How Frequently Should You Do Carpet Cleaning in Medical Facilities to Minimise the Risk of Infection

It’s well-known that carpeting is one of the most cost-effective flooring options available. However, its health benefits are less recognized. Carpets act as indoor air filters, capturing dust, allergens, and airborne pathogens within their fibres, which helps prevent these elements from circulating in the air and spreading to other areas. In fact, one square foot of carpet can hold up to a pound of dirt and dust. 

Given that patients, medical residents, and nurses walk on your flooring daily, it is essential to maintain a consistent cleaning routine that includes regular vacuuming and periodic professional deep cleanings to ensure that the carpet continues to support cleaner, healthier air.

How frequently should carpets in medical facilities be cleaned?

Taking the proper steps to prevent carpet damage is not only safer for residents and patients, but it is also more cost-effective. Regular carpet cleaning is significantly cheaper than replacing the carpets.

As a general guideline, carpets should be professionally deep cleaned and sanitised at least every six months, with many facilities opting for quarterly or even monthly cleanings. All carpets should be included in a regular maintenance schedule, and high-traffic areas, such as entryways and hallways, should be cleaned more often.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Floor Surfaces in Healthcare Facilities

According to government health regulations and recommendations, floor surfaces in healthcare settings should be cleaned and disinfected daily. Spills must be addressed immediately, with the affected area disinfected promptly.

Carpet Maintenance Guidelines

For carpets, regulations specify that those in public and general patient-care areas should be vacuumed daily using well-maintained equipment equipped with HEPA filters to minimise dust dispersion. After a spill has been removed as much as possible, carpets should be cleaned using the hot water extraction method, recognized by AS/NZS 3733:1995, to reduce chemical and soil residue.

Importance of Regular Cleaning

Carpets should undergo thorough cleaning regularly as determined by facility policy, employing methods that minimise aerosol production and leave little to no residue, in accordance with Australian Standards and manufacturer recommendations.

Challenges in Carpet Sanitization

The healthcare industry has deliberately kept these recommendations vague due to the lack of reliable technology for efficiently and effectively cleaning and sanitising carpets on a regular basis. Carpets and soft furnishings in hospitals and other healthcare institutions are typically used in non-critical patient-care areas and public spaces, reducing the necessity for daily cleaning of these surfaces.

Monthly Cleaning Recommendations

At a minimum, carpets in healthcare facilities should be cleaned once a month to control the risk of fungal and bacterial growth. A regular cleaning schedule, combined with potentiated peroxide solutions, will help maintain the carpet’s appearance and integrity, ensuring that soil does not contribute to unpleasant odours throughout the facility. Actichem’s Potentiated Peroxide systems can significantly inhibit the rapid increase of bacteria counts. One of the major advantages of the Actichem Peroxide System is that, while sanitising surfaces, it does not promote the development of resistant bacterial strains.

Implementation of a Cleaning Program

While every facility has unique needs, a sample cleaning program is provided later in this article. Facilities can adopt the outlined system by purchasing their own equipment and training staff to perform the cleaning, or they can recommend the system to their contract cleaning company.

Minimising Damage and Extending Carpet Life 

The key to prolonging the life of your carpet is regular maintenance, which involves three essential steps:

Regular and Thorough Vacuuming

Use a commercial-grade vacuum equipped with an adjustable beater bar/brush and a microfiltration system. Investing in a high-quality vacuum is worthwhile. Depending on foot traffic, vacuuming should be conducted several times a week, especially in high-traffic areas. Bag-style vacuums tend to work best; remember to replace the bags when they are two-thirds full.

Professional Extraction Cleanings

Schedule professional extraction cleanings at least once a quarter for high-traffic areas and at least every six months for others. Choose a cleaning company that uses safe, non-toxic products and offers sanitizers and carpet protectants. Drying times should ideally be within one to two hours to prevent mould and bacteria growth, minimising inconvenience for patients and residents.

Spot and Surface Cleaning

Spills and spots are inevitable, and the quicker you address them, the easier they are to remove. When spots occur, act swiftly using appropriate spotting products. Many cleaning companies provide regular spot-cleaning services as part of their maintenance programs. However, be cautious with products that contain high levels of surfactants or soaps, as they can leave a residue that attracts dirt. The best initial response to a spill is to blot it with a clean, white cloth to absorb excess liquid and prevent it from seeping deeper into the carpet fibres.

Conclusion 

Ensuring that your medical facility has safe and clean floors is crucial for delivering excellent customer service and fostering a healthier environment for both living and working. By implementing these techniques, you will not only keep your medical residency as clean as possible, but also protect your flooring investment and offer residents and patients a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable experience.

At Clean Australia Service, we understand the importance of keeping medical clinics clean and sanitary. Our dedicated team of medical clinic cleaning professionals is committed to offering premier cleaning solutions suitable for healthcare facilities of various sizes. Our professional medical clinic cleaners, backed by comprehensive training and experience, are adept at addressing the unique needs of medical establishments.

We prioritise the use of top-tier cleaning agents and methods to guarantee a holistic and thorough medical clinic cleaning approach. Our team is driven by excellence and is unwavering in their work to ensure a safe and clean space for both patients and medical clinic staff. Whether it's regular sanitation tasks or an intensive one-off cleaning, we're equipped and ready to deliver. 

Entrust your clinic's cleanliness to Clean Australia Service, and be assured of unmatched hygiene standards. With Clean Australia Service, you can trust that your medical clinic will adhere to the highest standards of cleanliness and professionalism. Contact us now and get a Free quote!