Here’s the simplified version up top:

1. Pre-clean

2. Main clean

3. Rinse

4. Disinfection

5. Final inspection

These steps, followed in sequence, form a practical framework used across healthcare, food production, and industrial cleaning settings. Skip one, and you risk contamination or ineffective results. It’s not about being thorough for thoroughness’ sake — it’s about outcomes.

Let’s unpack each one.

What happens during pre-cleaning?

Pre-cleaning removes visible dirt, dust, food scraps, or other surface debris. It often involves:

• Dry wiping

• Brushing or sweeping

• Initial water flush

The point here is simple — clear the canvas. If you try to disinfect a surface still covered in crumbs or grease, you’re just wasting chemicals. Pre-cleaning is what stops the rest of the process from becoming a farce.

What is included in the main cleaning stage?

Main cleaning is where detergents or cleaning agents get to work. This step involves:

• Applying the right product for the material and soil type

• Agitating or scrubbing the surface

• Allowing enough contact time

For instance, in food manufacturing, this could mean using an enzyme-based cleaner on protein buildup. It’s targeted, not generic — and it makes the next stage possible.

Why is rinsing its own step?

Rinsing might seem simple, but it serves two big roles:

• Removing loosened grime and detergent residues

• Prepping the surface for disinfection without interference

Picture this: if you don’t rinse off cleaning agents, your disinfectant could be neutralised before it has a chance to work. That’s like spraying repellent on muddy skin — it just won’t stick.

What’s different about disinfection?

Disinfection targets microorganisms — bacteria, viruses, mould. The product choice depends on the setting and the risk:

• Alcohol or chlorine-based solutions in hospitals

• Food-safe sanitisers in kitchens

• Fogging or misting systems in large-scale sites

It’s also where you need to follow the label to the letter. Contact time, dilution, and surface compatibility all affect whether you kill germs or just give them a bubble bath.

Why is inspection considered a cleaning step?

Because without it, you’re guessing. Inspection confirms:

• No missed spots or visible residues

• Proper disinfection protocols were followed

• Documentation or sign-off (if needed)

This step might involve visual checks, swab tests, or even third-party audits — especially in regulated industries. And while it’s often skipped in domestic settings, in industrial environments, it’s non-negotiable.

How do these procedures apply in industrial environments?

The five procedures provide a baseline — but industrial settings scale them up. For example:

• Pre-cleaning might include high-pressure jets to remove caked-on grime

• Disinfection could involve dry ice blasting where moisture must be avoided

• Inspection often includes ATP testing or compliance reporting for regulators

It’s a system designed for safety, not shortcuts.

FAQ

Are these steps the same as the 7-step cleaning process?
Yes and no. The 7-step method adds extra rinses and drying phases. The 5-step version is often used where time or resources are more constrained but hygiene is still a priority.

Do all industries follow these five procedures?
Most regulated industries do — especially those involving food, healthcare, or public access. The exact process may be adapted, but the logic stays the same.

Can I skip inspection if the surface looks clean?
Looking clean and being clean are two different things. If you’re cleaning to meet standards (not just aesthetics), inspection should always be included.

Cleaning isn’t just about wiping things down — it’s about building consistency into critical environments. Whether you’re maintaining a sterile production line or a high-traffic logistics depot, the five cleaning procedures provide a framework that works every time.

In high-risk or large-scale scenarios, professional industrial cleaning services apply these principles with precision and experience — making sure nothing slips through the cracks.