another reservoir for microorganisms can be dilute solutions of detergents or disinfectants, especially if prepared in dirty containers, stored for long periods of time, or prepared incorrectly. Preferred cleaning methods produce minimal mists and aerosols or dispersion of dust in patient care areas.
Recommendations
Housekeeping Surfaces
1. Cleaning housekeeping surfaces (eg, floors, walls and sinks) with a detergent and water or an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant/detergent on a routine basis, depending on the nature of the surface and type and degree of contamination, and as appropriate, based on the location in the facility and when visibly soiled.
2. Clean mops and cloths after use and allow to dry before reuse, or use single use, disposable mop heads or cloths.
3.Prepare fresh cleaning or EPA-registered disinfecting solutions daily and as instructed by the manufacturer.
4. Clean wall, blinds and window curtains in patient-care areas when they are visibly dusty or soiled.