Infection control for cleaners

Cleaners break the chain — or spread it

Good cleaning removes the germs that cause infections. Poor technique moves them around: the same cloth on a toilet and a bench, dirty mop water, or disinfectant wiped off too soon.

The essentials

• Clean before you disinfect, unless you are using a combined detergent-disinfectant designed for one step.
• Respect contact time — the surface must stay wet for as long as the label says.
• Work clean to dirty and high to low.
• Use colour coding so bathroom equipment never reaches kitchens or care areas.
• Focus on high-touch surfaces: handles, switches, taps, rails, lift buttons and shared devices.
• Never mix chemicals.

PPE for cleaners

Use the gloves and protection specified on the product label or safety data sheet for chemicals, and single-use gloves and an apron for body fluid clean-ups. Clean your hands every time you remove gloves.

Cleaning in care and education settings

Aged care, disability, healthcare and childcare sites have extra expectations, including isolation room cleaning and outbreak schedules. Follow the site's procedures and signage, and ask the supervisor if unsure.