How to Clean Home Care Equipment: A Simple Caregiver Checklist

Learning how to clean home care equipment is essential for the safety of those trying to live independently at home while aging-in-place, recovering from an illness, or managing a chronic condition.

When you are caring for someone at home, there is always something that needs to be done. Between helping with meals, personal care, medications, appointments, and everyday routines, cleaning equipment may not always be at the top of the list. But regularly cleaning home care equipment can help reduce the spread of germs, keep devices working properly, and make the home a safer and more comfortable place for everyone.

Some items may need attention every day, especially if they are touched frequently or come into contact with bodily fluids. Others can simply be included in your regular weekly cleaning routine. The equipment in your home will depend on your loved one’s needs, but common items include:

• Wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, and canes
• Shower chairs, transfer benches, and raised toilet seats
• Bedside commodes and other bathroom safety equipment
• Transfer boards, gait belts, and lift equipment
• Blood pressure monitors, thermometers, and pulse oximeters
• Nebulizer or CPAP equipment
• Adaptive utensils and other daily living aids

A few basic precautions can help make cleaning safer. For many items, soap and water may be enough for routine cleaning. When disinfection is needed, use a product appropriate for that surface and follow the directions on the label, including how long the surface needs to remain wet.

• Wash your hands before and after cleaning equipment.
• Wear disposable gloves when appropriate, especially when handling items that may be soiled.
• Never mix cleaning products. Combining chemicals such as bleach and ammonia can create dangerous fumes.
• Check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning medical or electronic equipment.
• Never submerge battery-operated or electrical equipment in water unless the manufacturer specifically says it is safe to do so.

You do not have to clean everything the same way. Here are a few practical tips for some of the most common items.

Wheelchairs, walkers, and rollators can collect dirt, food crumbs, and germs—especially on handles, armrests, brakes, and other frequently touched areas. Start by removing visible dirt and debris. Wipe down washable surfaces with warm, soapy water, then disinfect high-touch areas when appropriate.

Tip: Do not forget the less obvious spots, such as hand grips, brakes, footrests, and the underside of walker or wheelchair handles.

Shower chairs, grab bars, raised toilet seats, and bedside commodes need regular attention because moisture can encourage mold and mildew. Clean away soap residue and visible dirt, then disinfect surfaces as needed. If you use a non-slip bath mat, lift it occasionally and clean underneath as well. For bedside commodes, empty and clean the collection container promptly and allow it to dry thoroughly before reuse.

Tip: A quick wipe-down after use can prevent a much bigger cleaning job later.

Items such as blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, and pulse oximeters are often used repeatedly throughout the day. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and use an appropriate wipe or cleaning method for the device. Be careful around screens, batteries, cords, and other electronic components.

Nebulizers, CPAP machines, BiPAP equipment, and oxygen equipment may have very specific cleaning requirements. Masks, cups, tubing, water chambers, and filters should be cleaned or replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the healthcare provider’s recommendations. Make sure reusable parts are completely dry before putting them back together.

Tip: When in doubt, do not guess. Check the equipment manual or contact the equipment provider for guidance.

There is no single schedule that works for every piece of equipment. A good rule of thumb is to clean items based on how often they are used and what they come into contact with. High-touch surfaces may need daily cleaning or cleaning after use, while other items can be added to a weekly household routine. Equipment used for respiratory care or other medical purposes may have its own manufacturer-recommended schedule.

A simple approach is to build equipment cleaning into the rest of your caregiving routine. For example, wipe down a walker when you are already tidying the living area or clean the shower chair when you clean the bathroom.

Cleaning equipment also gives you an opportunity to notice problems before they become bigger issues. A loose walker grip, cracked shower chair, worn wheelchair brake, or damaged piece of equipment may be easier to spot when you are regularly handling and cleaning it. Use this as a reminder during your regular caregiving routine:

• Remove visible dirt, crumbs, hair, or other debris.
• Clean surfaces with the appropriate soap, water, or manufacturer-approved product.
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces when needed.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for medical or respiratory equipment.
• Allow reusable equipment to dry completely when required.
• Check for worn, damaged, or loose parts while cleaning.
• Wash your hands when you are finished.

Caring for a loved one involves a lot of moving parts, and sometimes having someone you trust by your side can make all the difference.

At Advantage Home Care, our Family Selected Caregiver model of self-directed care gives eligible clients greater choice in who provides their care. Depending on the program and eligibility requirements, a trusted family member or friend may be able to serve as a paid caregiver.

Whether you need help managing day-to-day care (services) or want to explore your options for choosing someone you already know and trust, Advantage Home Care is here to help.