1. Tools for Cleaning
Chapter 7

2. Objectives:
As a result of successfully completing this chapter,
students will be able to:
 Explain the importance of using purified water in
the cleaning process, and review procedures to test
for water purity
 Discuss factors that impact water purity
 Provide an overview of components and products
that are important in water purification systems
 Explain the basics of distillation, deionization, and
reverse osmosis water purification systems
 Identify common cleaning chemicals, and review
basic protocols for their use
 Note the importance of bushes, cloths, and sponges
in an effective cleaning process

3. Before the cleaning process
can begin…
• Central Service
Technicians must
ensure that they have
the proper tools
necessary for a
successful process
• Testing for Water
Quality

4. Tap Water
• Raw Water that comes
from the city’s water
supply, it is clean and safe
but not pure
• There are many impurities
in water that can impact
cleaning processes
• Water from any source
contains minerals,
dissolved solids,
particles, gases, and
organic and non-organic
chemicals
• Some water also
contains bacteria, algae,
and parasites

5. Purification
Testing

6. Water Testing
• Can be
performed by
facility
personnel,
manufacturers
or distributors of
cleaning
products, or
contract services
 Obtain a sterile plastic
container
 Locate the source where the
final rinse enters the sink
(manual system) or cleaning
equipment
 Let the water flow for several
seconds, then fill the
collection container
 Close the lid tightly and send
the container to the testing
facility as soon as possible to
minimize changes that can
occur over time
 A report will be generated

7. Water Quality Report
Information
• Conductivity
• Total Dissolved Solids
• pH
• Chlorides
• Silicates
• Particle Count

8. Conductivity
A measurement of the ability of
water to carry an electric current

9. Resistance Testing
•Measures freedom
from dissolved solids
by measuring
conductivity
•Liquids must be able to
resist 300,000 ohms

10. Total Dissolved
Solids
Elements such as iron, magnesium, silicates
and calcium that may cause stains on
processed items. (Hard water)

11. Silicate
A mineral commonly found in water that
is derived from silica found in quartz and
other components

12. Acidity or
Alkalinity
(pH)
pH interactions can occur between
water and cleaning products

13. Chlorides
A compound commonly found in water
that is created when chlorine is
combined with another element or
radical. In high concentrations,
chlorides will damage instrument
finishes

14. Other Particles
Particles (usually small solid objects like
pieces of rusted pipes, and small pieces of
plastic, etc. that can impact water quality
Water may also contain sediment, such as
sand, clay or dirt

15. Turbidity
Occurs when water contains
sediments or solids that, when
stirred, make the water appear
cloudy

16. Water Purification
Systems

17. Filters
• Made of different materials depending
on the intended use
• Filter size is measured in microns
• Specific filter applications should be
are different and they must be applied,
used, and maintained according to
manufacturers’ recommendations

18. Granular Activated Charcoal
(GAC)
• Used to remove chlorides in water.
• Used as the first step in deionization
and reverse-osmosis systems.
• An acceptable chloride level in final
water rinse is 100ppm or less.

19. Softeners
• Used to remove calcium and
magnesium (the main elements that
contribute to the hardness of water)
• Uses a cation resin tank

20. Cation Resin Tank
A tank into which untreated hard
water flows, and in which sodium ions
are exchanged for calcium and
magnesium ions to produce soft water

21. Purified/Distilled Water
• Water that is heated to
evaporation and then
condensed. The process
leaves impurities behind
• Distillation removes
dissolved solids, gases,
organics, particles, bacteria,
pyrogens, and endotoxins

22. Pyrogens
• Pus-producing
organisms that can
cause fever

23. Deionization
• The process by which ions with an
electrical charge are removed from
water
• Deionized water is used in
heating/cooling therapy units and in
the final rinse water for automated
cleaning equipment

24. Reverse Osmosis
Water
• Water that is purified
using a molecular filter
system
• This process removes
most dissolved solids, and
organics and is capable of
bacteria, pyrogens, and
endotoxins

25. Cleaning
Chemicals

26. Enzyme Products
• Contain protease enzymes that are
useful for breaking down soils, like
dried blood and tissue
• Enzymes help detergents work more
quickly

27. Detergents
• Contain emulsifiers and chelating
agents
• Break down soil and suspend it for
easy rinsing

28. Descalers
• Descalers are not typically required if
water quality and detergent mixtures
are correct
• Removes/prevents formation of the
chalky, while substance that forms on
cleaning equipment and sinks.

29. Pre-soaking Chemicals
• Substances used to prevent the drying of
blood and tissue after us
• Common pre-cleaning agents include;
enzymatic detergents, detergent solutions,
enzyme-germicide detergents, and plain
water
• Pre-cleaning should be done immediately
after an instrument is used

30. Manual Cleaners
• Help water penetrate soil faster
• Should be low-foaming and free-
rinsing
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for
dilution, mixing and use

31. Mechanical Cleaner
Chemicals
• Follow the equipment
manufacturer's written
instructions
• Should be low-foaming
and free-rinsing

32. Safety Concerns
• Follow manufacturers’
instructions for handling and
use
• Wear recommended Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Review Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS)
• Dispose of all chemicals
properly

33. CLEANING TOOLS
• Brushes
• Cleaning Cloths
• Sponges
• Stylets
• Pressure Nozzles
• Air Nozzles
• And more…
Several Tools are Needed for Cleaning:

34. Brushes
• Brushes should be
disposable
• If they are reusable, clean
at least daily to and
subject to a biocidal
process to prevent them
from becoming a source
of contamination

35. Brush Safety
• Brush items
under the surface
of the water to
prevent the
formation of
aerosols

36. Cleaning Cloths &
Sponges
• Use lint-free or low-lint cloths
• Change often
• Verify that cleaning chemicals
are not deactivated by cloth
• Sponges cannot be cleaned
for reuse
• Discard daily