Medical Facility Cleaning Checklist

Some organizations believe they can train employees to follow cleaning protocols and then simply expect them to do the job correctly. However, without a medical facility cleaning checklist and strict standards of cleanliness, things may go unnoticed or uncleaned. While working with a professional, medical-grade cleaning company is the best option for optimal health and safety, a medical facility cleaning checklist can help you better understand what needs to be done. 

A Comprehensive Medical Facility Checklist for Every Zone

Utilizing a medical facility cleaning checklist specific to each part of your business can help you further break down your to-do list. Although some areas may seem more important than others in the grand scheme of things, you don’t want to completely neglect a region in your facility just because the public does not see it. To help you ensure that germs and pathogens are eradicated from every square inch of your medical facility, utilize the following checklists.

Exterior Cleaning 

Your medical facility’s exterior is the first thing patients and visitors will see. To make a good first impression, ensure the exterior is cleaned, organized, and trash-free. This includes the surrounding areas, walkways, and entrances. Some things to include on your checklist are:

• Remove litter and debris from the surrounding areas.
• Clean around dumpsters.
• Sweep and power wash exterior walkways and entrances.
• Empty external trash cans and ashtrays.
• Clean windows and glass surfaces.
• Disinfect high-touch points such as door handles and handrails.
• Maintain landscaping and trim vegetation.
• Eliminate any slip and fall hazards.
• Clean or change entrance mats.

Entryway and Waiting Room Cleaning

The entryway and waiting room are the first areas patients encounter after entering your facility. To continue making a good first impression, it’s important to maintain cleanliness and do what you can to create a welcoming atmosphere. Some things to include on your checklist are:

• Dust and wipe down furniture (chairs, tables, reception desks, etc.).
• Clean and disinfect electronic devices (touchscreens, keyboards, computers, TVs, etc.).
• Clean and sanitize all high-touch points, especially the entrance door handles.
• Disinfect tables, chairs, and counters.
• Sweep and mop floors.
• Strip and wax hard flooring at least once per year.
• Remove trash and sanitize trash bins.
• Ensure reading materials are neat and organized.
• Sanitize children’s toys or entertainment.

Furniture Cleaning

Furniture throughout the facility, such as chairs, couches, and desks, must also be regularly cleaned and maintained. Not only will this help improve the health and safety of your facility while boosting public image, but regular furniture cleaning can also help extend its longevity. Some things to include when cleaning furniture are:

• Vacuum upholstered furniture, including chairs and couches.
• Spot clean stains and spills.
• Disinfect armrests and other high-touch areas on the furniture.
• Wipe down hard surfaces, such as desks, counters, and tables.
• Dust and polish wood furniture.

Floor Cleaning

Similarly, you’ll also want to ensure that the floors throughout your medical facility are properly cleaned and cared for. Whether carpeted or hard surfaces, floors should be regularly checked and cleaned to remove dirt, debris, and potential contaminants. Some things to include when caring for the floors in your medical facility are:

• Sweep or vacuum floors to remove debris.
• Mop hard floors using the appropriate cleaning solutions.
• Spot clean stains and spills.
• Pay special attention to high-traffic areas and remove any potential hazards.
• Use floor disinfectants to ensure thorough sanitation.

Restroom Cleaning

Restrooms are another high-traffic area that is extremely prone to germs. They require frequent cleaning to ensure optimal sanitation and hygiene. Restrooms need to be held to the highest standards of cleanliness to avoid problems and reduce the spread of transmissible illnesses. Some things to include on your commercial cleaning checklist are:

• Clean and disinfect toilet bowls, seats, and urinals.
• Wipe down sinks, countertops, and faucets.
• Sanitize and disinfect all vertical surfaces from floor to ceiling.
• Clean or remove any graffiti.
• Refill soap dispensers, paper towel holders, and toilet paper dispensers.
• Empty and sanitize trash bins.
• Sweep and mop restroom floors.
• Disinfect high-touch points such as door handles and light switches.
• Repair any clogs or leaks.

Patient Exam Room Cleaning

Although maintaining the cleanliness of public spaces shouldn’t be neglected, patient room disinfection should be one of your main priorities. Patient exam rooms are crucial areas where patients receive medical care, requiring thorough cleaning to prevent cross-contamination. Some things to include on your commercial cleaning checklist here are:

• Clean and disinfect medical equipment, including examination tables, beds, blood pressure cuffs, chairs, scales, sinks, faucets, etc.
• Clean and sanitize the walls.
• Wipe down countertops, sinks, and cabinets.
• Replace disposable items such as tissues, paper rolls, gowns, etc.
• Empty and sanitize sharps containers.
• Dust surfaces, including shelves and medical supplies storage.
• Sweep, mop, and scrub flooring.
• Sanitize and disinfect door handles and other high-touch points.

Hazardous Waste Cleanup

Proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste are crucial to maintaining a safe and compliant medical facility. Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow the EPA and CDC guidelines. Some things to include on your hazardous waste cleaning checklist are:

• Follow strict protocols for handling and disposing of hazardous waste.
• Separate and label hazardous waste containers correctly.
• Adhere to regulatory guidelines and standards for disposal.

High-Touch Point Cleaning

High-touch surfaces are areas frequently touched by multiple individuals. Although high-touch point surfaces in each zone should be addressed accordingly, other areas also need attention. Remember, these require frequent disinfection to prevent the spread of germs. Some things to disinfect include:

• Doorknobs
• Door handles
• Light switches
• Keyboards
• Phones
• Handrails
• Elevator buttons
• Chairs
• Water dispensers
• Vending machine buttons

Break Room and Kitchen Cleaning

Break rooms and kitchens are communal areas where staff gather, making them a place of utmost importance when cleaning and disinfecting. To keep your employees and patients safe, include the following items on your break room and kitchen cleaning checklist:

• Clean and disinfect countertops, sinks, and appliances.
• Wipe down refrigerator shelves and handles.
• Sweep and mop floors.
• Empty and sanitize trash bins.
• Regularly check and clean microwave and coffee machines.

Stairwell Cleaning

Finally, stairwells are often overlooked, but they require regular cleaning to maintain safety and cleanliness. Some things to include on your checklist are:

• Sweep or vacuum stairs to remove dirt and dust.
• Wipe down and disinfect handrails and banisters.
• Clean walls and corners.
• Ensure proper lighting is maintained for safety.
• Remove any clutter or obstacles.

To help make the most of your medical facility cleaning checklist, partner with Bee Line, the region’s leading medical-grade cleaning company. Our team is equipped with the knowledge, supplies, and protocol necessary for eradicating diseases from surfaces and delivering the highest standards of medical-grade cleaning services. To learn, contact Bee Line today by calling 312-BEE-LINE.