Housekeeping (Laundry) Audit Checklist

Safe laundry handling and clean communal spaces reduce the risk of cross-contamination and infection in an environment where residents may be especially vulnerable. Segregating dirty intake from clean outflow, storing chemicals safely, providing PPE and handwashing facilities, and restricting access to authorised staff all support infection prevention. The audit records these checks and links any gaps to a dated action plan with monthly review, so issues are corrected rather than forgotten.

Work through the laundry first. Confirm the dirty intake and clean outflow zones are segregated, and that the room is clean, orderly and free from hazards. Check chemicals and detergents are stored safely and securely in compliance with COSHH, and that machinery is in full working order with clean filters and maintained components. Confirm individual storage baskets are used for personal laundry, that service users' clothing is permanently named and presented well, and that ventilation, walls and vents are free from dust or blockages. Confirm staff know how to handle soiled linen and contaminated clothing, and that PPE such as disposable gloves and aprons is available. Check access is restricted to authorised personnel with a working lock, that heat is adequately mitigated, and record the room's ambient temperature. Confirm handwashing with warm running water, soap and hygienic drying is available, then record any issues in the Risk Action Plan with dates and rate the overall standard of the laundry facility. Then inspect housekeeping in communal areas, and finally resident bedrooms, recording each deficiency in the Risk Action Plan with dates, priority level and the room numbers inspected.

In the laundry this means chemical storage in compliance with COSHH, segregation of dirty and clean laundry flows, PPE and handwashing facilities, restricted access and heat mitigation. In communal and clinical areas it means clean bathrooms and WCs with enclosed toilet roll dispensers and foot-operated lidded bins next to hand washing sinks, and sluice rooms kept clean and free from inappropriate items. In bedrooms it means clean en-suite facilities, safe storage free from hazards, and continence care products stored appropriately without overstocking.

The checklist inspects the main entrance and reception, corridors, communal lounges, dining rooms, kitchenette areas, bathrooms and WCs, hand washing stations and sluice rooms. In each you check cleanliness, condition of décor and furnishings, appropriate signage, and freedom from clutter or inappropriate items. Bathrooms should have appropriate privacy locks and be free from mould, hand washing stations should have clean liquid soap dispensers and paper towels with antibacterial gel where appropriate, and staff presentation should follow the dress code with jewellery limited to a plain wedding band and sleeper earrings.

You assess each room for personalisation that reflects the resident's identity and preferences, bedding that is fresh and clean with the bed made to a high standard, and bedding in good repair without thinning fabric, staining or damage. Check that soft furnishings including carpets and curtains are clean and well maintained, and that en-suite facilities are clean and uncluttered. Confirm continence care products are stored appropriately and not overstocked, and that the room is free from hazards with nothing stored on top of wardrobes or other elevated surfaces. Record the room numbers inspected and log any issues in the Risk Action Plan with dates.

Every issue you identify is documented and formally recorded in the Risk Action Plan with the date of entry, and the action plan is subject to regular monthly review cycles. The checklist also asks you to confirm whether issues found in each section have been recorded in the Risk Action Plan and to identify the priority level of any issues found in the housekeeping section, so nothing is left unassigned.