Creating a safe and healthy environment helps reduce the spread of germs in group homes and shelters. This includes paying attention to how spaces are used, how clients are placed within shared areas, and how items like mattresses, linens, and laundry are managed. Having clear procedures in place supports both staff and clients and helps prevent infections.
Client Placement
How clients are arranged within a space can affect how easily germs spread. Single rooms lower the risk of infection, but many settings rely on shared rooms.
When shared sleeping areas are used:
- Maintain as much space as possible between clients, ideally 2 metres.
- Position beds to reduce face-to-face exposure (for example, head-to-toe or staggered layouts).
- Keep sleeping areas separate from dining rooms and other common spaces.
- Use floor plans that show the intended arrangement of beds, cots, or mats.
- If a client develops respiratory symptoms, notify a supervisor so bed placement can be adjusted to reduce risk.
Public Health Ontario: Scenarios for Resident Cohorting
Linens, Mattresses and Sleeping Mats
Surfaces that are soft or covered in fabric can hold germs and may be harder to clean.
To reduce the spread of germs:
- Choose non-porous or wipeable surfaces when possible.
- Cushions with cloth surfaces should have removable, cleanable covers.
- Replace any item that is torn, cracked, or cannot be properly cleaned.
- Cloth mattresses should be fully enclosed in a zippered protective cover to prevent contamination and make cleaning easier.
Public Health Ontario: Best practices for environmental cleaning for prevention and control of infections in all health care settings
Laundry
Clear laundry procedures help prevent germs from spreading during collection, transport, washing, and drying of linens.
Key practices include:
- Establish routines for laundering bedding, towels, and crib sheets based on how often they are used and soiled.
- Ensure laundry facilities are available onsite or through an external laundry service.
- When clients do their own laundry, provide instructions, soap, and support as needed.
- Staff should follow the setting’s laundry procedures and manufacturer instructions for all equipment.
- Use appropriate PPE when handling soiled linens.
- Keep client laundry separate from environmental cleaning items such as mop heads.
- Handle linens carefully to avoid sharps injuries; hold items by the corners or edges.
- Provide clients with a way to store dirty laundry, such as a laundry bag.
Water temperature and detergents:
- Use a hot water detergent cycle at ≥71°C (160°F) for at least 25 minutes, or
- Use a detergent designed for lower‑temperature cycles if washing below 71°C (160°F).
Public Health Ontario: Best practices for environmental cleaning for prevention and control of infections in all health care settings, 3rd edition
Safe Handling of Soiled Linens
To reduce the spread of germs during laundry handling:
- Perform a personal risk assessment and put on the appropriate PPE for the task.
- Contain soiled linens immediately — do not sort or rinse them in non‑laundry areas.
- Minimize shaking or agitation to avoid releasing germs into the air or environment.
- Wrap wet items in a dry sheet or towel before placing them in a laundry bag.
- Tie laundry bags securely and avoid overfilling them.
- Always watch for sharps when handling linens.
Public Health Ontario: Best practices for environmental cleaning for prevention and control of infections in all health care settings
Toys
Toys can easily carry germs from saliva, coughs, runny noses, and hands. To help keep everyone healthy, toys need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
All toys and activity materials used in the setting should be smooth, non-porous, and easy to clean. Cleaning and disinfection routines should be based on how frequently the items are used, who uses them, and how likely they are to become contaminated. For example:
- Items used frequently or mouthed (e.g., by infants or individuals who explore objects orally): clean and disinfect daily or as needed.
- Items used regularly but not mouthed (e.g., by young children or individuals who require sensory or activity supports): clean and disinfect weekly or as needed.
- Items used occasionally (e.g., by older children, youth, or adults): clean and disinfect monthly or as needed.
There should be a plan in place that explains how often toys are cleaned, who is responsible, how to check for damage, and what methods are used (like using a dishwasher that reaches 82°C (180°F) or an approved disinfectant). After disinfecting, toys should be rinsed well and air-dried before being put away.
Public Health Ontario: Child Care Centre Cleaning and Disinfection Schedule
Client Hygiene
Supporting clients with their personal hygiene helps prevent infestations like lice, scabies, bed bugs, and other skin conditions. Supporting client hygiene also promotes comfort, dignity, and well-being.
This includes:
- Access to soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and clean clothing.
- Encouraging regular bathing.
- Keeping personal items separate and not shared.
For additional information, see our Head Lice and Scabies webpages.
For more information on bed bugs, visit the Government of Canada's Bed Bugs webpage.
