Cleaning

Cleaning

It is a process usually involving detergent or enzymatic presoak that physically remove all visible dust, soil blood or other body fluids from inanimate objects as well as removing sufficient number of microorganisms to reduce risks for those who touch the skin or handle the object. After decontamination of soiled instruments in 0.5% chlorine solution for 10 minutes, they must be cleaned to remove organic materials or chemical residue. Using liquid soap, if available, is preferable. Liquid soap removes grease, oil, and other foreign matters in solution so that they can be removed easily by the cleaning process. Abrasive cleaners used for household cleaning, including steel wool, should be avoided as they can result in scratches on the instruments which can be a potential site for harboring microorganisms. Cleaning should be performed in a designated location that is separate from other parts of the facility to minimize inadvertent personnel exposure or exposure of other items to contaminants. The items that cannot be cleaned thoroughly should not be reused and discarded.

Cleaning Orders

• Wear gloves while cleaning instruments and equipment.
• Wear protective eyewear (plastic visors, face shields, goggles or glasses, protective shoes) and a plastic apron, if available, while cleaning instruments and equipment to minimize the risk of splashing contaminated fluids in to the eyes and onto the body.
• To prevent splashing keep the items being washed under the surface of the water.
• Instruments should be washed with a soft brush in soapy water. Particular attention should be paid to instruments with teeth, joints, or screws where organic material can collect.
• After cleaning, instruments should be thoroughly rinsed with clean water to remove soap residue that can interfere with chemical disinfectants used for HLD or sterilization.
• Allow items to air dry (or dry them with a clean water)