Turnover vs Terminal Cleaning
Understanding the difference between these two essential types of medical office cleaning helps you maintain infection control while optimizing your cleaning schedule and budget.
Quick Comparison
Turnover Cleaning
3-7 minutes per room | Between patients
Turnover cleaning (also called between-patient cleaning or spot cleaning) is a quick, focused cleaning performed between patients to prepare the exam room for the next patient. It targets the most critical touchpoints without comprehensive room coverage.
Terminal Cleaning
15-30 minutes per room | End of day
Terminal cleaning is a comprehensive, thorough cleaning performed at the end of the day (or after the last patient). It covers all surfaces in the room with proper dwell times and includes areas not addressed during turnover cleaning.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Turnover | Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Time Required | 3-7 minutes | 15-30 minutes |
| When Performed | Between patients | End of day |
| Primary Focus | Patient contact surfaces | All room surfaces |
| Dwell Time | Quick-dry products | Full manufacturer specs |
| Floor Care | Spot check only | Complete mopping |
| Supplies | Check and top off | Full restock |
| Equipment | Patient contact only | All external surfaces |
| Documentation | Optional/simple | Detailed checklist |
Turnover Cleaning: What's Included
Included Tasks
- Replace exam table paper
- Disinfect exam table surface
- Quick wipe of patient chair
- Disinfect door handles
- Clean any visible soiling
- Check/replace sharps container if needed
- Quick floor spot check
- Restock gloves and paper products if low
Not Included (Saved for Terminal)
- Full floor mopping
- Wall cleaning
- Deep counter cleaning
- Equipment surface cleaning
- Comprehensive supply restocking
Terminal Cleaning: What's Included
Included Tasks
- Complete high-touch surface disinfection with full dwell time
- Exam table thorough cleaning including base
- All chair surfaces
- Counter and cabinet surfaces
- Equipment external surfaces
- Wall spot cleaning
- Light switch and outlet plates
- Full floor mopping
- Trash removal and liner replacement
- Complete supply restocking
- Organize and reset room
Not Included (Staff or Periodic Service)
- Internal equipment cleaning (staff responsibility)
- Instrument sterilization (staff responsibility)
- Biohazard waste disposal
- Deep ceiling/vent cleaning (periodic service)
Recommendations by Facility Type
Different healthcare facilities have different cleaning needs based on patient volume and facility type.
Busy Medical Offices (10+ patients/room/day)
Essential between each patient
Every evening
Consider day porter for continuous turnover support
Moderate Volume Clinics (5-10 patients/room/day)
Between each patient
Every evening
Terminal cleaning may include all rooms in rotation
Low Volume Specialty Clinics
Between patients as needed
Every evening
May extend terminal intervals based on usage
Urgent Care (Extended Hours)
Continuous during operating hours
After closing each night
May need mid-shift deeper clean during long shifts
Surgery Centers
Between each procedure
After last procedure
Terminal cleaning follows enhanced surgical protocols
Need Help Determining Your Cleaning Schedule?
We can assess your medical office and recommend the right combination of turnover and terminal cleaning.