FR601-INS-LAB-RevC20 21
• Use a one-step process and an EPA-registered hospital detergent / disinfectant designed
for general housekeeping purposes in patient-care areas where:
• Uncertainty exists as to the nature of the soil on the surfaces (whether it is blood or
body fluid or just normal dust or dirt).
• Uncertainty exists regarding the presence of multi drug resistant organisms on such
surfaces.
• Detergent and water are adequate for cleaning surfaces in nonpatient-care areas (e.g.,
administrative offices). Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces on a more frequent
schedule than minimal-touch housekeeping surfaces. Clean walls, blinds, and window
curtains in patient-care areas when they are visibly dusty or soiled.
• Do not perform disinfectant fogging in patient-care areas.
• Avoid large-surface cleaning methods that produce mists or aerosols, or disperse dust in
patient-care areas.
• Follow proper procedures for effective uses of mops, cloths, and solutions.
• Prepare cleaning solutions daily or as needed, and replace with fresh solution
frequently according to facility policies and procedures.
• Change the mop head at the beginning of each day and also as required by facility
policy, or after cleaning up large spills of blood or other body substances.
• Clean mops and cloths after use and allow to dry before reuse; or use single-use,
disposable mop heads and cloths.
• When performing low- or intermediate-level disinfection of environmental surfaces in
nurseries and neonatal units, avoid unnecessary exposure of neonates to disinfectant
residues on these surfaces by using EPA-registered germicides in accordance with
manufacturers’ instructions and safety advisories.
