How to wash mops and cleaning cloths so they don't spread germs

Dirty equipment spreads germs

A cloth or mop head used for too long, or left wet in a bucket, can hold more germs than the surface it is meant to clean. Clean equipment is part of infection control, not just tidiness.

During your shift

• Use a fresh cloth for each area or room, and a separate colour for toilets.
• Change mop water often — and whenever it looks dirty or after a high-risk area.
• Never go back to the clean solution with a used cloth.
• Use disposable cloths and mop heads where your site requires them, such as in isolation rooms.

Laundering

• Launder reusable cloths and mop heads after use, following the manufacturer's instructions and your site's procedure.
• Wash colours for toilets separately from cloths for kitchens and general areas.
• Avoid fabric softener with microfibre — it can clog the fibres and reduce how well they clean.
• Dry equipment completely before storing it.

Storage

Store buckets empty and upside down and mop heads dry. Keep equipment for each colour separate, and keep the cleaner's room itself clean.