Healthcare facilities face many ongoing challenges, such as preventing infection and cross-contamination. Shoe disinfection is crucial in environments including hospitals, clinics and nursing homes, where vulnerable individuals require protection from infections and illnesses. Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) statistics change frequently and are published monthly, quarterly and annually by the UK government.
Implementing proper cleaning and disinfection protocols reduces the likelihood of pathogen build-up and spread in high-risk settings. Floors, corridors and communal areas can harbour harmful bacteria, and foot traffic can serve as a conduit to transport these pathogens from one area to another.
In this article, we will explore how shoe disinfection protocols prevent the spread of pathogens and microorganisms in care facilities and how Shoes For Crews’ slip-resistant footwear can contribute to effective infection control.
Shoe cleaning vs. shoe disinfection
Cleaning involves two main elements: fluids, such as soap or detergent, and water, and friction. It usually consists of physically removing debris, dirt, blood and bodily fluids. Pathogens and other bacteria are removed rather than eliminated. It is an essential preliminary step to disinfection.
Disinfection, on the other hand, involves the killing of microorganisms on inanimate objects and surfaces. Disinfectants are used to reduce the number of potentially harmful bacteria and provide a clean, safe environment.
Below is an overview of the protocols that your healthcare workers should prioritise when it comes to shoe disinfection:
1. Assessment and removal
Before handling footwear, employees should wash their hands. Next, assess whether cleaning alone will be sufficient, or whether shoe disinfection is required – especially if stains from blood or bodily fluids are visible. Gloves and aprons (colour-coded as per NHS standards) should be used where appropriate given the situation and state of the shoes.
2. Initial cleaning
A general-purpose neutral detergent or solution can be used with warm water, following the instructions listed on the shoe label. If the outsoles or uppers have been contaminated by blood or bodily fluids, use one of the following:
- A combined detergent-disinfectant solution at 1,000 ppm (parts per million of available chlorine (av. cl.)
- Or a detergent wash followed by 1,000 ppm av. cl. disinfectant rinse
Remember to adhere to the dilution, contact time and application method guidelines as mentioned in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM).
3. Disinfect according to manufacturing instructions
Preferably, shoes should be wipeable, easy-to-clean and waterproof. Moreover, footwear made of durable, EVA material is easier to disinfect as stains and build-up can be removed throughout the day.
We recommend performing shoe disinfection in sections, starting from the bottom and working up:
- Outsoles (use a brush to scrub the grooves, treads and edges of the bottom surface to remove pathogens and bodily fluids picked up from floors; all of our shoes come with our SFC Grid Cleaner tool to optimise cleaning)
- Midsole and upper edges (wipe down and disinfect the outer and inner sides completely to remove spills and stains)
- Toe cap and heel (clean the front toe area and rear heel cap, making sure to include the junction with the sole, as this part encounters the most splashes)
- Instep (scrub the uppers as splashes or aerosol products can collect here, including any ventilation holes, if present)
- Eyelets and tongue (wipe around and under the tongue and lace holes or fasteners as these areas trap dust and other biological matter)
- Insole (if removable, disinfect it separately if it is washable, or replace it is needed)
- Interior lining (clean and dry thoroughly when necessary if blood, vomit or other bodily fluids enter the shoe)
