When cleaning equipment is used to clean areas where pathogens are present, they may become a new source of contamination. For instance, if a staff member uses a wet mop to clean a floor and then places the mop in cleaning solution, the solution itself may become infected.
Any equipment that comes in contact with pathogen reservoirs – surfaces like floors and door handles – should be cleaned after each use. For example, cleaning clothes should be laundered under high heat to kill bacteria and similar pathogens. Many facilities are switching to disposable microfibre systems to reduce the risks associated with multi-use products.
Wet mops are a common source of infection. Staff members may clean an area of the floor and then accidentally touch a damp part of the mop, potentially spreading pathogens to their hands and clothes. Professional microfibre mop kits can eliminate the need to liquid cleaning chemicals.
In addition, switching to biohazard spill mops further reduces the risk of spreading pathogens. Unlike regular mops, innovative spill mop pads are designed to absorb bodily fluids and turn them into a gel to prevent dripping. The entire mop head can then be disposed of in a biohazard receptacle.
