Cleanliness & Laundry Audit - Care Homes

Evidence to check

• • Current cleaning, decontamination and laundry policies are available and reviewed
• • Policies cover routine cleaning, enhanced cleaning, outbreak cleaning, terminal cleaning and laundry segregation
• • Policies reference IPC, COSHH, waste management and dignity considerations
• • Staff can explain key procedures relevant to their role

Evidence to check

• • Named IPC lead is documented
• • Named housekeeping and laundry lead is documented where applicable
• • Responsibilities include audits, training, stock control, cleaning standards, laundry flow and escalation
• • Deputy arrangements are in place

Evidence to check

• • IPC meeting minutes include cleanliness, laundry, outbreaks, audits and action plans
• • Cleaning and laundry issues are reported through governance
• • Actions have owners and deadlines
• • Learning from audits, incidents, complaints and outbreaks is shared with housekeeping and laundry staff

Evidence to check

• • Daily, weekly, monthly and periodic cleaning schedules are available
• • Schedules cover bedrooms, bathrooms, lounges, dining rooms, kitchens, sluices, laundry, offices, corridors, lifts and high-touch points
• • Named staff or roles are responsible for completion
• • Completed schedules are signed and reviewed

Evidence to check

• • Cleaning audits and spot checks are completed routinely
• • ATP or environmental testing is used where the home has adopted it
• • Findings are documented with actions
• • Actions are tracked to completion and checked for effectiveness

Evidence to check

• • Rota shows appropriate housekeeping and laundry cover across the week
• • Cleaning standards are maintained during weekends, holidays and outbreaks
• • Care staff are not routinely pulled away from care to cover cleaning or laundry gaps
• • Staffing shortfalls are escalated and risk assessed

Evidence to check

• • COSHH risk assessments are current for cleaning and laundry products
• • Safety Data Sheets are available
• • Products are stored securely and used at correct dilution and contact time
• • Staff understand chemical hazards, PPE requirements and what to do after exposure or spillage

Evidence to check

• • Floors, furniture, skirting boards, handrails and touchpoints are visibly clean
• • Spills are removed promptly
• • Clutter and trip hazards are not present
• • Persistent odours are investigated rather than masked

Evidence to check

• • Bedroom cleaning records are completed
• • Personal items are handled carefully and respectfully
• • Residents' preferences around room access and cleaning are known
• • Cleaning does not unnecessarily disturb dignity, privacy or personal routines

Evidence to check

• • Toilets, sinks, taps, flush handles, grab rails, shower chairs and door handles are visibly clean
• • Touchpoint cleaning is completed at appropriate frequency
• • Odours, staining, mould or limescale are addressed promptly
• • Cleaning records are completed and checked

Evidence to check

• • Food preparation surfaces, equipment, fridges, freezers, bins and floors are clean
• • Cleaning records align with food safety management procedures
• • Kitchen cleaning materials are kept separate from toilet and clinical cleaning items
• • Pest, waste and cross-contamination risks are controlled

Evidence to check

• • High-touch points include handrails, lift buttons, call bells, light switches, remote controls, door handles and taps
• • Frequency is increased during outbreaks or high-risk periods
• • Cleaning schedules specifically identify high-touch points
• • Spot checks confirm cleaning is actually taking place

Evidence to check

• • Cleaning schedules cover evenings, nights and weekends where required
• • Out-of-hours staff know how to respond to spillages or contamination
• • Weekend cleanliness standards match weekday standards
• • Gaps are identified and escalated

Evidence to check

• • Body fluid spill kits are available and stocked
• • Staff know how to manage urine, faeces, vomit, blood and food spillages
• • Appropriate PPE, disinfectant and disposal routes are used
• • Spillages are recorded where required by policy

Evidence to check

• • Mops, cloths, buckets, trolleys and vacuum cleaners are clean and serviceable
• • Damaged or worn equipment is replaced promptly
• • Equipment is stored hygienically after use
• • Equipment checks are documented

Evidence to check

• • Colour-coded system is displayed and consistent with policy
• • Staff can explain which colours are used for toilets, kitchens, bedrooms and communal areas
• • Cleaning tools are not mixed between areas
• • Agency or temporary cleaning staff receive local induction

Evidence to check

• • Toilet, bedroom, communal and kitchen cleaning materials are kept separate
• • Dirty and clean equipment are clearly separated
• • Storage arrangements prevent contamination
• • Staff follow clean-to-dirty workflows

Evidence to check

• • Reusable cloths and mops are changed at appropriate frequency
• • Laundering process is suitable for infection control
• • Used items are not left damp or mixed with clean items
• • Clean items are stored dry and protected

Evidence to check

• • Disposable cloths are used for isolation rooms, outbreak cleaning or high-risk contamination where policy requires
• • Used disposable items are placed in the correct waste stream
• • Staff understand when reusable items are not appropriate
• • Stock levels are maintained

Evidence to check

• • Staff clean from clean to dirty areas
• • Cleaning equipment is not moved from contaminated areas to clean areas without decontamination
• • Single-room equipment is used where required
• • Hand hygiene and PPE changes are observed between tasks

Evidence to check

• • Enhanced cleaning schedule identifies increased frequency, products, contact times and responsible staff
• • Isolation room cleaning instructions are clear
• • Signage is used where appropriate
• • Cleaning records are retained

Evidence to check

• • Training covers norovirus, C. difficile, COVID-19, flu and other relevant infection risks
• • Staff understand PPE, products, contact times, waste and laundry requirements
• • Outbreak drills or briefings are recorded where used
• • Observed practice matches the outbreak procedure

Evidence to check

• • Isolation rooms have dedicated or single-use equipment where required
• • Equipment is labelled and not used elsewhere
• • Supplies are available at the point of use
• • Staff understand restrictions on moving equipment between areas

Evidence to check

• • Terminal clean procedure is documented
• • Terminal cleaning records show date, room, staff member, products used and sign-off
• • Soft furnishings, equipment and touchpoints are included where required
• • Room is not returned to routine use until cleaning is complete

Evidence to check

• • Touchpoint cleaning frequency is increased
• • Signage and resident guidance are used appropriately
• • Waste and laundry segregation are strengthened
• • Communal activity, dining and visiting arrangements reflect IPC risk assessment

Evidence to check

• • Domestic, clinical, offensive or hygiene, sharps and recycling waste are segregated correctly
• • Waste bins are labelled and appropriately located
• • Staff understand waste categories
• • Waste audits identify and correct segregation errors

Evidence to check

• • Foot-operated bins are available in clinical, toilet and care areas where required
• • Bins are not overfilled
• • Bins are cleaned according to schedule
• • Odour, pest and contamination risks are controlled

Evidence to check

• • Waste storage areas are clean, secure and clearly separated from clean supplies
• • External bins are lidded and not overflowing
• • Waste collection records are retained where required
• • Pest risks are monitored and escalated

Evidence to check

• • Correct sharps bins are available and assembled properly
• • Bins are not overfilled
• • Sharps bins are stored securely
• • Collection and disposal records are retained

Evidence to check

• • Laundry layout separates dirty and clean zones
• • Workflow moves from dirty to clean without crossover where possible
• • Physical space, signage or process controls support segregation
• • Layout risks are risk assessed where space is limited

Evidence to check

• • Soiled, infected and clean linen are clearly separated
• • Containers or bags are labelled and appropriate
• • Clean linen is protected from contamination
• • Staff follow segregation rules consistently

Evidence to check

• • Laundry room signage explains dirty and clean flow
• • Staff can describe the correct process
• • Observation confirms compliance
• • Errors are corrected and used for learning

Evidence to check

• • Clean linen is not stored in corridors, dirty utility areas or near soiled laundry
• • Storage area is dry, ventilated and free from dust, damp, pests or odours
• • Shelving or cupboards protect items from contamination
• • Stock rotation prevents stale or musty linen

Evidence to check

• • Separate trolleys or clearly controlled processes are used for dirty and clean linen
• • Trolleys are labelled where needed
• • Trolleys are cleaned to schedule
• • Dirty trolleys are not used for clean linen without decontamination

Evidence to check

• • Soiled items are bagged and handled correctly at point of use
• • Dirty utility areas do not contaminate clean areas
• • PPE and hand hygiene are followed
• • Sluice areas are cleaned, ventilated and organised

Evidence to check

• • Soiled linen is not carried uncovered through communal areas
• • Items are bagged in bedrooms or at the point of use
• • Staff do not sort or rinse linen in resident areas
• • Dignity and infection control are maintained

Evidence to check

• • Correct bags are available and used for infected linen
• • Staff understand when alginate or water-soluble bags are required
• • Bagging follows policy and manufacturer instructions
• • Incorrect bag use is addressed through training

Evidence to check

• • Laundry and care staff understand safe handling principles
• • Observation confirms linen is not shaken
• • Gloves and aprons are used appropriately
• • PPE is changed between dirty and clean tasks

Evidence to check

• • Faeces, vomit, blood or heavily contaminated items are handled according to policy
• • Pre-treatment is safe and does not create contamination risk
• • Staff use correct PPE and waste routes
• • Heavily soiled items that cannot be safely cleaned are disposed of appropriately

Evidence to check

• • Residents' clothing is labelled or otherwise identified where consented and appropriate
• • Systems prevent mixing between residents
• • Personal items are returned promptly to the correct resident
• • Laundry processes respect dignity, privacy and personal preferences

Evidence to check

• • Wash temperature, time and detergent or disinfectant process match policy
• • Infected or heavily soiled linen receives appropriate thermal or chemical disinfection
• • Staff know which cycles to use
• • Cycle records are retained where required

Evidence to check

• • Laundry equipment service records are available
• • Filters, seals, drums and vents are cleaned as scheduled
• • Faults are reported and repaired promptly
• • Machines are not used when unsafe or ineffective

Evidence to check

• • Correct dosing arrangements are in place
• • Staff understand contact times and product purpose
• • Products are compatible with laundry equipment and textiles
• • Overuse or underuse of chemicals is monitored and corrected

Evidence to check

• • Temperature or cycle validation records are available where applicable
• • Calibration or servicing confirms machines reach required parameters
• • Failures are escalated and risk assessed
• • Alternative arrangements are used if disinfection cannot be assured

Evidence to check

• • Linen and clothing are fully dry before folding and storage
• • Damp items are not stored in cupboards or bags
• • Mould, musty odour or damp storage risks are investigated
• • Dryer performance and drying times are monitored

Evidence to check

• • Ironing or finishing surfaces are clean
• • Clean and dirty laundry do not mix during finishing
• • Equipment is safe and used correctly
• • Finished items are stored promptly in clean areas

Evidence to check

• • Gloves and aprons are available
• • PPE is used according to task and risk
• • PPE is changed when moving from dirty to clean work
• • Staff avoid wearing contaminated PPE in clean areas

Evidence to check

• • Hand hygiene facilities are available
• • Staff clean hands after handling waste, soiled linen or chemicals
• • Hand hygiene is completed before handling clean laundry
• • Observations and audits confirm compliance

Evidence to check

• • Uniform laundering policy or guidance is available
• • Staff understand on-site or home-laundering requirements
• • Soiled uniforms are managed safely
• • Uniform expectations are included in induction and IPC training

Evidence to check

• • Staff sickness and exclusion guidance is available
• • Return-to-work processes consider infection risk
• • Staff understand not to work with symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting or flu-like illness where exclusion applies
• • Outbreak staffing risks are managed safely

Evidence to check

• • Chemicals are stored in locked or restricted-access cupboards
• • Products are not left unattended in resident areas
• • Incompatible chemicals are segregated
• • COSHH assessments and SDS are accessible

Evidence to check

• • Dose pumps, pre-diluted products or clear dilution instructions are used
• • Staff understand correct dilution
• • Bottles are not topped up unsafely
• • Incorrect dilution is identified and corrected

Evidence to check

• • Spray bottles are clearly labelled
• • Decanted products include date and expiry where required
• • Unlabelled or expired bottles are removed
• • Reusable bottles are cleaned or replaced according to policy

Evidence to check

• • Body fluid spill kits, PPE, disinfectants, bags and signage are available
• • Stock levels are checked regularly
• • Staff know where kits are kept
• • Used or expired stock is replaced promptly

Evidence to check

• • Bedding and clothing are changed according to need, preference and care plan
• • Residents are supported to choose clothing where possible
• • Soiled bedding is changed promptly
• • Laundry routines do not override dignity or personal choice

Evidence to check

• • Soiled items are not carried exposed through communal areas
• • Continence products are disposed of discreetly
• • Staff avoid public discussion of continence needs
• • Residents are protected from embarrassment

Evidence to check

• • Lost or damaged items are logged
• • Residents and families are informed where appropriate
• • Root causes are reviewed, such as labelling, sorting, machine damage or staff process
• • Actions are taken to reduce recurrence

Evidence to check

• • Surveys, meetings or informal feedback include cleanliness and laundry questions
• • Complaints and compliments are reviewed for themes
• • Feedback is acted upon
• • Residents are told what changed as a result

Evidence to check

• • Cleanliness audit schedule is followed
• • Audit tool includes objective criteria for bedrooms, bathrooms, communal areas, high-touch points and equipment
• • Scores or findings are recorded
• • Actions are tracked and rechecked

Evidence to check

• • Laundry audits review segregation, workflow, temperatures, machine maintenance, PPE and storage
• • Findings are documented
• • Actions have owners and deadlines
• • Repeat issues trigger deeper review

Evidence to check

• • Repeated findings are reviewed for staffing, training, layout, equipment, product or leadership issues
• • Actions address the root cause rather than only reminding staff
• • Provider support is sought where resources are needed
• • Follow-up checks confirm improvement

Evidence to check

• • IPC walkaround records include cleaning and laundry areas
• • Housekeeping or laundry leads contribute to findings and actions
• • Actions are added to IPC or QIP action plans
• • Findings are shared with relevant staff

Evidence to check

• • Audit trends show maintained or improved standards
• • Repeated failures reduce over time
• • Infection or outbreak learning leads to stronger practice
• • Improvements are sustained across shifts and areas

Evidence to check

• • Cleaning schedules are available for recent weeks or months
• • Sign-off records are complete
• • Manager or lead checks are recorded
• • Gaps are explained and actioned

Evidence to check

• • Laundry walkaround shows clear dirty and clean zones
• • Appropriate bags, containers, trolleys and storage are used
• • Staff can explain workflow
• • Observed practice matches policy

Evidence to check

• • Staff can explain infected linen bagging, PPE, transport and wash requirements
• • Staff can describe enhanced cleaning frequency, products and contact times
• • Staff know where outbreak guidance and supplies are kept
• • Knowledge gaps are corrected through immediate briefing

Evidence to check

• • Washer and dryer service records are current
• • Repairs and breakdowns are logged
• • Routine cleaning of filters, seals, drums and vents is recorded
• • Equipment faults are linked to contingency arrangements where needed

Evidence to check

• • Audit includes observation, walkaround, staff questioning, resident feedback and record review
• • Auditor checks whether signed schedules match visible standards
• • Laundry workflow is observed during actual use where possible
• • Actions improve cleanliness, dignity and infection control in practice

Evidence to check

• • Themes are included in IPC meetings, QIP, risk register and provider reports where relevant
• • Recurring issues inform training, staffing, equipment or environmental improvements
• • High-risk cleanliness or laundry concerns are escalated promptly
• • The home can evidence sustained improvement and resident confidence in cleanliness standards