Cleaning Hospital Sink Drain Covers Shows Limited Bacteria Reduction

Research found that thorough cleaning may reduce exposures if performed at least daily

August 4, 2025

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

Latest Articles

The Sustainability Movement Is Not Just Another Hashtag
August 28, 2025 Stephen P. Ashkin

The Sustainability Movement Is Not Just Another Hashtag

August 28, 2025 Jeff Cross

The Testimonial Trap: Your Best Sales Tool—Or Your Biggest Blind Spot?

August 27, 2025 Jeff Cross

Excelling to $4M From Grassroots, Branding, and Social Media

Sponsored Articles

Future-Proofing Facility Care—Supply Chain Strategies for Tomorrow
August 26, 2025

Future-Proofing Facility Care—Supply Chain Strategies for Tomorrow

August 18, 2025

Everyday Champions: Facility Professionals Recognition Program

August 6, 2025

Your Public Restroom Could Be Costing You: Why Inclusive Hygiene Matters

Recent News

U.S. Janitorial Services Market to Reach $100B by 2033

U.S. Janitorial Services Market to Reach $100B by 2033

First Projects Achieve LEED v5 Certification

Rare Human Case of ‘Flesh-eating’ Screwworm Identified in US