Dusting Off the Past

Why Aged Care Needs Modern Cleaning Methods



When it comes to aged care, cleanliness is not just about appearances,  it's a frontline defence against infection, illness, and even death. Yet, many facilities are still relying on cleaning routines that haven’t changed in decades. These outdated practices can put vulnerable residents at risk, especially in the wake of global health scares like COVID-19, and ongoing threats like norovirus and influenza.

The Problem with Old-School Methods

Outdated cleaning methods often rely heavily on visual cleanliness. If a surface looks clean and smells fresh, it’s assumed to be safe. But in aged care environments, where immune systems are weaker, and infections can spread quickly, that assumption is dangerously flawed. In a publication by Australian Ageing Agenda, it was stated that “There seems to be an attitude that everyone knows “how to clean” so cleaning staff just need to be told what areas to clean and how long they have to do it and just let them get on with it” (Egan, 2018).

Common outdated practices include:

• Using the same cloth across multiple surfaces or rooms — this can spread pathogens instead of containing them.
  
  
• Relying on bleach-based sprays without proper dwell time — disinfectants need time to work; a quick spray-and-wipe doesn’t kill germs effectively.
  
  
• Skipping high-touch surfaces like handrails, remote controls, or call buttons — these are some of the most germ-laden areas, and should be cleaned frequently.
  
  
• Ignoring the role of air quality and ventilation in infection control — surface cleaning alone is no longer enough.
  
  

These habits may have been acceptable in the past, but not anymore. They fail to address the invisible threat of pathogens, and create a false sense of security for staff, residents, and families,

What Best Practice Looks Like Today

Modern aged care cleaning requires a shift in mindset. It’s no longer just about “cleaning for appearance” — it’s about cleaning for health.

Some best practices include:

• Adopting colour-coded cleaning equipment to avoid cross-contamination between areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
• Using microfibre cloths and mops, which trap and remove microbes more effectively than traditional cotton.
• Implementing cleaning checklists focused on high-risk zones and high-touch areas, and updated regularly based on infection risk levels.
• Training staff in infection control rather than just generic cleaning techniques — the two are not the same.
• Utilising technology like ATP testing to verify cleanliness at a microbial level, giving staff real-time feedback on cleaning effectiveness.
• Outsourcing cleaning to a company that understands the complexities around aged care cleaning

In a legislative document updated in 2024 by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, it clearly states that Australian Aged Care Facilities need to be  “routinely cleaned and well-maintained”(Agedcarequality.gov.au, 2024). This is not only a legislative directive; Australian Aged Care facilities will be at the mercy of both online customer reviews, and independent directives from residents' families around non compliance, health outbreaks, and unsanitary cleaning methods. 

Culture Change Starts from the Top

Effective infection control is as much about culture as it is about chemicals. Aged Care facility managers and those in a leadership position need to empower their teams with the right tools, training, and time to clean thoroughly and safely.

This also means recognising cleaning staff as frontline health workers — not just maintenance personnel. Their work directly impacts the wellbeing of residents and should be prioritised as such.

Outdated cleaning methods are not just ineffective — they’re dangerous. In an environment where lives are on the line, Australian aged care facilities must evolve. This means embracing new technologies, staying updated with aged care health guidelines, and fostering a culture where infection control is everyone’s responsibility. For further information on The Advanced Group’s aged care cleaning services, click here. 

References

Egan, N. (2018). Tips on best-practice cleaning in residential aged care. [online] Australian Ageing Agenda. Available at: https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/features/tips-on-best-practice-cleaning-in-residential-aged-care/. 

Agedcarequality.gov.au. (2024). Environment and equipment in a service environment | Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. [online] Available at: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/strengthened-quality-standards/environment/environment-and-equipment-service-environment.