Some think cleaning is just wiping down surfaces and ticking compliance boxes. But anyone who’s spent time in an aged care facility knows – it’s about so much more.

Cleanliness in aged care isn’t just about appearance. It touches on wellbeing, safety, and something we rarely talk about: respect. And not every type of cleaning is created equal.

Let’s break down the essential types of cleaning required in aged care homes – and why getting them right is non-negotiable.

What daily cleaning is essential in aged care?

Quick answer: High-touch surfaces, bathrooms, floors, and dining areas require daily attention to prevent infection and maintain dignity.

Imagine trying to enjoy your morning tea surrounded by the faint scent of yesterday’s lunch. Doesn’t feel great, does it?

Daily cleaning in aged care focuses on:

• High-touch points: door handles, bedrails, light switches, remotes – all prime real estate for germs.

• Resident bathrooms and ensuites: These need thorough, regular cleaning to reduce infection risk and preserve comfort.

• Dining areas and kitchens: Crumbs are more than unsightly – they’re an open invite to pests and bacteria.

• Floors and common areas: Especially vital in preventing slips, trips, and falls – which are the number one cause of injury in elderly Australians.

As Health.gov.au outlines, environmental cleaning is key to protecting vulnerable residents from pathogens like norovirus, MRSA, and even COVID-19.

This isn’t about fastidiousness – it’s about protecting people who may not have the immunity or mobility to protect themselves.

What types of deep cleaning are needed – and how often?

Answer: Scheduled deep cleaning targets less visible risks and is typically done weekly, monthly, or as needed after illness outbreaks.

While daily cleaning handles the visible mess, deep cleaning is your invisible insurance policy.

• Carpets and upholstered furniture: Trap dust, skin flakes, and allergens. Steam cleaning or hot water extraction is recommended monthly or quarterly.

• Curtains, blinds, and window tracks: These are often neglected but can harbour mould and dust mites.

• Air vents and ceiling fans: Especially important in facilities using HVAC systems – because airflow can carry airborne pathogens.

• Mattresses and bed frames: Sanitisation protocols are essential between residents, and routine steam cleaning helps minimise cross-contamination.

Deep cleans also help break the “infection cycle” – where unnoticed build-up leads to repeated outbreaks and extended downtime.

And let’s be honest: nothing erodes trust in a facility faster than that persistent smell no one can quite place.

How is infection control cleaning different?

Answer: Infection control cleaning involves specialised chemicals, PPE, protocols, and often isolation – especially after a confirmed illness case.

If a resident tests positive for influenza or gastro, standard mops and sprays won’t cut it.

Infection control cleaning involves:

• Hospital-grade disinfectants that meet Australian Standards

• Isolation cleaning zones to prevent spread

• Double-bagging waste and thorough disposal protocols

• Trained staff who understand dwell times, correct dilution, and cross-contamination risks

This type of cleaning isn’t reactive – it’s strategic. It’s about limiting exposure, not just cleaning mess.

Behavioural science tells us humans are wired to react to visible threats. But aged care facilities can’t afford to wait for visible signs. They must act ahead of time – a principle known as proactive risk reduction.

What personal spaces need special attention?

Answer: Residents’ rooms are personal sanctuaries. Cleaning here must balance hygiene with empathy.

You wouldn’t want your home treated like a hospital ward – and neither do residents.

That’s why aged care cleaning teams need to:

• Seek consent before entering or moving items

• Avoid using harsh chemical smells that can confuse or distress residents

• Respect personal belongings and cultural sensitivities

This ties into the principle of Liking (Cialdini) – when residents feel seen and respected, they’re more likely to cooperate with care and cleaning processes, creating a smoother workflow for everyone.

A cleaner in aged care isn’t “just” a cleaner. They’re part of the resident’s day. Their presence – or absence – shapes how residents feel in their own space.

Are communal spaces cleaned differently?

Answer: Yes – they require flexible, high-frequency cleaning based on traffic patterns and usage.

A bingo hall that’s been empty all morning doesn’t need urgent attention. But post-lunch, when chairs have been shuffled, tea spilled, and hands touched everything? That’s when the cleaning radar pings.

Cleaning in communal spaces is more fluid:

• Dynamic schedules based on activity calendars

• Microfibre cloth systems for quick, effective wipes

• Rapid response kits on standby for spills or accidents

Some aged care homes have even trialled visible cleaning – where cleaners work during high-traffic times, not after hours. The bonus? It builds trust with families and residents, reinforcing the Authority principle.

When people see effort, they value it more. That’s true whether it’s kitchen staff or cleaners.

What role does cleaning play in accreditation?

Answer: A major one. Cleanliness links directly to Quality Standards 3, 4, and 8 under the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Facilities are assessed not just on outcomes, but on systems. That includes cleaning schedules, logs, training records, and incident responses.

One overlooked area? Documentation. Without records, even the best practices can’t be proven.

Facilities that excel often use:

• Digital audit tools

• Colour-coded cleaning systems

• Scheduled refresher training for all staff

In short, cleaning is as much a paperwork issue as a mop-and-bucket one.

What happens when cleaning fails?

Residents notice. Families notice. Staff morale dips.

And in some cases, poor hygiene leads to regulatory breaches, reputational damage, and resident departures.

We’ve all seen the difference between facilities that feel calm, clean, and dignified – and those that feel chaotic, cluttered, or clinical. The difference isn’t just budget. It’s values, systems, and consistent action.

And sometimes, it’s the subtle things: A fresh scent, a neatly folded towel, a spotless handrail.

We explored what this looks like in real facilities – and why some aged care homes stay spotless without fuss while others constantly scramble. It’s not luck. It’s strategic, consistent aged care cleaning done right.

FAQ: Aged Care Cleaning

Q: How often should aged care facilities be cleaned?
A: High-touch and communal areas should be cleaned daily. Deeper cleaning (e.g., carpets, mattresses) is done weekly or monthly, depending on use and risk.

Q: Who sets the cleaning standards in aged care homes?
A: The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission provides guidelines, along with federal infection control standards.

Q: Can cleaners interact with residents?
A: Yes, but respectfully. Cleaners are often familiar faces for residents. Their communication and behaviour impact how cleaning is perceived.

Cleanliness is care. In aged care, it’s also culture.

It shows up in little things – from the shine on the floors to how a cleaner greets a resident.

And the homes that get it right? They’re not just cleaner. They’re calmer, safer, and far more human.