Environmental cleaning is more important than ever, especially in healthcare, aged care, and commercial spaces. In Australia, strict guidelines help ensure these environments stay safe, hygienic, and free from harmful microorganisms. Healthcare facilities, for instance, follow rigorous infection prevention and control measures to protect patients and staff. Aged care settings require even more attention since elderly residents are more vulnerable to infections. Meanwhile, cleanliness isn’t just about appearance in commercial spaces—it plays a big role in health, safety, and overall well-being.
Rubbermaid Commercial is making a real difference in this space, bringing sustainability into the cleaning process. Our focus on long-lasting, high-quality products helps reduce waste and supports more eco-friendly cleaning practices. From mop heads made to last to innovative solutions that reduce unnecessary waste, we are helping businesses clean smarter while caring for the planet.
Environmental cleaning is all about getting rid of dirt and germs to keep places like healthcare, aged care, and commercial settings safe and hygienic. The main goals are to stop infections, control contamination, and make sure everyone stays safe. Using standard and transmission-based precautions is key to keeping infectious agents at bay.
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has developed many guidelines to help health service organisations keep their facilities clean and safe. These guidelines stress the need for regular cleaning, the use of the correct disinfectants, and proper training of cleaning staff. For example, they suggest cleaning high-touch surfaces often and adapting cleaning methods to fit the unique needs of different areas within a facility.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also provided guidelines on environmental cleaning. They focus on effective cleaning processes, picking the right cleaning chemicals, and how often cleaning should happen to reduce healthcare-associated infections. The CDC recommends that cleaning procedures consider the risk of pathogen transmission, looking at things like contamination chances and patient vulnerability.
The ACSQHC provides environmental cleaning resources outlining best practices, including the two-step mechanical action and disinfection process.
Health service organisations must implement structured cleaning programs that support infection prevention and control. Responsibilities include:
Providing training for cleaning staff on IPC procedures.
Establishing cleaning schedules that define cleaning frequency and the use of appropriate disinfectant solutions.
Ensuring cleaning equipment such as mop heads, cloths, and disinfectants are used correctly.
Conducting audits to assess compliance with environmental cleaning requirements.
Smaller health organisations may require regional support to meet compliance needs, particularly in remote areas.
Effective environmental cleaning in healthcare settings is essential for preventing the spread of infections. Key processes include:
The two-step cleaning process begins with mechanical action, which involves removing visible dirt and organic matter using a neutral detergent and water. This step is essential because organic material can hinder the effectiveness of disinfectants.
Once the area is clean, the next step is disinfection. An appropriate disinfectant is applied to eliminate any remaining pathogens. The disinfectant must be suitable for healthcare environments and applied according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure maximum effectiveness.
High-touch surfaces are frequently contacted and can harbour pathogens, facilitating their transmission. These surfaces include:
Bed Rails: Clean and disinfect regularly, as they are touched multiple times daily.
Door Handles and Light Switches: These should be cleaned and disinfected routinely due to frequent use.
Medical Devices: Non-critical medical equipment requires cleaning and disinfection after each use.
Areas contaminated with body fluids pose a high risk for infection transmission. Staff is required to Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and gowns, to protect against exposure.
Clean spills promptly using absorbent materials. Then, wash the area with detergent and water. Finally, disinfect the area to eliminate pathogens.
It's also crucial to follow a systematic approach to ensure complete decontamination. To prevent further contamination, begin by isolating the affected area. This may involve using barriers or signage to keep others away until the area is safe.
Once the initial cleaning and disinfection are completed, consider conducting a secondary disinfection process for added safety, particularly in high-risk zones. This may involve using a different disinfectant that is effective against a broader range of microorganisms.
Furthermore, ensure that all cleaning staff are trained in the latest infection prevention and control techniques. Regular training sessions and updates on new protocols help maintain a high standard of cleanliness and safety.
Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at least twice daily. After the patient's discharge, the room, including all surfaces and equipment, should be terminally cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
Effective cleaning in healthcare facilities relies on top-quality equipment and well-trained staff. Rubbermaid Commercial Products offers industry-leading solutions focused on infection prevention and control while promoting sustainability.
The HYGEN™ Launderable Microfibre Cloths & Mops remove 99.9% of microbes, ensuring superior cleaning with minimal chemical use. In high-risk areas like ICUs and operating rooms, the HYGEN™ Disposable Microfibre Cloths & Mops offer a single-use option to prevent cross-contamination.
The WaveBrake® Mopping System enhances floor cleaning by reducing splashing and limiting the spread of infectious agents. Rubbermaid’s High-Capacity Cleaning Carts provide secure storage for cleaning chemicals, with hands-free waste disposal to minimise contamination risks. Proper training in cleaning procedures, chemical handling, and equipment maintenance ensures staff utilise these tools effectively.
Strict hygiene measures are crucial for infection prevention and control in residential aged care homes. As of January 30, 2025, there were 750 active COVID-19 cases across 122 aged care facilities, with 47 new outbreaks and six resident deaths reported in the preceding week.
Common spaces, dining areas, and shared bathrooms are high-risk areas for infection transmission. To safeguard residents' health, these areas and high-touch surfaces must be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Implementing proper cleaning protocols and ensuring adequate cleaning frequency can significantly reduce the risk of infection spread within these vulnerable populations.
Regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces, such as toilets, floors, bed rails, door handles, and communal areas, helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination and protects vulnerable residents.
For daily surface cleaning, HYGEN™ Launderable Microfibre Cloths and Mops remove bacteria using just water, reducing reliance on harsh chemicals that may irritate elderly residents. Their colour-coded system prevents cross-contamination between resident rooms, shared spaces, and high-risk areas, ensuring infection control remains a priority.
For infection-sensitive areas such as communal spaces and medical rooms, HYGEN™ Disposable Microfibre Cloths provide single-use protection, eliminating the risk of spreading bacteria from one surface to another. Their disposable nature makes them ideal for cleaning high-risk areas where residents may have compromised immune systems.
To prevent slip hazards, General Spill Mops and Pads rapidly absorb liquids and transform them into gel. This prevents drips and makes spill cleanup faster and safer. This is particularly critical in aged care settings, where wet floors can pose a serious fall risk to residents.
Assessing environmental cleanliness in aged care facilities is essential for ensuring resident safety and maintaining infection prevention standards. Regular infection prevention audits help identify areas that require improved cleaning practices and ensure compliance with aged care hygiene protocols.
Effective evaluation methods include visual inspections, fluorescent marker testing, and ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) monitoring, which detects organic matter on surfaces. Access to environmental cleaning resources, such as industry guidelines and staff training programs, ensures cleaning processes align with best practices.
Maintaining rigorous environmental cleaning in commercial settings is vital for public health and safety. Clean workplaces, including offices and retail spaces, help reduce the spread of germs, thereby decreasing employee absenteeism and enhancing customer confidence.
In Australia, commercial cleaning practices must comply with regulatory requirements. For example, in Victoria, most businesses that supply cleaners to commercial premises must have a labour-hire licence, and any business using these services must only use licensed providers. Adherence to these standards ensures a hygienic environment and safeguards the well-being of all occupants.
Maintaining high cleanliness standards in commercial spaces requires a combination of effective cleaning processes, appropriate cleaning frequency, and advanced cleaning solutions. Offices, retail spaces, and hospitality venues are high-traffic areas where germ transmission is a significant concern. Regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, counters, and shared workspaces, is crucial for maintaining public health.
HYGEN™ Launderable Microfibre Cloths and Mops reduces reliance on chemical cleaners and minimises exposure to harsh substances for employees and customers. These reusable microfibre cloths lower cleaning costs by lasting through 500 wash cycles, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for businesses.
For high-traffic environments, WaveBrake® Mopping Systems improve floor cleanliness while reducing water waste and preventing splashes. They keep floors drier and safer for foot traffic.
Expert-led cleaning practices, combined with the right equipment and adherence to guidelines, are essential for maintaining safe and hygienic environments in both healthcare and commercial settings. By implementing effective cleaning procedures and using Rubbermaid Commercial products, businesses can enhance efficiency, reduce contamination risks, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Explore Rubbermaid’s professional cleaning solutions to elevate your facility’s cleanliness.
