A ‘ground up’ approach to infection control – the critical role of floor cleaning in healthcare settings
Until recently, floors haven’t received much attention in healthcare cleaning. They aren’t typically considered “high touch surfaces,” so their role in infection prevention has often been underestimated.
That perception is changing. New research highlighted at the recent ISSA panel discussion Reducing Pathogen Risks from the Ground Up revealed just how critical proper floorcare is in preventing the spread of harmful pathogens between surfaces, staff, and patients.
Our General Manager of Training, Safety, and Wellbeing, Liezl Foxcroft, joined the discussion to explore how floors play a far greater role in the spread of bacteria and viruses than many people realise.
“Think of cross–contamination like a bee going from flower to flower. This occurs when a patient walks from their washroom to the next room, or a visitor walks from one area to another,” says Liezl.
Poor cleaning techniques can disturb contaminated dust and particles, sending them into the air where they may settle on beds, medical equipment, and even patients themselves. In hospitals and aged-care facilities, where people are most vulnerable, this significantly increases the risk of infection.
CrestClean’s floorcare training is designed to deliver better outcomes through proven, evidence-based methods. Our cleaning teams understand that a shiny floor does not necessarily mean a clean or safe one. There’s a common misconception that using more detergent or disinfectant will kill more germs. In reality, overuse often leaves behind a sticky residue that can attract dirt and microorganisms, potentially increasing contamination over time. Effectively removing pathogens requires the right combination of tools, processes and training.
Our teams are trained in the correct selection and use of equipment, the appropriate choice of chemicals, accurate dwell times, and strict adherence to best-practice procedures, ensuring consistently high standards of hygiene.
When it comes to physically removing pathogens, microfibre is unmatched. Unlike traditional cloths that can spread contamination, microfibre’s unique structure captures and lifts microorganisms from surfaces. Our teams use advanced microfibre mops and cloths to reduce reliance on chemicals, while our colour-coded cleaning system minimises the risk of cross-contamination.
While new technologies such as Ultraviolet-C disinfection systems can support cleaning programmes, nothing beats the result of effective physical act of wiping and removing soil. Even the most advanced technology cannot deliver reliable hygiene standards without skilled, hands-on cleaning.
By investing in comprehensive floorcare training and Infection Prevention and Control education, CrestClean helps protect patients, staff, and visitors from the ground up.
