CLEANING TECHNIQUES

(Hospital Housekeeping)
DEFINITION OF HOUSEKEEPING
 Housekeeping is the provision of a clean, comfortable, safe and
aesthetically appealing environment.

 Housekeeping is the maintenance of a clean, pleasant and orderly

environment which has always formed an essential part of civilized
living.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HOUSEKEEPING
 Housekeeping is often perceived as a tedious job but One feels
comfortable only in the environment which is clean and well
ordered, so cleanliness is important for the health of persons.

 Cleaning is carried out for the following reasons;

◦ Aesthetic appeal
◦ Hygiene
◦ Maintenance
◦ Safety
AESTHETIC APPEAL
 Leave every surface clean. Ceilings, floors, furniture, walls, windows,
fixtures, fittings etc.

 Leave the area tidy and place every item in the right place. Maintain
order on table tops, arrange books, pens and other items, keeping
symmetry in mind.

 Take care of indoor plants. Water natural plants, get rid of dead plants,
clean the pots, vases and leaves. Keep artificial flowers and other
artefacts free of dust. Use feather dusters on paintings and fragile
decorative items.
HYGIENE
 The process of cleaning is a hygienic practice because it gets rid of dust,
dirt and germs.

 A Housekeeper must be well kempt (Change under garments regularly,

brush the teeth and keep the breath fresh, wear clean and ironed
uniforms, Shave regularly, use anti-perspirants, Keep the hair clean and
tidy)

 Avoid cross contamination by using disinfectants

HYGIENE
 The use of color coded equipment helps to avoid cross contamination
as well. The universal color code is
RED- for toilets i.e Red dust cloths, Mop buckets,
Mop sticks etc.
YELLOW- for sinks,
BLUE- for furniture and
GREEN for the kitchen.

 Specialattention should be paid to sensitive areas such as the toilets,

bathrooms, all the areas in the hospitals etc
HYGIENE
 The housekeeper needs a lot of order and presence of mind to be
thorough, fast, effective and efficient and at the same time being
cautious and sensitive to the health of others and to his or her health
as well.

 Changing hand gloves, dust cloths, washing the hands regularly,

disinfecting cleaning equipment and keeping them clean ensures
personal and environmental hygiene.
MAINTENANCE
 Thevery act of cleaning is a routine maintenance for that area
being cleaned as such; the housekeeper needs to be vigilant in
observing items, equipment, appliances etc that are out place and
need repairs.

 Observing is one step, the next step is to report to the

relevant/appropriate personnel and the third step is to follow up
the repairs.
MAINTENANCE
 The housekeeper needs to acquire skills of simple maintenance
procedures such as driving in nails, changing bulbs, tightening
screws etc.

 Maintenance of the cleaning agents and equipment is also very

important. This entails storing them properly in a cleaning store that
is airy. Other tips will be given subsequently.
SAFETY
 The safety of housekeepers is important as well as the safety of
those who benefit from their services.

 Theuse PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT is

essential. Examples of PPE are masks, hand gloves, covered
shoes, uniforms, goggles, ear plugs etc
 The housekeeper needs to get rid of all hazards when cleaning to
ensure the safety of persons.
SAFETY
 Hazards can be categorized as;
- Microbiological- Micro-organisms. They are gotten rid of
mainly through disinfecting and sterilizing.
- Physical -Hair human/ pet, Insects and pests, Nuts and
Bolts, Drawing Pins, Soil etc. They can be gotten rid of by cleaning.
- Chemical- Cleaning agents. They should be labelled,
tightly closed, stored in the right place and used according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
COMPONENTS OF HOSPITAL HOUSEKEEPING
Appealing Interior decor and design
Proper waste disposal
Hospital Infection control
 Pest and Rodent control
 Sanitation and Cleanliness
 Odor control
Clean and appealing Restrooms
Adequate water supply
 HOUSEKEEPING IN HOSPITALS
 In hospitals, hygiene and cleanliness are of particular importance in
reducing the threat of cross infection with the result that housekeeping is
highly organized.
 Housekeeping extends towards the laboratories, administrative areas,
doctors’ chambers, lecture rooms, treatment rooms, waiting areas,
mortuaries, kitchens, dining areas and high risk areas- operation theatres,
intensive care units, transplant units, premature baby units and isolation
wards. The organizational structure of a housekeeping department in a
hospital varies according to the type and size of the hospital.
HOUSEKEEPING IN HOSPITALS
 The scope of hospital housekeeping is enormous. Here, control of
dust and germs is so important that the cleaning equipment may
have features that not to be found in other establishments, such
as;
- Electrical equipment fitted with extra filters to reduce the
risk of dust distribution.
- Electrical equipment fitted to minimize irritation to
patients.
- Colors used to identify equipment
HOUSEKEEPING IN HOSPITALS
Cleaning methods may also differ slightly. For example;
 Dusting is carried out with damp cloths only, so that dust is better
controlled.
 Sweeping is carried out using mops with heads that can be sterilized or
disposed of after each cleaning session.

The responsibilities of the hospital housekeeping team may include;

 Maintaining a high degree of cleanliness and hygiene with a focus on
health.
 Ensuring safety and security
HOUSEKEEPING IN HOSPITALS
 Pestcontrol
 Control over contracted cleaning agencies
 Providing staff uniforms
 Laundering hospital linen, uniforms and surgical suits.

In the wards, responsibilities also include;

 Cleaning and bed making, which must be done with the least amount
of disturbance to the patients.
 Arranging flowers and delivering and collecting the mails of patients.
 Caring for clothes and personal belongings
HOUSEKEEPING IN HOSPITALS
 Terminal cleaning of rooms, which must be done soon after a patient is
discharged and before a new patient is admitted to the room.

 This includes total disinfection of the room, including all furniture and
fixtures. Linen is subjected to a high temperature wash which is called a
TERMINAL WASH.
 PRECAUTIONS
 All employees working in high risk areas must wear protective clothing
and be gowned and mask if required. Gowns may be of the disposable
variety or made of cotton. Once used, they should be treated as infected
items and will require specific disinfection.
 Hands must be washed before entering, cleaning and after leaving a unit
to prevent spreading of infection. Cleaning materials and agents must be
suitably coded and after use, they must be disinfected or changed. Waste
arising in isolation areas must be disposed of separately and
appropriately. Syringes and sharp articles must be disposed
appropriately
HOSPITAL HOUSEKEEPING (TRENDS)
 Appealing colors of walls and corridors
 Mechanized cleaning
 Elimination of unpleasant odor
 Control of noise
 Control of infection
SELECTION OF CLEANING AGENTS
It should be ;
 Mild
 Of good quality 
 Bactericidal
 Of a wide microbe spectrum
 Non corrosive
 Pleasant in terms of odor
 CLEANING TERMINOLOGIES
 Sweeping
 Wet/Damp Dusting
 Dry Dusting
 Cob webbing
 Spray cleaning
 Vacuuming
 Wet/Damp Mopping
 Dry Mopping
 Polishing
 Buffing
 Stripping
 Sealing
 Disinfecting
CLEANING EQUIPMENT
CLEANING EQUIPMENT
GETTING READY TO CLEAN
 First, it is important to dress appropriately. Flat covered shoes, the hair
should be packed, make-up should be light and the clothes should be
free, airy and if possible, get a cleaning overall or Apron
 Carry out a tour of your cleaning area and make a list of all the places
and items to be cleaned.
 Schedule these into a cleaning Plan-Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly,
Bi- annually and Annually.
 Follow the Cleaning plan strictly. This applies for places that are
cleaned on a regular basis
PRINCIPLES OF CLEANING
These are the basic rules to follow in any kind of cleaning activity,
whatever the nature of the surface or the soiled.
 All soiled should be removed without harming the surface being
cleaned or the surrounding surfaces.
 The surface should be restored to its original state.
 The top-to-bottom approach should be always used.
 The cleaner should start cleaning from the farthest end of an area
working towards the exit.
PRINCIPLES OF CLEANING
 When cleaning an area, start with the cleaner surfaces before
proceeding to clean the heavily soiled area. As such, restrooms
and other sensitive areas should be cleaned last as it pertains to
order in cleaning areas.
Stains should be removed as soon as possible.
Noise levels should be low.
 The Housekeeper should ensure to reach corners and edges.
Search for dirt and clean them out.
After cleaning, all equipment should be cleaned, washed, dried
and stored in accordance with the type of equipment.
GETTING READY TO CLEAN
 Check the schedule to see where you are cleaning.
 Check the cleaning plan to know what sort of cleaning is to be
done.
For example; Sweeping, Dusting, Mopping, Cob webbing etc
 Get all equipment and agents to the area of cleaning.
Knock on the door, put on the lights (when necessary),
ventilate(Open the windows, etc), Empty the bin/ trash and
commence the cleaning.
 Dust the area moving in a clockwise or an anti-clockwise
direction in order to avoid missing out any item.
THE RIGHT ORDER OF CLEANING
 Using the principles of cleaning you have just learnt and the tips on
getting ready to clean, re-do the class exercise on slide 3
 Remember all that is needed to clean, the professionalism/courtesy
of alerting the recipient of your service, top-to- bottom approach,
dusting in order, cleaning cleaner surfaces first, tidying up the area
and care of equipment.
 Re-arrange the order; DUST, SWEEP, MOP, VACUUM
 SWEEPING, MOPPING AND
REMOVING COBWEBS
 Sweep away from you, the broom goes in a back and forth movement. The
housekeeper holds the broom at the tip and pushes dirt forward focusing on one
side and later moving to the clean side to sweep the dirty side.
 Mop towards you. Hold the Mop stick firmly and mop side-to-side making
sure that dirt is not deposited at the edges.
 Use ladders to reach high places not tables, chairs, stools etc
 Clean the top and bottom of fan blades and in the same position, using your
hands, rotate the fan slowly to get to the next blade
 Use the cob web remover to reach edges of ceilings, fixtures, shelves, behind
doors, window frames, beneath furniture etc
 SWEEPING, MOPPING AND
REMOVING COBWEBS
 Sweeping ( a daily task)/Brushing
The removal of surface dust and non- greasy soil with brooms and a dust
pan.(floors, foot-mats, furniture, pavements etc)
 Dry mopping (a daily task)

The light buffing of a floor, using a soft polishing mop or an impregnated

mop.(Wide floor space)
 Cob webbing (a weekly task)

The act of removing cobweb with a cobweb remover.(ceilings, book shelves, walls,
behind furniture)

In each of these tasks mentioned, it is important to reach corners, edges, behind

heavy furniture, between two furniture etc
DUSTING(an important act of cleaning)
 Dry dusting(a daily task)
Surface dust is removed with a soft dry cloth which is washed and
dried after use.(preferably, COTTON for furniture and LINEN for
Glass, Mirrors and Windows. (furniture, window slabs, pelmets,
switches/sockets, baseboards etc)

Damp dusting (frequency is dependent on the item)

Removal of grease, finger marks etc., by using a cloth wrung out in
water and mild detergent, then rinsed again and left to dry. This is done
when the surface is very dusty, oily and greasy. (windows, fans, doors,
walls, furniture, switches, sockets, etc.
DUSTING
 Dusting is done in a clockwise or anti- clockwise direction, to
avoid missing any object/furniture.
 It is important to get PROPER DUST CLOTHS and care for them
by washing them immediately after use (if possible) and storing
them in a bag. Feather dusters can also be used.
 Dusting Glasses, Windows and Mirrors should be done using the
TOP-TO-BOTTOM approach, either vertically or horizontally or
both.
 Dust Cloths should be color-coded to avoid cross contamination.
VACUUMING AND MOPPING
 Vacuuming is the act of using a suction machine to suck out dust
and dirt from furniture and other surfaces. The machine has
pressure, built in as a result of electricity. Rugs, Carpets, Window
slabs, cushions and various floors can be vacuumed. The General
procedure is to dust before vacuuming.
 Wet and damp mopping is usually confined to floor areas
directly concerned with water. It is done with detergent or other
cleaning agents. Floor surfaces such as; Tiles, Marbles
TOOLS TO HANDLE SPILLAGE
Protectiveclothing- Gloves, Gowns, Masks, Goggle, Tissue
paper, Paper towel
Forceps for removal of broken glass and other sharp object.
 HOW TO CLEAN BLOOD AND BODY FLUID
SPILL
 Place a wet floor signage
 Put on PPE (Personal protective equipment)
 Pick up sharp objects with Forceps
 Cover the area with paper (Tissue/Towels) and pour bleach. Allow to act
for 3-5 minutes
 Clean up and pour bleach again for 3- 5 minutes.
 Clean up, dispose, disinfect and wash hands and equipment used.
CARE FOR CLEANING EQUIPMENT

 The care of cleaning equipment cannot be over emphasized because it

aids durability, appearance and effectiveness.
 Cleaning equipment should be stored in the right places which
should be well ventilated.
 In matters of hygiene, they play a major role.
 For instance; if a mop stick is not properly taken care of, molds can
grow on them and when they are used to clean rooms, they can
pollute the environment with foul smell.
CARE FOR CLEANING EQUIPMENT
 DRY MOPS- Combed or brushed after use. The base cloth should be
washed, dried and replaced often

 DAMP MOPS- Washed with a synthetic detergent and water, rinsed, and
left to dry in an airy place.

 BROOMS/BRUSHES/ COBWEB REMOVER-Comb after use and store

with thistles up.
CARE FOR CLEANING EQUIPMENT

 MOP BUCKETS/DUST PANS & DUST CLOTH- Wash, rinse

and dry after use.

 FURNITURE POLISH AND OTHER CLEANING AGENTS-

These should have their caps/lids in place, tightly closed and
labelled. A cleaning storage is essential in a home/property to
store cleaning agents/tools.
CARE FOR CLEANING EQUIPMENT
A CLEANING STORE IS ESSENTIAL FOR
DURABILITY OF THE CLEANING TOOLS, FOR
ORDER IN THE HOME, FOR SAFETY ETC. A MAKE
SHIFT STORE IS ADVISABLE ESPECIALLY WHEN
A STORE WAS NOT FACTORED INTO THE
BUILDING
CLEANING THE TOILET
 One needs a Toilet Basket
 A Mop Stick
 A broom and Dust Pan
 Bin Bag

The Toilet Basket will contain

 A Tooth brush
 Two sponges for the Sink and the Toilet bowl
 Dust Cloths for the mirrors, window, sinks and the Toilet Bowls
 A Soapy detergent, Toilet Cleaner and a Disinfectant/ Bleach
 Hand Gloves
CLEANING THE TOILET
 Ventilate,empty the sanitary bin, clean the mirror, carry out extra cleaning
if necessary- remove cobwebs, Clean windows, door knobs, wipe tiles etc.
 Flush toilets, apply soap and bleach.
 Wash, rinse and dry the sinks
 Wash the toilet down to the toilet seat. Wash the toilet bowl with a
sponge
CLEANING THE TOILET
Wipe off lather with a red dust cloth
 Use a damp cloth to wipe the toilet(top-to- bottom)
 Dry with a dry cloth
Flush the toilet
Leave the toilet seat closed
 Replenish supplies such as toilet rolls, hand wash, hand
towels/napkins, air fresheners, sanitary towel wraps etc
Mop the floor or clean the floor with a floor cloth
Clean the toilet basket and all the equipment and agents used.
CLEANING THE BATHROOMS
 Clean the Baths first, Wash the walls and the floor of the Baths, Rinse
properly and dry the fixtures.(Use the Top-To-Bottom approach)
 Place the Guest Supplies according to Standard
 Clean the floor with a floor cloth or mop stick.
ETHICS FOR HOUSEKEEPERS

Housekeepers are exposed to the property of clients, important

documents, sensitive items etc, it is important that they take care of the
following ethical practices;
 Do not open cabinets, wardrobes, drawers, safety deposit boxes or
any other place containing personal items.
 Do not use the personal items of clients. Place them in safe places
 Do not have unnecessary personal dealings with clients.
 Do not read documents, books, articles etc of the clients.
ETHICS FOR HOUSEKEEPERS
 Do not pilfer
 Do not leave cleaning areas insecure, take care of keys and hand them
over to authorized persons
 Be punctual
 Do not lie, follow official procedures
 Avoid unreasonable short cuts in cleaning