Cleaning and disinfection are important in health care because they keep germs away from people and keep infections from spreading.
Cleaning and disinfection are important in health care because they keep germs away from people and keep infections from spreading.
Content provided by Centers for Disease Control
Cleaning and disinfection are important in health care because they keep germs away from people and keep infections from spreading.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting – What’s the Difference?
Cleaning removes the visible dirt, dust, spills, smears, and grime, as well as some germs, from surfaces. This is accomplished by washing the surface using a cleaning product and water. Cleaning products include liquid soap, enzymatic cleaners, and detergents. High-touch surfaces should be cleaned regularly. Some examples of high-touch surfaces include tables, door handles, and keyboards.
Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. This is accomplished by cleaning an area with soap, water, or any additional detergent; then using an EPA-registered household disinfectant. Disinfectants are only for disinfecting after cleaning and are not substitutes for cleaning unless they are a combined detergent-disinfectant product. For effective use of the disinfecting product, follow the instructions on the label.
PPE should be worn while cleaning or disinfecting, such as wearing disposable gloves. Additional personal protective equipment might be required based on the cleaning/disinfectant products being used and whether there is a risk of splash.
Please note, these checklists are intended to be samples.
Cleaning Procedure Summaries for Spills of Blood or Body Fluids
1. Wear appropriate PPE
2. Confine the spill and wipe it up immediately with absorbent
(paper) towels, cloths, or absorbent granules (if available) that are spread over the spill to solidify the blood or body fluid (all should then be disposed as infectious waste).
3. Clean (neutral detergent and water)
4. Disinfect using a facility-approved intermediate-level disinfectant. 5. Immediately clean/disinfect all reusable supplies and equipment
(e.g., cleaning cloths, mops) after the spill is cleaned up.
To learn more about healthcare environmental infection prevention and control, visit cdc.gov/hai/prevent/environment
To learn more about disinfection and sterilization, visit cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection
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