Introduction
In a healthcare setting, “clean” has a different meaning. It’s not just about looking tidy; it’s about infection prevention, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. For medical and dental clinics in communities like Lloydminster and Lashburn, maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness is fundamental to building patient trust and providing quality care. A failure in cleaning protocols can have serious consequences, from cross-contamination to reputational damage.
This guide outlines the essential cleaning protocols that your clinic’s professional cleaning partner must follow to ensure a safe and healthy environment for your patients and staff.
The Difference: Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting
It’s crucial to understand the terminology. A professional healthcare cleaning service knows the difference:
- Cleaning: The physical removal of dirt, debris, and germs from a surface. This is always the first step.
- Sanitizing: Reducing the number of bacteria on a surface to a safe level, as judged by public health standards.
- Disinfecting: Using specific chemicals (like Health Canada-approved, hospital-grade disinfectants) to kill viruses and bacteria. This is essential for all high-touch surfaces in a healthcare environment.
A Checklist for Your Clinic’s Cleaning Program
- Focus on High-Touch Surfaces: A systematic disinfection of all high-touch points must be done daily. This includes waiting room chairs, reception counters, door handles, light switches, and payment terminals.
- Proper Restroom Sanitation: Restrooms must be deep cleaned and disinfected every day, with meticulous attention paid to toilets, sinks, faucets, and dispensers.
- Terminal Cleaning of Examination Rooms: At the end of each day, every examination room should undergo a “terminal clean.” This involves cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces, from the exam table and visitor chairs to countertops and equipment.
- Correct Dwell Time for Disinfectants: A disinfectant doesn’t work instantly. It must remain wet on a surface for a specific period, known as “dwell time,” to be effective. A trained team understands and adheres to the dwell times for the products they use.
- Prevention of Cross-Contamination: Your cleaning service must use a color-coded microfiber cloth system (e.g., red for restrooms, green for general areas) to prevent germs from being spread from one area to another. Mop heads and water should also be changed frequently.
- Safe Handling of Waste: The team must be trained in the proper handling and disposal of regular, biomedical, and sharps waste according to provincial regulations.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Partner
Not every cleaning company is qualified to service a healthcare facility. When selecting a provider, it is essential to follow a strict vetting process. Use a framework like our 7-point checklist for choosing a cleaning partner, paying special attention to their training programs, their knowledge of infection control, and their experience with other medical facilities in the area.
Partner with the Lloydminster Region’s Trusted Cleaning Experts
Ready to ensure your clinic meets the highest standards of health and safety? Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation and site assessment for your facility.
- Phone: +1 (639) 840-3688
- Email: info@justzclean.com
- Address: Unit 1 4815 50th Street, Lloydminster SK, S9V 0M8