Cleaning and maintenance prevent the build up of soil; dust or other foreign materials that can harbor infection, but this is seldom the reason for the spread of infection. 

Although there is no risk of transmitting infectious disease by way of inanimate objects, soiled surfaces could contribute to secondary transmission by contaminating hands of the workers or by contact with equipment that subsequently comes in contact with clients. 

Hands play a major role in the transmission of infection and strict adherence to hand washing recommendations can significantly reduce the spread of infection.  See "Hand Washing" sidelines.

• Create and maintain a schedule for cleaning.  Display individual room housekeeping requirements proudly, for clients to see.
• Staff should be educated to help them understand the most effective methods and the importance of their work.
• The more frequently and item is touched, the more frequently is should be cleaned.
• Rubber work gloves should be worn during cleaning to avoid contaminating the hands, and then contaminating the client.
• Horizontal surfaces will normally have a higher number of organisms than vertical surfaces.
• When surfaces are moist or continuously wet, they may become coated with biofilm, which is the build-up or adhesion of bacteria.  Therefore, Spa wet surfaces should receive thorough, regular cleaning, particularly between clients, followed with a low level disinfectant.  Water reservoirs found on, in and around counter tops, faucets, showers and shower heads, sinks, drains, flower vases, ice machines and water carafes require careful cleaning and disinfecting with a low level disinfectant. 
  
  
• Wikipedia Data (partial) on Biofilm: 
  
  Formation of a biofilm begins with the attachment of free-floating microorganisms to a surface. These first colonists adhere to the surface initially through weak, reversible van der Waals forces. If the colonists are not immediately separated from the surface, they can anchor themselves more permanently using cell adhesion molecules such as pili.^[1] 
  
  
• The first colonists facilitate the arrival of other cells by providing more diverse adhesion sites and beginning to build the matrix that holds the biofilm together. Some species are not able to attach to a surface on their own but are often able to anchor themselves to the matrix or directly to earlier colonists. It is during this colonization that the cells are able to communicate via quorum sensing. Once colonization has begun, the biofilm grows through a combination of cell division and recruitment. The final stage of biofilm formation is known as development, and is the stage in which the biofilm is established and may only change in shape and size. This development of biofilm allows for the cells to become more antibiotic resistant.

• Floors should receive thorough, regular cleaning, in addition to when they are soiled. Damp. sponge or disposable mopping is preferred, with a detergent and/or low level disinfectant.    Change cloths and mops frequently to avoid recontaminating surfaces.  Both should be laundered daily and dried completely before reuse.
• Walls, blinds and curtains should be cleaned regularly with a detergent and/or low-level disinfectant and as splashes/visible soil occurs.   
• Carpets and upholstery should be vacuumed regularly and shampooed as necessary. 
• Equipment should be cleaned regularly and disinfected with a low level disinfectant. 
• Toilets and commodes should receive thorough regular cleaning as well as being cleaned when soiled, using a low level disinfectant. 
• Disinfecting guidelines for sophisticated hydrotherapy equipment such as hydrotherapy tubs and showers should be strictly adhered to.
• Duct, fan and air systems should be cleaned and maintained according to a schedule.

Spas2b is a full-service Spa Development, Consulting and Training company based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Spas2b draws on the extensive experience of its President, Leslie Lyon. Leslie has evolved with the Health and Beauty Industry for more than 30 years and has participated in many aspects of the Spa trade. An Aesthetician and Electrologist for 25 years, today Leslie enjoys her profession as an International Consultant, Educator, Key Note Speaker, Published Columnist and Freelance Writer.

www.spas2b.com