The information in this section follows the recommendations of the Infection Control Nurses Association (ICNA) and the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene (IFH) and their concept of ‘targeted hygiene’ in the home¹. Targeted hygiene means using hygienic cleaning methods to get rid of as many microbes as possible, where and when there is a risk of them spreading and causing infection. Appropriate cleaning frequencies and levels of decontamination depend on the activities undertaken within the home, number of occupants, the occupier’s susceptibility to infection and the presence of other sources of infection (e.g. pets, infected patients). Cleaning schedules should be developed with reference to the IFH guidelines (www.ifh-homehygiene.org)^{2 -3}.

Routine decontamination method

Use disposable cloths or paper towels when possible, especially for clearing contaminated material such as food residues or spills of body fluids (urine, faeces, vomit, etc.) and for activities such as cleaning food preparation surfaces and pet cages. Discard the cloth in a waste bin after each task.

Additional recommendations

If you use reusable cloths or sponges, decontaminate them following any contact with a contaminated surface or material (e.g. after wiping up a spill, cleaning a nappy bucket, cleaning a toilet) and at least daily by laundering them in a washing machine at a high temperature (at least 60°C)

After cleaning, dry the cloth or sponge as rapidly as possible.

• removing as much of the body fluid as possible using disposable cloths, then
• cleaning the surface with detergent and warm water
• applying an appropriately diluted chlorine releasing agent e.g. bleach (take care to check compatibility with flooring), and then
• making sure the floor is dry before allowing people or animals on it.

Additional recommendations

Always take care to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Households with pets such as cats and dogs, especially homes where babies crawl on the floor, will demand a higher cleaning frequency than those without.

Routine decontamination method

• Regularly clean all kitchen surfaces and keep them well maintained. Keep surfaces dry to prevent microbes multiplying.
• Prevent food debris accumulating by removing it regularly (e.g. from inside cupboards, toasters and microwaves).
• After each use, clean crockery, eating and kitchen utensils by scrubbing them with a cloth or washing-up brush in hand hot water and detergent, rinsing them thoroughly in clean water and drying them. Use disposable cloths or a clean dry cloth for drying. Alternatively, you may clean these items in an automatic dishwasher (check compatibility of the item).
• After each use, scrub the washing-up bowl with detergent and warm water to remove any visible dirt if necessary, rinse the bowl with clean water and store it inverted to dry.
• For large items, and fixed surfaces which you often touch with your hands or come into contact with food (e.g. fixed kitchen surfaces, waste bins, taps, door handles and machine controls), remove any debris with a cloth, warm water and detergent and then apply a suitable disinfectant. Alternatively, use a suitable combined disinfectant/cleaning product.
• Clean work surfaces used to prepare food immediately before use and after preparing raw foods (e.g. poultry, meat, vegetables).
• Clean chopping boards after each use.
• Periodically defrost, remove food debris, and clean refrigerators and freezers.
• Periodically remove food debris, and clean cupboards, microwaves, ovens, dishwashers and other appliances as appropriate.

Additional recommendations

Always take care to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining kitchen appliances.

Routine decontamination method

Regularly launder all clothing and linen, e.g. bed linen, towels, flannels, shower curtains and soft toys (according to the manufacturer’s instructions). Dry the laundry as soon as possible after washing.

Launder contaminated items, such as underwear, towels, flannels and kitchen towels by either:

• machine washing at 40 to 60°C using a bleach-based product (check ingredients on the package), or
• machine washing at 60°C or above (using any laundry detergent).

You may launder other items (e.g. clothing other than underwear) at lower temperatures if necessary, using any laundry detergent.

If the clothing or linen is contaminated with body fluids or has been used by a person with a transmissible infection:

• remove any faeces or vomit with a disposable tissue and discard this into the toilet
• launder the items by machine washing at 60°C or above using a bleach-based product
• for heavily soiled items, use a prewash cycle. Do not hand rinse.

Additional recommendations

• Launder items used around food (e.g. tea towels and table cloths) separately from other items.
• Wash your hands after handling soiled laundry.
• Use a high temperature wash or chemical disinfectant in the machine at least once a week to prevent microbes building up in the machine.
• If using shared facilities, e.g. a launderette, use a bleach-based product.
• Always check the manufacturer’s washing instructions for temperature suitability and check that bleach-based products will not damage the item.

Routine decontamination method

• Regularly groom cats and dogs and check all pets for signs of infection.
• If your pet becomes ill, seek advice from a vet.
• Make sure your animals receive up to date immunisations and other relevant treatments (e.g. worming tablets and flea treatments) as appropriate.
• Keep pets out of the kitchen and away from food preparation surfaces.
• Store pet food and utensils separately from food for humans.
• Clean pet feeding dishes and utensils regularly in the dishwasher or hot soapy water.
• Always wash your hands after touching animals or their associated equipment.
• Clean all cages and bedding regularly.
• Do not clean pet equipment in the kitchen sink. Use a bucket if necessary.
• Every day, empty the contents of cat litter trays into a plastic bag and place this in the outside waste bin. You will need to clean litter trays daily until you have trained the cat to soil outside the home. Do not house cat litter trays in the kitchen. If there is no alternative, scrupulous hygiene will be necessary.
• Use gloves and paper towels to remove any animal faeces, urine or vomit from the home immediately. Secure it in a plastic bag and then put it into the outdoor waste bin along with the gloves and paper towels. You will then need to thoroughly clean and disinfect the soiled surface.
• Clean hard floors used by pets and pet feeding areas regularly by using hot soapy water or by using a combined disinfectant/cleaning product.

Additional recommendations

Pregnant women should avoid cleaning cat litter trays. Make sure you rinse off any cleaning products and disinfectants thoroughly from pet equipment. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using detergents and disinfectants, as some products can be hazardous to animals.

Routine decontamination method

After each use, rinse the sink with clean water. Regularly clean sinks using a cloth, a suitable non-abrasive cleaning product and warm water followed by thorough rinsing with clean water and leave to dry. Clean the taps frequently and whenever visibly soiled. Use a cloth and cleaning product to remove visible dirt from the outside surfaces of the sink when necessary.

Additional recommendations

If faecal soiling occurs, or a person with a transmissible infection uses the sink, clean the sink and taps (as above); apply a suitable disinfectant, rinse and leave to dry. Alternatively, use a suitable combined disinfectant/cleaning product. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Routine decontamination method

Regularly clean shower trays and cubicles using a cloth, a suitable non-abrasive cleaning product and warm water followed by thorough rinsing with clean water and leave to dry. Use a cloth and a suitable cleaning product to remove visible dirt from the shower unit, head, and hose and the outside surfaces of the shower cubicle when necessary.

If the shower is contaminated with faeces it should be cleaned with hot soapy water or with a suitable combined disinfectant/cleaning product.

Additional recommendations

Launder the shower curtain regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have not used the shower for a while, leave it to run at a high temperature for a few minutes before use. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Routine decontamination method

Clean all surfaces regularly, and keep them dry and well maintained. Clean surfaces that you touch frequently with your hands (e.g. taps, handles, toilet flushes, kitchen work surfaces, waste bin lids) regularly and whenever visibly soiled.

Additional recommendations

The required cleaning frequency will depend on the situation (e.g. if a member of the household has diarrhoea, you will need to clean surfaces more often). Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Routine decontamination method

Make sure tiles and grout are in good condition and clean them regularly with a suitable cleaning product. An antifungal product may be necessary.

Additional recommendations

To help prevent mould growing on tiled surfaces, keep kitchens and bathrooms well ventilated.

Routine decontamination method

• Keep the toilet bowl clean by flushing after every use and by using a toilet cleaning product and toilet brush regularly. After each use, rinse the toilet brush in the flushing water, shake it inside the pan and then store it suspended in the brush holder so that it can dry.
• Remove any scale using a suitable descaling product.
• Frequently clean the toilet seat, flush handle and under the rim of the bowl. Alternatively, use a combined disinfectant/cleaning product.
• If someone in the household vomits or has diarrhoea, add disinfectant to the toilet, close the lid and flush. Ideally, you should clean and disinfect the seat, handle and under the rim every time they use the toilet.
• Clean and disinfect the external surfaces of the toilet whenever visibly soiled.

Additional recommendations

Always wear rubber gloves when cleaning the toilet and remember to wash your hands afterwards.

Routine decontamination method

• Clean toys as frequently as possible, but at least when visibly soiled.
• Clean hard or plastic toys that have become dirty or dusty by washing them thoroughly with warm water and detergent and storing them clean and dry.
• Launder dirty soft toys in a washing machine, but check the manufacturer’s instructions first (refer to Laundry).
• Clean electrical, mechanical or battery operated toys according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Clean hard toys that are contaminated with body fluids (e.g. vomit, saliva) by:

• scrubbing the toy with warm water and detergent using a brush, and then
• immersing the toy in a disinfectant (e.g. a mild bleach solution), allowing it to soak for 10 to 20 minutes, then
• rinsing well with cool clean water, and
• air drying the toy, or by
• putting it into the dishwasher or washing machine.

Clean contaminated soft toys by laundering them in a washing machine (check the manufacturer’s instructions). You may have to throw away soft toys that you cannot launder.

Additional recommendations

• Store toys in a clean, dry container or cupboard.
• Ideally, children should have their own toys, rather than sharing.
• Replace modelling doughs and plasticine regularly.
• Cover sandpits when not in use to prevent contamination and change the sand regularly.
• Clean plastic balls from ball pits regularly.
• Empty, clean and thoroughly dry any water play equipment after each use (refer to Paddling pool).
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Routine decontamination method

On a daily basis or after each use, clean washing-up brushes in a dishwasher or by washing them in detergent and warm water, rinsing in clean water and leaving them head up to dry.

Additional recommendations

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.