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ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
CLEANING PROCEDURE
PROVIDING A CLEAN AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT
FOR PATIENTS, VISITORS AND STAFF.
OUR CAUSE IS HEALTH,
OUR PASSION IS SERVICE
WE ARE HERE TO MAKE LIVES BETTER.
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
MATERIALS REQUIRED
1. Personal Protective Equipment as
Needed.
*Gloves
*Safety Glasses
2. Housekeeping Cart stocked and
ready
( Please refer to the cart setup
Procedure)
3. Assorted Forms
4. Pens
5. Disinfectant cleaner
6. Glass Cleaner
7. Multi-Purpose Degreaser
8. Cream Cleaner
9. Neutral Cleaner
10. Quantamary Ammonium
11. Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloths
12. Cleaning Pail
13. Putty Knife
14. High Duster Tools
15. Plastic liners for waste
containers, linen and bio hazard
waste
16. Paper Towels
17. Toilet Seat Covers
18. Toilet Tissue
19. Endure 50
cartridge soap
20. Antimicrobial Hand Gel and
Lotion
21. Broom
22. Dust pan and small counter
brush
23. Bowl Mop or Bowl Brush
24. Micro Fiber mops and mop
bucket and wringer
25. Wall Washer
26. Wet Floor “Caution” Signs
27. Tongs for picking up needles
28. Adhesive Remover
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
PREPERATION
1. Inspect your uniform for general
cleanliness and appearance. If your
uniform is excessively soiled, change into
a clean article of clothing.
2. Attach name badge to your lapel and
remember that your badge must be worn
and in sight at all times during working
hours.
3. Wear appropriate personal protection
equipment.
4. Stock your housekeeping cart with
required equipment and supplies.
5. Always start your day with fresh
Disinfectant Cleaner.
18 REQUENTLY TOUCH
POINTS
1. Toilet Seats
2. Flush Handles
3. Toilet Hand Rails
4. Commodes
5. Shower Faucets
6. Sink Top and Handles
7. Bathroom Light Switches
8. Pull Cords
9. door Knobs and Door Levers
10. Bed Rails
11. Bedside Table and Tray Table
12. Telephones
13. Call Boxes
14. Patient Chairs
15. Patient Room Door Knobs, Door
Levers and area surrounding
Levers and Knobs
16. Patient Room Thermostats and
Light Switches
17. Soap Dispensers
18. Computer Work Stations
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
PROCEDURE
1. Enter the room carefully.
A. Call into Dispatch and give room
number.
B. Look for infection control signs that
indicate the need for special precautions.
These signs may be printed or there may
be evidence of isolation gowns in waste
containers. If this is the case call dispatch
for clarification of cleaning requirements.
C. Follow protocol for hand hygiene and
use of alcohol based hand rubs. Wash
hands and then put on gloves, and any
other personal protective equipment that
may be necessary.
D. ALWAYS knock and announce
yourself “Hello Housekeeping” to make
sure that the room is unoccupied.
E. Leave your cleaning cart in the
hallway as close as possible to the wall.
Take only the supplies and equipment
you need in the room as you need them.
2. Do a visual inspection of the room
A. Reset the thermostat to the appropriate
temperature so the room can adjust prior
to the arrival of the next patient.
B. Survey the area and pick up any loose
trash.
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
C. Survey the area for leftover tape.
Remove tape with adhesive remover if
necessary.
D. Be alert for needles and other sharp
objects. Pick up sharps using a
mechanical device such as tongs, forceps
or brush and dustpan and place them into
a sharps container. Be sure to document
any discovery of any loose needles.
3. Soiled Waste Removal
A. Use caution and look for protruding
objects in the waste containers. NEVER
reach into or push on the bag to compress
the trash.
B. Check for heavy objects in the
container that would prevent safe
removal.
C. Close, twist and tie a knot in the top of
the plastic trash liner while it is still in
the container.
D. Remove and place for disposal.
Emptied waste will be disposed of in the
appropriate container: Red waste bags
will be placed in bio hazard waste
receptacles and clear bags in waste
receptacles.
E. Wipe inside and outside of container
with micro fiber cleaning cloth from
disinfectant solution pail. Let stand for 10
minutes. Replace liner.
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
4. Remove Soiled And Used Linen
A. Check for heavy objects in container
that would prevent safe removal.
B. Use caution and look for protruding
objects in the linen container. NEVER
reach into or push on the bag to compress
the linen in its container.
C. Close, twist and tie a knot in the top
of the linen bag. Place the linen in the
appropriate container for proper transport
to the laundry.
D. Remove gloves and follow protocol
for hand hygiene and use of alcohol
based hand rubs after handling any waste
from the room.
5. High Dust Wall Articles
A. High dust the tops of items along the
patient room and restroom walls (picture
frames, clocks, etc.) that are at or above
your shoulder height.
B. Use a long handled high dusting tool
and make long slow strokes.
6. Disinfect Computer Workstations
A Computer work stations are frequently
touched points and are to be cleaned both
daily and upon discharge.
B. Hand hygiene should be performed
between room cleaning and the cleaning
of the computer as well as putting on
clean gloves.
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
C. Computer keyboards and mice with or
without covers should be cleaned and
disinfected using the standard quaternary
ammonium compound impregnated wipe.
D. Monitors should be wiped with a dry
microfiber cloth.
7. Change Or Inspect Privacy Curtains
And Window Treatments.
A. Inspect the privacy curtains for spots or
stains.
B. If soiled set up the stepladder if needed, be
sure to place it squarely on a level surface
and locking it open before climbing on to it.
C. Remove and bag the curtains for
laundering or dry cleaning. Be aware of the
presence of blood and body fluids and use
proper precautions such as gloves. Hold the
soiled curtain away form your body to
prevent contamination of your clothing.
Place the bag in appropriate area for pickup
D. Damp wipe the tracks.
E. Hang the clean curtain and ensure that it is
working properly.
8. Dust mop the floor
A. Place the micro fiber on the floor dusting
cloth holder.
B. Inspect the floor for debris and wet spots.
Dry all wet spots. You cannot dust mop a wet
floor
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
C. Remove any gum or other sticky residue
form the floor by gently prying it loose
with the putty knife (be careful not to
scratch the floor finish).
D. Use the swivel motion of the frame and
wrist action to change direction. Don’t lift
the cloth off the floor once you have
started.
E. Move furniture to one side of the floor,
dust and then repeat.
F. After dust mopping the entire area,
gently sweep the pile of litter and dirt into
the dustpan using the small broom. Dispose
of the soil into an appropriate trash
container. Never leave a pile of debris in a
corner for later pick-up.
9. Clean the patient bed
A. Clean the mattress with a clean cloth
and disinfectant cleaner. Clean the top and
sides of the mattress then fold the mattress
in half and clean the exposed bottom of the
mattress.
B. Clean the exposed bed springs and
frame.
C. Fold the mattress to the other side of the
bed and clean the exposed bottom of the
mattress, bedsprings and frame.
D. Unfold the mattress and re-wipe the top
and sides of the mattress. Check for any
soiled spots that you may have missed.
E. Clean the headboard, footboard, side
rails, and bed controls with disinfectant
cleaner. Pay particular attention to the areas
that are visibly soiled and surfaces
frequently touched by the staff and
patients.
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
10. Damp dust the doors and wall
features.
A. Damp clean the door and wall features
in the patient room. Pay extra attention to
the door knob, hand plate, door frame and
chart holder. Use stainless steel cleaner on
the face of the doors. Remember that
“elbow grease” applying friction and
removing the spores is the #1 defense in
disease control.
B. Begin cleaning at the entrance door and
work around the room. Damp clean the top
of an object first and work down to avoid
soiling surfaces you have just cleaned.
C. Fold the micro fiber cloth in a series of
squares to provide a number of potential
cleaning surfaces. A wadded cloth does not
clean efficiently.
D. Remove micro fiber cloth from
disinfectant and wring out the excess
solution to avoid drips. When using the
disinfectant cleaner, wet the surface you
are cleaning and allow to air dry.
E. Clean items such as thermostats, light
switches and ledges
F. Spot clean visible soil from doors, walls
windows and blinds. Pay particular
attention to heavily soiled and frequently
touched points.
G. Use a scotch brite pad to clean stubborn
spots then re-wipe the area the micro fiber
cloth.
H. Never shake the cloth. When it becomes
soiled simply refold it so a clean surface is
available or replace it with a clean one.
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
H. Never shake the cloth. When it becomes
soiled simply refold it so a clean surface is
available or replace it with a clean one.
11. Clean the room furnishings
A. Clean all furnishings in the patient room
including the bedside table, over bed table,
closet, and chairs.
B. Fold the micro fiber cloth in a series of
squares to provide a number of potential
cleaning surfaces. Wadded cloth does not
clean as efficiently.
C. Remove micro fiber cloth from
disinfectant cleaning solution pail and
wring out excess solution to avoid drips.
When using disinfectant cleaner, wet the
surface you cleaning and allow to air dry.
D. Clean the top of an object first and work
downwards to avoid soiling surfaces you
have just clean Use the damp cloth on soil.
Use an abrasive hand pad to clean stubborn
soil then re-wipe surface with the cleaning
cloth.
E. Clean the interior and exterior of all
furnishings. Be sure to open up and clean
all drawers. On furnishings with cushions
be sure to pull up any and all cushions and
wipe under and around where the cushions
sit.
F. Pay particular attention to soiled or
“frequently touched surfaces such as bed
controls, bed rails, and TV control as well
as any hospital provided information that
could be in the room.
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
12. Clean the telephone
A. Clean the phone, cord and dial plate
using the disinfectant cleaner.
B. Thoroughly clean the hand piece and
push buttons.
13. Clean and refill the soap dispenser
A. Inspect soap dispensers to ensure that
there is an adequate supply of soap.
B. If a soap dispenser is a disposable unit
and the soap level is low, replace the unit.
C. If a soap dispenser is a reusable unit
follow the instructions for opening,
cleaning, filling and replacing the
dispenser. Be sure to wash and dry the
inside of the dispenser before adding fresh
solution.
D. Clean the exterior of the dispenser with
a damp cloth and disinfectant cleaner.
E. Report any broken or malfunctioning
units to the Dispatcher who will then
contact maintenance or other appropriate
person for repairs.
14. Clean and refill the paper towel
dispenser
A. Open or unlock the dispenser. Be
careful not to let it fall open as it can
scratch the wall or hurt you.
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
B. As needed remove any paper towels and
clean the inside of the dispenser using a
damp cloth and disinfectant cleaner in
order to remove loose paper dust.
C. Replace paper towels. For folded paper
towels, be sure to place them folded side
down and interweave the bottom of the
new sheets with the top of the existing
sheets. Add as necessary in order to fill the
unit. Do not overfill as this will make it
difficult to pull the towels out. Check to be
sure the towels release easily. Report
broken dispensers to Dispatcher.
D. Close and lock the dispenser making
sure it is secure and will not fall open and
hurt someone.
E. Clean the outside of the dispenser with a
damp cloth and disinfectant cleaner.
15. Clean and refill the toilet tissue
dispenser
A. Unlock the dispenser.
B. Remove the tissue rollers.
C. Clean the inside and outside of the
dispenser to remove paper dust using a
damp cloth and disinfectant cleaner.
D. Install the new roll of tissue. Be sure the
tissue unwinds over the top of the roll and
not from underneath since this allows it to
be pulled out more easily and avoids
unrolling and wasted product. Be sure to
start the tissue by pulling the first sheet
loose for the convenience of the patient.
E. Report any broken or malfunctioning
units to the Dispatcher.
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
16. Clean the restroom walls and wall
features
A. Fold the cloth in a series of squares to
provide a number of potential cleaning
surfaces. A wadded cloth does not clean as
efficiently.
B. Dampen the cloth in disinfectant cleaner
and wring out all excess solution to avoid
drips. when using the disinfectant cleaner
wet the surface you are cleaning and allow
to air dry.
C. Begin cleaning at the door and work
around the room in one direction.
D. Clean the top of an object first and work
down to avoid contaminating surface just
cleaned.
E. Use a damp cloth on soil. Use an
abrasive hand pad on stubborn soil then re-
wipe the surface with the cleaning cloth.
F. Pay particular attention to soiled and
frequently touched surfaces such as towel
bars, grab rails, pull cords, light switches
and ledges.
17. Cleaning the toilet
A. Flush the commode.
B. Apply disinfectant bathroom cleaner to
the bowl mop.
C. Clean the inside of the toilet with the
bowl mop paying particular attention to the
underside of the flush rim where bacteria
can accumulate and cause unpleasant
odors.
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
D. Let the disinfectant bathroom cleaner
remain on the toilet and continue to the
restroom sink
18.Cleaning the restroom sink
A. Apply disinfectant to the interior
surfaces of the sink. When using
disinfectant cleaner, wet the surface and
allow to air dry.
B. Clean the inside of the sink, the exterior
surface Of the sink, and all metal handles
and faucets using a clean micro fiber cloth
dampened with the disinfectant or
bathroom cleaner.
C. When the sink is visibly soiled use a
white hand pad with the multi surface
cream cleaner to remove stubborn soil.
Always follow the manufacturer’s
recommendations for stain removal,
especially on specialty surfaces.
D. Clean any surfaces around the sink such
as vanities or countertops with a damp
cloth and disinfectant cleaner.
E. Clean the plumbing underneath the sink
using a dampened cloth with disinfectant
cleaner.
F. Wipe all metal fixtures to avoid spotting.
G. Rinse the sink and dry with a clean
cloth.
H. Wipe up any spills.
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
19. Cleaning the tub and shower
A. Apply disinfectant bathroom cleaner to
a cleaning cloth and clean the interior
surfaces of the tub and shower including
the curtain or door tracks, doors, walls,
soap dish, faucets and shower head.
B. Use a white hand pad if necessary to
remove soap scum especially from the
walls and floors of a tiled shower stall and
from doors. If the unit is fiberglass, be sure
to follow all manufacturers’
recommendations regarding both general
cleaning and stain removal.
C. Rinse thoroughly using the shower spray
if possible.
D. Dry all surfaces carefully to prevent
slips and falls.
E. Clean all chrome handles and fittings
and dry with a clean dry cloth to prevent
spotting.
F. Wipe up any spills.
G. Inspect vinyl shower curtain for stains
and or damage. Replace stained or
damaged curtains with a new one. Bag the
soiled curtain according to hospital
procedure. Inspect fabric shower curtains
for soil or damage removing any such
curtains according to hospital procedure for
laundering or dry cleaning.
H. Hang new curtain.
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20. Cleaning the pull cord
A. Apply disinfectant bathroom cleaner to
a cleaning cloth. Starting at the top of the
pull cord, wrap the cleaning cloth around
the pull cord. Hold top of the pull cord
while gently wiping in a downward
movement. Slight friction will remove
debris, too much friction can set off the call
light.
21. Finish cleaning the toilet
A. Clean all exterior surfaces of the fixture
with a clean cloth and disinfectant
bathroom cleaner. Pay close attention to the
toilet seat and lid.
B. Clean all chrome flush handles, grab
rails, etc, then dry with a clean dry cloth to
prevent spotting.
C. Flush the toilet.
D. Dry the exterior, seat and lid of the
commode carefully.
E. Wipe up any spills on the toilet, floor, or
walls.
F. Clean the bedside commodes, take them
apart and clean all sides and underneath.
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
22. Clean the mirror.
A. Apply glass cleaner to the cloth
B. Clean the entire mirror removing all
visible dirt. Polish and inspect for spots and
streaks.
23. Make the bed
.
C. Put the fitted sheet on the bed, tucking
all corners securely under the mattress. Be
sure it is absolutely smooth.
D. Place the top sheet on the bed with the
wide hem even with the top of the
mattress-seam side should be up so that the
finished side will touch the patient. Be sure
the sheet is centered and that the drop of
both sides of the bed is the same. Do not
tuck in the foot at this time.
E. Place the spread on the bed even with
the top of the mattress-the seam side should
be down so that the finished side shows. Be
sure the spread is centered and the the drop
on both sides of the bed is the same. Tuck
both the spread and the sheet smoothly
under the mattress fat the foot of the bed.
F. Miter both corners at the foot of the bed,
but allow the sides of the spread to hang
loose.
G. Turn the pillow case wrong side-out.
Reach into the case and grab the center
bottom seam. Using the same hand, grab
the center end of the tagged end of the
pillow. The case should now be correctly
placed on the pillow. Smooth the case over
the pillow making sure there are no bulges
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
H. Place the pillow on the bed with the
seam of the case toward the head of the bed
and the open end of the pillow away from
the door of the room. Place a second clean
pillow in the closet on the top shelf.
I. Inspect the bed for neatness and smooth
all wrinkles out of the spread.
23. Leave card and or forms
A. Welcome cards- This small card, signed
and dated by the person who has cleaned
the room is placed on the bedside table.
B. Concierge sign- This small sign informs
The patient of a number they can call for
immediate attention if they have a
complaint or a concern. It is placed by the
telephone.
24. Cleaning Baseboards
A. Using a clean cloth with disinfectant
cleaner beginning at the top, using friction,
wipe all baseboards. The top ledge, the
face, as well as the bottom.
B. Pay close attention to the corners and
heavily soiled areas.
25. Wet mop the floor
A. Place the “Wet Floor” caution sign
outside the room.
B. To enable the reduction of cross
contamination use a clean micro fiber mop
head from the mop bucket.
C. Push the mop around the baseboards
first paying particular attention to removing
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PATIENT ROOM DISCHARGE
soil from the corners. Avoid splashing the
walls and furniture. In open areas, use the
figure eight stroke, overlapping each
stroke.
D. Use only one mop head per room.
E. Repeat these steps until the entire floor
has been mopped.
F. Allow the floor to air dry
26. Clean the room entrance
A. Spot clean visible soil from the room
door with a clean cloth and disinfectant
cleaner. Pay extra attention to the door
knob, hand plate, and chart holders.
B. Look over the room carefully and
mentally check that you have performed all
the required steps and that the room meets
your standards.
C. Leave the wet floor sign at the room
entrance while you clean the next room. By
the time you need the sign for the
next room, the floor in this room should
be dry.
27. Clean up after each room
A. Remove all cleaning supplies form the
room.
B. Wash your hands.
C. Notify the appropriate person that the
room is clean and ready for the next
admission.
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Safety
1. Follow all the safety precautions
explained in each procedure step.
2. Always read patient door signage
.
3. Always use the cleaning chemicals
exactly as directed by the label following
all recommended safety precautions
4. Always practice standard precautions
when handling articles soiled with blood or
body fluids. Using PPE.
5. Always make sure the floor is dry before
removing “Wet Floor” signs.
6. Always wash your hands before and
after cleaning.
7. Be careful not to hurt yourself when
moving furniture or other heavy objects.
Always practice proper lifting techniques
and ask for assistance when needed.
8. Always report all maintenance concerns
to appropriate person for repairs.