A recent study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that drain biofilms contaminated sink surfaces in a hospital. Although culturable bacteria were generally undetectable on sink surfaces immediately after cleaning, median counts exceeded pre-cleaning levels after just 10 hours. 

Hospital sink drains are known reservoirs for many pathogens that cause healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Drain bacteria can migrate up to the drain cover and then spread to surrounding surfaces and patients through droplet dispersal during sink use. Therefore, cleaning sink surfaces represents a key intervention strategy to limit transmission between drains and patients.

A key goal of this study was to determine whether additional cleaning of drain covers could reduce exposures to drain bacteria. Study sinks were already cleaned during the routine daily cleaning by environmental services (EVS) staff. The study intervention cleaning involved thorough physical scrubbing, use of a bleach-based disinfecting wipe, and sufficient contact time. The addition of this second, thorough cleaning reduced bacterial counts, but these quantities rebounded to 80% of pre-cleaning levels in 24 hours. The research found that thorough cleaning may reduce exposures if performed at least daily but does not have benefits beyond this timescale.

As CMM previously reported, researchers also recently found that consistent use of disinfectant foam in patient room sinks led to fewer pathogens being spread

ISSA Scholars, a signature ISSA Charities program – the charitable arm of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry, announced the recipients of the ISSA Scholars 2025-2026 Scholarship Awards. The contributions of several individuals and ISSA member companies provided 51 scholarships to new and continuing college students totaling US$148,000 in financial aid.

“We’re proud to celebrate another outstanding group of scholarship recipients and the bright future they represent for our industry,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors and member companies, we’re not only opening doors for these students—we’re investing in the next generation of leaders who will help shape the future of the cleaning industry.”

ISSA Scholars provides financial aid to help students achieve their dreams of higher education. Since 1988, the organization has awarded nearly $4 million in financial aid to over 1,000 ISSA member company employees and their immediate family members. Scholarships relieve the burden of tuition for college and university students and introduce new professionals to career opportunities in the cleaning industry.

Students entering or continuing studies at fully accredited colleges and universities are eligible to apply for annual scholarships. An independent committee selects scholarship winners based on merit, individual accomplishments, and evidence of leadership. The full list of 2025-2026 Scholarships and recipients is available here.

To learn more about ISSA Scholars, click here.