Cleaning protocols

Cleaning protocols provide a step-by-step guide outlining the correct method, products and procedures for cleaning specific equipment. They ensure effective infection control, compliance and consistency across cleaning practice.

The five principles of cleaning

The five principles of cleaning highlight the five key steps that you should follow to ensure thorough, consistent and effective cleaning every time.

Wipe in an 'S' shaped pattern

Wipe from top to bottom

Wipe from clean to dirty

Ensure correct contact time

One wipe, one surface

Gloves off Campaign - Lockup - Generic - Feb 2025

Clinell supports Glove Off for routine use of Clinell Universal and Clinell Peracetic Acid Wipes.
Risk assess PPE according to local policy.

Visible soilage or blood on surfaces can be removed using either a Clinell Universal Wipe or a Clinell Peracetic Acid (PAA) Wipe. Both are 2-in-1 detergent/disinfectant wipes, effectively removing soilage with a detergent component while simultaneously disinfecting the surface with a disinfection component.

Always check the manufacturer’s advice before cleaning.

Universal Wipes: Dispose of wipes in accordance with local guidelines – do not flush them down the toilet or place them in a macerator.

PAA Wipes: Wipes can be disposed of in a macerator, but do not flush them down the toilet.

Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Always wipe surfaces from clean to dirty.
Approximately 1-2 wipes will be required to clean an auriscope.
Remove auriscope and any attachments from the case.
Clean the inside and outside of the case.
Leave the case to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Wipe the auriscope and each attachment and leave to air dry before returning to the case.
Always replace your wipe should it dry out or become visibly soiled.
Leave the auriscope set to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands, and if required complete a record of cleaning as per your local protocol.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Always wipe surfaces from clean to dirty.
Depending on the blood glucose kit, you will need approximately 2-3 wipes.
Empty the contents of the box or kit.
Clean the outer surfaces of the box, followed by the inner surfaces. Ensure that all segments have been wiped.
Leave the blood glucose kit to air and dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Remember to replace the wipe should it dry out or become visibly soiled.
With a new wipe, clean all reusable components and allow them to air dry.
Return or refill any consumables for the kit.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands and, if required, complete a record of cleaning, as per your local protocols.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Always wipe surfaces from clean to dirty.
Approximately 3-4 wipes will be required to clean a bladder scanner. Always replace your wipe should it dry out or become visibly soiled.
Check the bladder scanner is unplugged from any electrical supply
Disconnect and remove all consumables attached to the bladder scanner and trolley, such as ultrasound gel.
Begin cleaning at the top of the screen, working down in an ‘S’ shaped pattern.
Wipe over all exposed brackets, surfaces and ledges.
With a new wipe, clean the cable and probe.
Clean the trolley, shelves, baskets, wheels and brakes with a new wipe.
Leave the bladder scanner and trolley to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands, and if required complete a record of cleaning as per your local protocol.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Switch off any power that might be connected to the machine
Always wipe surfaces from clean to dirty.
Cleaning all surfaces should require approximately 2 wipes. Ensure you replace wipes that dry out or become soiled.
Open the cuff flat, and from one of the corners, wipe along the cuff in an ‘S’ shaped pattern.
Turn the cuff over and repeat.
The Velcro on the cuff needs to be wiped thoroughly and be wet enough to penetrate the entire layer of the Velcro as it is challenging to effectively clean.
Using a new wipe, clean any connection hoses, including where they attach to the machine
Leave the blood pressure cuff to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands and if required, complete a record of cleaning, as per your local protocols.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Always wipe surfaces from clean to dirty
Approximately 3-5 wipes will be needed to clean a computer on wheels. Always replace your wipe should it dry our or become visibly soiled.
Turn off the power to the computer before cleaning and ensure the wipe is not too wet when cleaning the computer.
Wipe the front of the screen following an 'S' shaped pattern, working from top to bottom.
Clean any trunking and over any surface. Be sutre to replace your wipe should it dry out or become visibly soiled.
Using a new wipe, ensure it isn't too wet and clan over both sides of the keyboard.
Wipe down towards the base and finish cleaning the wheels and brakes.
Take a new wipe and repeat the process on the back of the station.
Leave the computer and trunking to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands, and if required complete a record of cleaning as per your local protocol.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Always wipe surfaces from clean to dirty
Approximately 1-2 wipes will be required to clean a crutch
Starting at the top of the crutch, clean the arm cuff.
Wipe straight down the shaft, including the handle.
Always replace your wipe should it dry out or become visibly soiled.
Leave the crutch to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands, and if required complete a record of cleaning as per your local protocol.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Remove any consumables from the trolley.
Always wipe surfaces from clean to dirty.
Approximately 2-3 wipes should be used, depending on the trolley size.
Always replace your wipe should it dry out or become visibly soiled.
Starting at the furthest edge of the top surface, wipe downwards in an ‘S’ shaped pattern.
Repeat on any subsequent flat surfaces.
With a new wipe, clean each leg from top to bottom.
Clean all wheels and brakes where applicable, including any exposed areas, handles, ledges and brackets.
Leave the trolley to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands and if required, complete a record of cleaning, as per your local protocols.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Remove anything attached to the drip stand.
Always wipe from clean to dirty.
All surfaces should be covered with approximately 1-2 wipes. Should your wipe dry out or become soiled, replace it with a new wipe. Do not re-wet the wipe.
Start at the top of the drip stand and clean all all surfaces.
Wipe down the shaft of the stand.
Using a new wipe, clean the stand feet, including any wheels and brakes. Wipe all exposed surfaces, ledges and brackets.
Leave drip stand to air dry, ensuring sufficient contact time with disinfectant.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands and if required complete a record of cleaning, as per your local protocols.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Remove all consumables from the thermometer.
Always wipe surfaces from clean to dirty.
Depending on the size of the thermometer, you will need 1-2 wipes. Replace wipes when they dry out or become visibly soiled.
Use a wipe to clean one side of the thermometer then the other side.
Clean all screens, buttons and ridges.
Wipe down the length of the power cord (if applicable).
Clean the base of the thermometer. Using a new wipe, clean the base’s top, sides and bottom
Leave the electric thermometer to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands and if required, complete a record of cleaning, as per your local protocols.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Disconnect and remove all consumables from the infusion pump.
Always wipe surfaces from clean to dirty
Depending on the infusion pump, you will need 2-4 wipes. Replace wipes when they dry out or become visibly soiled.
Clean the front, back, top and sides of the pump, including the door handle.
Wipe the bracket connecting the drip stand to the pump.
Make sure to replace your wipe if it dries out or becomes contaminated.
With a new wipe, clean the inside of the door, starting top to bottom, including all crevices.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, wipe around all ports and connectors.
Leave infustion pump to air dry, ensuring sufficient contact time with disinfectant.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands and if required, complete a record of cleaning, as per your local protocols.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Always wipe surfaces from clean to dirty
Always replace your wipe should it dry out or become visibly soiled.
Disconnect and remove all consumables attached to the observation machine.
Clean the top, front, back and sides of the machine. Wipe any brackets that connect the machine to the stand.
Rotate the wipe around any ports and connectors, following the manufacturer’s instructions where applicable.
Wipe the cable down, starting at the machine towards the oximeter probe with a new wipe. Clean the inside and then the outside of the probe.
Using a new wipe, clean the cable from the machine to the blood pressure (BP) cuff and wipe each side of the cuff.
Wipe down the stand to the base, cleaning all wheels and brakes.
Leave the observation machine to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands, and if required complete a record of cleaning as per your local protocol.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Always wipe surfaces from clean to dirty
Approximately 2-3 wipes will be required to clean a PAT Slide.
Start at the top of the board and wipe in an ‘S’ shaped pattern down the front and each side.
Leave the board to air dry, then repeat the process on the other side.
Leave the PAT Slide to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands, and if required complete a record of cleaning as per your local protocol.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Always wipe surfaces from clean to dirty.
Approximately 1-2 wipes will be required to clean the bag stand.
Always replace your wipe should it dry out or become visibly soiled.
Starting at the top of the stand, wipe down each exposed surface, ledge and bracket.
Leave the urinary catheter bag stand to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands, and if required complete a record of cleaning as per your local protocol.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Always wipe from clean surfaces to dirty surfaces.
Approximately 2-3 wipes will be required to clean a walking frame. Only use one wipe at a time and replace as directed or needed.
Start by wiping across the top of the frame, including any handles.
Wipe straight down each leg of the walking frame to the lower bar of the frame.
Always replace your wipe should it dry out or become visibly soiled.
Wipe straight down the remaining parts of the walking frame legs. Including any wheels if they are present.
Leave the walking frame to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands, and if required complete a record of cleaning as per your local protocol.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Remove or dispose of any consumables that may be covering or attached to the chair.
Always wipe surfaces from clean to dirty.
Depending on the type of wheelchair, you will need approximately 4-6 wipes.
Start at the top of the chair, cleaning the handles and then working down the front and the back side of the backrest.
Take a new wipe and clean the top and under side of the arm rests and sides.
Clean the top and underside of the seat using the same ‘S’ shape motion.
Always replace your wipe should it dry out or become visibly soiled.
Using a new wipe clean the chair frame and legs from top to bottom in one fluid motion where possible.
Taking a new wipe clean the brake handles, wheels and foot rests.
Leave the wheelchair to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands, and if required complete a record of cleaning as per your local protocol.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Remove all consumables and waste from the bedpan.
Depending on the bedpan, you will need approximately 1-2 wipes.
To activate, wet the wipe with warm water under a tap. Squeeze out any excess water.
Always wipe surfaces from clean to dirty.
Wipe over the top of the outer edge.
Wipe the inside of the bedpan.
Wipe the underside of the bedpan.
Always replace the wipe if it dries out or becomes visibly soiled.
Leave the bedpan to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands and if required, complete a record of cleaning, as per your local protocols.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Depending on the commode, you will need approximately 3-5 wipes. Should your wipe dry out or become soiled, replace it with a new wipe.
To activate, wet the wipe with warm water under a tap or dip into a bucket. Squeeze out the wipe to remove excess water.
Remove the seat cover and wipe the top in an ‘S’ shaped pattern. Repeat on the underside and leave to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Unclip and remove the backrest. Wipe the front and back of the rest in an ‘S’ shaped pattern from top to bottom. Leave to air dry on a clean, dry surface.
Remove and wipe arms. Leave to air dry on a clean, dry surface.
Remove seat and wipe in an ‘S’ shaped motion. Repeat for the underside and leave to air dry on a clean, dry surface.
Remove the bedpan rack and carefully clean both sides. Leave to air dry on a clean, dry surface.
Clean the remaining frame from top to bottom. Then, unclip the footrests and clean thoroughly. Leave both to air dry on a clean, dry surface.
Wipe the underside of the wheels, leaving to air dry and then leave all parts to air dry to allow the disinfectant enough contact time to work.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands and if required complete a record of cleaning. When fully dry, carefully reassemble the commode.

Wash or decontaminate your hands. (Risk assess PPE according to local policy).
Approximately 2-3 wipes will be required to clean a raised toilet seat.
To activate, wet the wipe with warm water under a tap. Squeeze out any excess water.
Always wipe surfaces from clean to dirty.
Wipe the top side of the raised toilet seat, including any ledges or brackets.
Wipe the inside area of the raised toilet seat.
Wipe the underside of the raised toilet seat.
If the raised toilet seat has legs, wipe them from top to bottom.
Leave the raised toiler seat to air dry, allowing sufficient contact time with the disinfectant.
Dispose of cleaning wipes as per local protocol.
Remove PPE, wash or decontaminate hands, and if required complete a record of cleaning as per your local protocol.