10.4.2: Basic Supplies and Equipment Needed
To make the most efficient use of time, and to properly clean a patient’s home, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides will need to use the appropriate cleaning supplies and equipment.
Basic Cleaning Tools
- Broom, dust pan/brush
- Mop, pail
- Toilet brush
- Rags, scrub brush
- Sponges, dish cloths or dish rags
- Vacuum cleaner, carpet sweeper
- Dust mop, dust cloths
- Cleaning products, cleaning wipes, disinfectant
- Rubber household cleaning gloves
Cleaning Products
There are many types of cleaning products on the market. The type used will depend on the surface being cleaned, the purpose of the cleaning, patient preferences, and what is available in the patient’s home. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should ask their patient if a cleaner is safe on a particular surface.
- All – purpose cleaners : are generally used for many purposes and on many surfaces. They can be used on countertops, cook ranges, walls, floors, and other surfaces. Always check the label to see what surface the cleanser can be used on. Some cleansers are not safe on surfaces such as unfinished wood. When in doubt, ask the patient and/or a supervisor.
- Disinfectants: are used to disinfect (get rid of germs) surfaces. They can be sprayed on surfaces such as faucet handles, doorknobs, light switches, phone handles, refrigerator handles, and other surfaces. Disinfectants come in many forms, such as sprays, wipes, and solutions.
- Bleach: can be used as a disinfectant and cleaner to clean the bathroom and surfaces such as cutting boards, and for laundering white clothing. Never use full strength bleach on surfaces. To make a cleaning solution using bleach, mix 1 teaspoon (tsp.) of bleach to 1 gallon of water (CDC, 2014). Be cautious of spilling bleach on unsafe surfaces and clothing as it will discolor the surface. Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner (CDC, 2014). Fumes can be toxic and fatal.
- Soaps and detergents : are used for washing dishes and laundry. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for amount of detergent required for dishwashers and washing machines. Using too much detergent can ruin the appliance.
- Abrasive cleansers : are used for scouring surfaces such as stainless steel sinks and stovetops. These types of cleaners should only be used on certain surfaces as they could ruin surfaces for which abrasive agents should not be used.
- Glass cleaners : are used for glass surfaces such as windows and mirrors.
- Dusting spray : is used for dusting. Dusting spray should be sprayed onto a cleaning cloth and not directly onto the surface to be cleaned.
- Specialty cleansers : are cleansers that are available for special purposes or surfaces. Stovetops, appliances, and electronics may require a specialty cleaner.
True or False
1. Bleach and ammonia can be mixed to make a disinfectant solution. True or False? ______
2. Any type of cleaner can be used on all surfaces as long as it has disinfectant in it. True or False? ______
- Answer
-
1. False
2. False
FEEDBACK :
1. Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner. Fumes can be toxic and fatal.
2. The type of cleaner used will depend on the surface being cleaned. Not all cleaners are safe for all surfaces.
Safety Tips for Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides Using Equipment and Supplies:
- NEVER mix cleaning products . Dangerous chemical reactions can occur that can harm you or a patient.
- NEVER mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic and can lead to your or a patient’s death.
- Always follow the instructions on the label of the cleaning product and follow them exactly.
- Whenever possible, open windows while cleaning and be cautious of using chemicals such as ammonia or bleach in closed in spaces. Fumes can be toxic and deadly.
- Always find out how to use equipment by reading instruction manuals or by asking the patient or a supervisor.
- Do not overload equipment on electrical circuits.
- Never use electrical equipment near water. This could result in electrocution and death.
- Always unplug electrical appliances before cleaning.
- Never poke or repair electrical equipment with metal objects.
- Never use electrical equipment with a frayed or damaged cord. This could result in electrocution and death.
- When unplugging appliances, grasp the plug at the base to remove from the electrical outlet. Never pull from the cord as this could damage the cord.
- Keep equipment clean and in good working order. Speak to the patient and supervisor if equipment is in need of repair.
1. Bleach and ammonia can be mixed to make a cleaning solution. True or False? ______
2. To remove an electrical appliance such as a vacuum from an electrical outlet, you should pull at the cord. True or False? ______
3. It is okay to wipe down an electrical appliance using a damp sponge and soap as long as it is not plugged in. True or False? ______
- Answer
-
1. False
2. False
3. True
FEEDBACK :
1. Bleach should never be mixed with ANY other type of cleaning solution, such as ammonia. The fumes can be toxic and deadly.
2. Always remove an electrical appliance by pulling at the base of the plug, never on the cord. This could potentially damage the cord and lead to electrical injuries.
3. Always unplug and electrical appliance prior to cleaning it to prevent electrocution. Once the appliance is unplugged, it can be cleaned using the appropriate type of cleaning agent and method.