Precautions to Take When Cleaning Retirement Homes

Maintaining cleanliness, whether in the workplace or at home, promotes a healthy life. A clean place means getting rid of allergens or microorganisms that could cause illness or disease outbreak.

Retirement homes, like hospitals, need a high degree of cleanliness. It should not only be clean, but it should also be hygienic. Residents should also be given due consideration when cleaning by ensuring they don’t get in contact with toxic chemicals or residues.

Here are several guidelines that should be followed when cleaning retirement homes:

  1. Prevent the spread of illness and infections

Residents are usually already suffering from certain illnesses, and there is no need to further add complications to what they’re already going through.

It is important to disinfect areas they frequent, as well as places where they eat, and things they often touch like door handles, seats, rails, etc.

Cleaning tools like mops and rags should also be disposed of as they are known to spread germs instead of removing them. There are various modern cleaning equipment available in the market that are easy to operate and could be handled by cleaning staffs.

  1. Plan cleaning routines and schedules

Experts in the field of cleaning hospitals and retirement homes suggest cleaning starting from the cleanest area of the facility down to the dirtiest part. This is because equipment and materials used in the dirtiest areas could transfer certain microorganisms to a clean area.

Cleaners are also advised to dispose of gloves and soiled cleaning materials, and using fresh ones for every room. It’s the repetitive use of these cleaning items that tend to spread disease-causing microbes.

You also need to devise a schedule in cleaning the rooms to minimize disturbing the residents. It is best to clean certain places like the dining area if it’s not in use.

  1. Do not be left behind on trends in retirement home care

Be informed about the latest trends and styles in retirement home care. Often, companies that sell cleaning tools and equipment conduct showcase about their latest products. You might get an idea or two from these for an upgrade.

  1. Never underestimate the power of frequent handwashing

A recent study indicates that compliance to hand hygiene is still way below 50%. Hand hygiene is still the most important and efficient way to prevent an infection. It should be emphasized at all times among retirement workers/helpers and residents. Put up signs in places they frequent, especially in bathrooms. This way, they are reminded to do this essential thing.


  1. Avoid toxic cleaning solutions

Recent studies have found that there is evidence indicating the rise of acute and chronic respiratory illnesses, like work-related asthma, among health care workers and patients due to frequent exposure to cleaning solutions and disinfectants. These chemicals often have strong smells that are inhaled.

Experts recommend using less harmful chemicals, and checking how effective they really are in preventing infections and illnesses. Note that not all cleaning agents have been carefully analyzed for their effectiveness.