How do you keep your environmental services tools clean?

1 Cleaning vs. disinfecting

Cleaning and disinfecting are two different but related processes that you need to perform on your environmental services tools. Cleaning is the removal of visible dirt, dust, and organic matter from surfaces using soap, water, and a cloth or brush. Disinfecting is the killing of germs and pathogens on surfaces using a chemical solution that is approved by your facility. You should always clean before disinfecting, as dirt and organic matter can reduce the effectiveness of the disinfectant.

2 Common environmental services tools

Some of the most common environmental services tools that you use in your daily work are mops, buckets, brooms, dustpans, vacuums, microfiber cloths, spray bottles, and carts. Each of these tools requires a specific cleaning and disinfecting procedure, depending on the type, frequency, and area of use. For example, mops and buckets need to be rinsed, wrung out, and soaked in a disinfectant solution after each use, while vacuums need to be emptied, wiped, and checked for filters and attachments regularly.

3 Cleaning and disinfecting guidelines

In order to properly clean and disinfect environmental services tools, it is essential to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, goggles, and masks. Additionally, you should read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data sheets for each cleaning and disinfecting product used. Furthermore, make sure to use the correct dilution, contact time, and application method for each product, and avoid mixing different products unless instructed. It is also important to label and store cleaning and disinfecting products in a secure and ventilated area away from heat and sunlight. Finally, any waste materials such as used cloths, paper towels, or mop heads should be disposed of in a designated bin or bag.

4 Tool maintenance and inspection

Besides cleaning and disinfecting your environmental services tools, you also need to maintain and inspect them regularly to ensure that they are in good working condition. You should check for any signs of wear and tear, damage, or malfunction, and report or replace any faulty or broken tools as soon as possible. You should also keep track of the inventory and lifespan of your tools, and order new ones when needed.

5 Tool storage and organization

The final step in keeping your environmental services tools clean is to store and organize them properly. You should have a designated storage area for your tools, preferably a locked closet or cabinet that is clean, dry, and well-ventilated. You should arrange your tools in a way that prevents cross-contamination, such as separating clean from dirty tools, hanging mops and cloths to dry, and covering carts and vacuums with plastic bags. You should also label your tools clearly and use a color-coded system to identify their purpose and area of use.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?