Evaluation of automated floor cleaning, disinfection, and application methods against Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Background: Optimization of automated floor disinfection practices using different application methods and product types is important to ensure that pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus do not transfer from contaminated floors to other high contact areas resulting in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). We hypothesized that there would be significant differences among the disinfectants and a cleaner under different application methods. Also, performance of application methods would be dependent upon type of product used.

Methods: We tested and compared efficacies of 5 EPA registered disinfectants and one cleaner using an automated Taski 455B floor cleaner against S aureus ATCC 6538 on 2 meters of contaminated vinyl flooring using 3 application methods.

Results: Hydrogen peroxide and quaternary ammonium compounds were more efficacious against S aureus than the neutral cleaner. There were no significant differences among the sampling areas tested and application methods regardless of product type. Mean log₁₀ densities recovered from different machine parts and wastewater collected were statistically higher for the cleaner than disinfectants.

Conclusions: All disinfectants had more bactericidal efficacy than the cleaner for all sampling zones on the tested floor. Overall, performance of the floor machine is dependent upon the type of product used.

Keywords: Application methods; Disinfectants; Floor cleaning; Floor machine; Staphylococcus aureus.