Are you looking for a clear manual on how to properly carry out cleaning and disinfection in an operating theatre? At Weldon, we explain the recommended protocols, stages, and products to ensure that every surgical procedure takes place in a completely safe environment.
Risks if not carried out properly
Proper cleaning and disinfection in an operating theatre are essential to guarantee patient safety. When the appropriate protocols are followed, the risk of post-surgical infections is minimised, supporting a faster and safer recovery.
Applicable regulations, standards and recommendations
In the Spain, hospital operating theatre cleaning and disinfection protocols are based on various reference frameworks:
- UNE-EN standards on disinfectants and sterilisation.
- Autonomous Community protocols (for example: SERGAS, The Basque Country).
- International recommendations from the WHO and the CDC.
- Quality standards such as AENOR’s ISO 9001.
Cleaning vs disinfection vs sterilisation
Cleaning removes dust, fluids and visible residues using detergents or soap solutions. Disinfection reduces the microbial load through chemical or physical products, acting at a microscopic level.
Finally, sterilisation completely absolutely all forms of microbial life and is applied exclusively to surgical instruments.
Operating theatre zones and risk classification
An operating theatre is not a uniform space: each zone involves a different level of requirements.
- The clean zone corresponds to the surgical area itself: table, lamps and critical equipment.
- The dirty zone includes corridors, support areas and intermediate storage rooms, where the movement of people can encourage contamination.
- Finally, adjacent zones (changing rooms, waiting rooms, corridors) also have an impact on biosafety and must be kept under control.
Frequency and stages of operating theatre cleaning and disinfection
Cleaning schedules must be adapted to the timing and usage of the theatre. Here is a summary:
| Type of cleaning | When it is carried out | What it includes |
| Between procedures | After each surgery | Critical surfaces: operating table, lamps, surrounding floor area |
| Daily/morning | Before starting the day | General cleaning of floors, furniture and support equipment |
| Terminal | At the end of the surgical schedule | Walls, floors, furniture, fixed and mobile equipment |
| Periodic deep cleaning | Monthly or as required | Ceilings, ventilation grilles and hard-to-reach areas |
Protocol for terminal cleaning of operating theatres (2025)
The terminal cleaning procedure begins with the removal of waste and surgical material. Next, the area is cleaned using detergent and a damp mop to eliminate visible dirt.
Then the appropriate disinfectant is applied, respecting the correct concentrations and contact times, with particular attention given to walls, furniture, and auxiliary equipment. To complete the cycle, the theatre is ventilated and left to dry completely before being made available again. This process must always be documented using a quality control checklist.
Step-by-step procedure
A comprehensive protocol for cleaning hospital operating theatres is organised sequentially:
- Prepare the environment by removing waste and instruments.
- Carry out initial cleaning using detergent.
- Rinse if the product requires it.
- Apply disinfectant to the relevant surfaces.
- Allow the area to dry and ventilate the theatre.
- Organise the workflow from clean to dirty areas to avoid recontamination.
Recommended techniques and methods
There are techniques that help standardise the quality of the process. The double-bucket method is essential prevent cross-contamination, while wet sweeping prevents the dispersion of airborne particles.
The use of colour-coded mops and cloths is also recommended, assigning each colour to a specific area of the operating theatre.
In certain contexts, fogging or vaporisation may be used as a complementary technique during terminal cleans or for special cases.
And when it comes to small and delicate instruments, ultrasound systems offer a highly effective solution.
Disinfectant products and technical considerations
The most commonly used products include sodium hypochlorite, effective for surfaces; hydrogen peroxide, ideal for delicate equipment; glutaraldehyde, reserved for specific instruments; and quaternary ammonium compounds, highly useful for furniture and low-risk surfaces.
In all cases, it is essential to respect the concentration and contact time, as well as to check compatibility with the materials. In addition, staff must always work wearing PPE and in adequate ventilation conditions to avoid exposure risks.
Quality control and record-keeping
Process quality is ensured through various control tools. Operational checklists allow each stage to be verified and provide traceability. These are complemented by regular internal and external audits and, in specific cases, microbiological sampling in critical areas to assess the real effectiveness of disinfection. All of this is supported by the recording of incidents and non-conformities, which helps to continuously refine the protocol.
Additional best practices
To reinforce the basic protocols, it is advisable to implement complementary best practices.
Continuous staff training is the first measure, as it ensures that all personnel are aware of the latest updates. It is also essential to maintain a strict separation between clean and dirty materials, as well as to regularly clean and disinfect auxiliary equipment such as mops, trolleys and buckets.
The environmental control of the operating theatre must not be overlooked, maintaining positive pressure, controlled humidity and constant air renewal. Finally, managing waste at the point of origin reduces the risk of dispersion and helps maintain a safer environment.
How to implement a robust protocol
An up-to-date hospital operating theatre cleaning protocol is vital. It saves lives, prevents post-surgical complications and reduces costs associated with infections.
A safe operating theatre begins with impeccable cleaning. At Weldon, we support you with expert teams and certified protocols, ensuring that confidence and peace of mind are part of your hospital’s daily routine.