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. Be cautious of spilling bleach on unsafe surfaces and clothing as it will discolor the surface. Never mix bleach with any other cleaner.

Soaps and detergents: are used for washing dishes and doing 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.

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.

VIDEO – Household Cleaning Supplies

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.
• 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.

VIDEO – Vacuuming

Kitchen Cleaning Tasks

The kitchen should be cleaned after every use. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should encourage family members to do the same.

Kitchen tasks:

• Wash dishes immediately after use
• Dishes should be washed in hot soapy water using dish detergent.
• Air dry washed dishes and pots rather than using a dishtowel.
• If using a dishwasher, learn how to properly use it. Dishwashers can also be used to sterilize items. Some dishwashers require food to be scraped and plates to be rinsed before loading. Many items cannot be washed in a dishwasher, such as electrical appliances, china, crystal, and cast iron. Always check with the patient.
• Put dishes away after they have air dried.
• Clean the kitchen sink and faucet with a scouring or specialty cleaner once per day.
• Wipe and clean surfaces as you work and at least once per day.
• Take out the garbage daily before you leave for the day.
• Sweep the kitchen floor daily and mop at least once per week, or more if needed.
• Ensure the floor is dry to prevent falls.
• Stove tops should be cleaned with hot soapy water, an all-purpose or a specialty cleaner. Find out the appropriate type of cleaner to use.
• Ovens are cleaned periodically. Some ovens are self-cleaning while others require direct cleaning with a specialty oven cleaner. Be cautious to use rubber gloves and to not inhale oven cleaner as fumes can be toxic. Ensure no children or pets are around when using oven cleaner as ingestion of the cleaner can be deadly.
• Clean out the refrigerator once per week. Discard items that are spoiled. Wipe surfaces of spills and crumbs. Ensure food is properly spaced in the refrigerator to allow good air circulation.
• Wipe the refrigerator door and any spills inside once per day.
• Defrost the freezer when necessary. When defrosting, all food should be removed and stored in a cooler to keep it cool and prevent spoilage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to defrost the specific unit a patient has.
• Clean inside cabinets, drawers, and cupboards once or twice per year, or as needed.

Bathroom Cleaning Tasks

The bathroom is a living space that has many bacteria present due to urine, feces, and blood. It is also a damp and moist space, which encourages many types of bacteria to grow.

Bathroom tasks:

• Wash from clean to dirty areas to prevent spreading dirt or bacteria from dirty to clean areas. The toilet should be washed last and a separate rag from other surfaces should be used for the toilet.
• Ensure the toilet is flushed each time it is used. Encourage household members to do this. Close the lid on the toilet prior to flushing to prevent splashing of urine and feces onto other surfaces.
• The shower and shower surfaces should be wiped down after each use. Ensure the cleaner used is safe for the surface. Scouring cleaners are not safe for use on porcelain and tile as it can scratch. Shower walls, tub bottom, shower curtains and doors should all be wiped down daily and thoroughly cleaned at least once per week with an all-purpose or specialty cleaner.
• Hair should be removed from drains to prevent clogs after each bath/shower.
• Used towels should be hung to dry or placed in a laundry hamper to be washed, rather than kept on the floor.
• Bath mats and rugs should be hung to dry off the floor.
• The sink should be wiped down after brushing teeth, shaving, or washing to rinse the surface of toothpaste, shaving cream, and cleansers.
• Faucets should be disinfected with an all-purpose cleaner or disinfectant solution daily.
• Toiletries and personal items should be stored and kept organized.
• Mirrors and glass surfaces should be cleaned with glass cleaner and kept clean of splashes.
• Wipe the surface of the toilet lid, toilet cover, and flush handle with a disinfectant cleaner daily.
• Scrub the inside of the toilet bowl with a brush and use an all-purpose cleaner with disinfectant at least once per week. Be sure to scrub under the rim of the toilet. The toilet brush should be washed with a disinfectant solution and allowed to air dry before storing.
• Ensure handrails and safety equipment are in good working order on a daily basis. Inform a supervisor immediately if they are not.
• Vacuum or sweep the floor daily. Wet mop at least once per week. Ensure the floor is dry to prevent falls in the bathroom.
• Ensure hand towels and bath rugs and mats are clean and dry. Replace with clean towels daily.
• Wipe down hampers and waste baskets with a disinfectant cleanser at least once per week.

Living Room Cleaning Tasks

The living room is often a place family spends a great deal of time. It should always appear tidy and organized. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides can encourage the family to pick up after themselves by modeling this behavior.

Living room tasks:

• Pick up clutter as you see it and at least once per day. Encourage and teach family members to do the same.
• Pick up newspapers, magazines, books, and toys as needed and at least once per day.
• Organize items kept in the living room and store them in their appropriate places.
• Vacuum rugs at least once per week. If there is dirt or food crumbs on the floor, you may need to vacuum more frequently. Crumbs from food attract pests.
• Sweep tile or linoleum floors daily. Mop at least once per week, and more if floors are dirty. Ensure the floor is dry to prevent falls.
• Dust surfaces once per week or more as required. You can use disposable dust cloths, dusting spray, or rags to remove dust.
• Ensure there are no loose rugs and other trip hazards, such as cords, in order to prevent falls.
• Lamps and lighting sources should be checked for good use. Good lighting helps to prevent falls.

Bedroom Cleaning Tasks

The bedroom is a place where many people sleep and rest. To promote good health, hygiene, and rest, the bedroom should be tidied daily.

Bedroom tasks:

• Pick up clutter as you see it and at least once per day. Encourage and teach family members to do the same.
• Beds should be made daily.
• Bed linens should be changed at least once per week, or more as needed and whenever soiled or wet.
• Wastebaskets should be emptied daily and wiped down with a disinfectant at least once per week.
• Dirty linens and clothing should be picked up and stored in a hamper for laundering.
• Clean clothing should be folded and stored in their appropriate places.
• Dust surfaces once per week or more as required. You can use disposable dust cloths, dusting spray, or rags to remove dust.
• Sweep daily to remove dirt, dust, and food crumbs.
• Mop floors if a tile, linoleum, or vinyl surface at least once per week.
• Vacuum rugs at least once per week.
• Lamps and lighting sources should be checked for good use.
• Good lighting helps to prevent falls.
• Ensure there are no loose rugs and other trip hazards, such as cords, in order to prevent falls.

Washing Floors

When washing floors, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should always sweep or vacuum first. This helps to remove debris, food crumbs, visible dirt, and dust. Mark off the area to prevent others from entering while the floor is wet. Use the appropriate floor cleaner. Certain cleaners should be used for vinyl, linoleum, or tile and may not be safe for wood surfaces. Other types of cleaners may need to be used for wood surfaces.

Laundry

Always wear gloves when handling soiled laundry. Find out how to use the washing machine and dryer by reading the instruction manual, asking the patient, and/or a supervisor. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should talk to their patient about their preferences about how they want their clothing laundered. Some types of clothing should only be hand washed or washed in certain temperatures and with special washing cycles. Some clothing items should not be placed in the dryer.

• Check all pockets for money and other items prior to washing. Return any money found to the appropriate person.
• Separate clothing into piles to be washed. Darks, whites, towels, and delicate items are all usually washed separately from each other.
• Only use the recommended amount and type of laundry detergent. Some machines require high-efficiency detergent. Using more or the wrong kind of detergent can ruin the washing machine.
• Some clothing requires specialty detergent. Baby clothing should only be washed with hypoallergenic and special detergent to prevent skin irritation.
• Never use bleach when washing clothing other than all-white clothing or linen. Check with the patient prior to using bleach to find out their preferences.
• Soiled or stained clothing may require pretreatment with a special cleaner prior to washing. A small amount of liquid detergent or stain treater can be applied to the stain and worked in with a scrub brush or old toothbrush. Whenever possible, treat stains immediately. They are more difficult to remove once set.
• Use the correct temperature for washing the clothing. Use cool or cold water whenever possible to save energy and money. Hot water is generally used for bed linens, towels, and whites. Cold water is generally used for darker items.
• Use the correct wash and dry settings for the clothing to be washed/dried. Normal wash and dry settings can be used for most clothing. Delicate or gentle cycles are typically used for delicate clothing, undergarments, curtains, and tablecloths. Find out the patient’s preferences. Heavier items such as towels and blankets need longer drying times and will usually be set on higher temperatures.
• Use fabric softeners and dryer sheets according to patient preferences. Generally, dryer sheets are not used with towels as it prevents water absorption.
• Clean the lint filter after every use.
• Keep the top of the washing machine and dryer clean. Wipe up laundry detergent spills immediately.
• Fold clothing once dry immediately in order to prevent wrinkling. Store clothing in the appropriate place. Fasten hooks and buttons prior to storing. Always ensure clothing is completely dry prior to storage or mildew can grow. When ironing, always check the clothing label for the appropriate iron temperature.
• Use the lowest setting if you are unsure. Use only distilled water in irons to prevent clothing staining from minerals in hard water. Use an ironing board or special surface while ironing to prevent burns to the surface on which you are ironing.
• Always keep the iron moving and never set it on clothing as this will burn and damage the clothing. It could also potentially cause the clothing to set on fire. Immediately hang or store clothes once you have finished ironing to prevent wrinkling.