Essential Cleaning Supplies for Irish Nursing and Care Homes

Essential Cleaning Supplies for Irish Nursing and Care Homes

Your complete guide to hygiene and infection control products from Flannery Group

Cleanliness is more than policy in a care home - it’s a daily priority that protects vulnerable residents and supports safe, high-quality care. Whether you're managing a nursing home, residential facility, or respite centre, having the right cleaning supplies for care homes ensures your environment is hygienic, compliant, and welcoming.

At Flannery Group, a trusted Irish cleaning supply company, we provide healthcare-grade hygiene, catering, and cleaning products that support HSE standards across Ireland.

1. Disposable Gloves (Vinyl or Nitrile) for Healthcare Staff

Why nursing homes need them:
Disposable gloves protect staff and residents during personal care, waste handling, and when working with cleaning chemicals. They are essential for reducing cross-contamination.

Recommended products:

• Vinyl gloves – Ideal for quick, low-risk tasks
• Nitrile gloves – Latex-free and suitable for sensitive skin or fluid contact
• Available in multiple sizes for maximum fit and comfort

Best practice tip: Store gloves in wall-mounted dispensers in all high-use areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and medication rooms. We have a range of gloves and other PPE equipment to shop from you provide you with the utmost protection. You can shop our full PPE range here.

2. Hand Towels & Centrefeed Rolls for Resident and Staff Use

Why they’re essential:
Proper hand drying is a key step in hand hygiene, and paper towels are far more hygienic than reusable cloths.

Essential items:

• Z-Fold hand towels with dispensers for washrooms
• Centrefeed rolls for quick wipe-downs in kitchens and cleaning stations
• Touch-free dispensers to minimise hand contact

Keep your hands as clean as possible with paper towels and tissues, ensuring these are always accessible after washing your hands. You can get dispensers and towels all in the one please at Flannery Group. Browse our full range here.

3. Eco-Friendly Disinfectants and Cleaning Chemicals for Infection Control

Why they matter in care settings:
While the regular disinfection of surfaces helps prevent outbreaks of flu, norovirus, or other healthcare-associated infections, cleaning chemicals can be harsh on the environment. Using Eco-Conscious cleaning chemicals can help keep your setting bacteria free while keeping the environment safe.

Top disinfectant options:

• Multi-surface antibacterial sprays for communal areas
• Chlorine-based disinfectants for clinical cleaning
• Food-safe sanitisers for kitchens and dining rooms
• Eco-friendly options for sustainability-conscious facilities

Pro tip: Incorporate a daily disinfecting schedule using colour-coded cloths to prevent cross-use between areas like toilets, bedrooms, and food prep zones. Make the switch to Eco-Friendly cleaning chemicals with out full range available here.

4. Floor Cleaning Equipment for Care Facilities

Why it’s important:
Clean floors are not just aesthetic—they help prevent slips and maintain infection control. It’s important to use the right equipment to make sure even the unseen dirt gets tackled.

Must-have floor cleaning products:

• Mop buckets with wringers (SYR or Kentucky systems)
• Wet floor signs to ensure resident and staff safety
• Floor-safe disinfectant with a non-slip finish
• Colour-coded mop heads for different facility zones

You can shop the best floor cleaning equipment all in one place with Flannery Group, browse our full selection of cleaning equipment here.

5. Waste Management: Bins, Refuse Sacks, and Liners

Why waste control matters:
Efficient clinical waste disposal helps reduce odours, cross-contamination, and the spread of infectious materials.

Stock up on:

• Colour-coded waste bags: Black for general waste, yellow for clinical
• Pedal bins: Ideal for bathrooms and patient rooms
• Sharps containers: Essential in any care setting administering medication
• Scented or antimicrobial bin liners for added odour control

Waste management is key to keeping your facility and working areas as clean and hygienic as possible. Always keep waste to it’s designated bin and ensure you are always stocked up with fresh bin liners for when you need them. Browse our extensive range of waste bins and liners all in the one place here.

6. Cleaning Cloths, Buckets & Scourers (Colour-Coded Systems)

Why these tools matter:
Reusable tools without a colour-coded system increase the risk of spreading germs between rooms or surfaces.

Recommended supplies:

• Microfibre cloths: For effective, chemical-free surface cleaning
• Buckets with wringers: Colour-coded for bathroom, kitchen, and common areas
• Non-abrasive scourers: Ideal for kitchenware and bathtubs
• Cleaning caddies: Keep each cleaning kit organised and mobile

Staff training tip: Train staff on the importance of infection control through colour-coding— common inspection points from HIQA or HSE auditors. Colour coding helps to avoid cross-contamination and keeps your facility a safe place. You can top up on your colour coded clothes right here.

7. PPE and Hand Hygiene Supplies for Staff and Visitors

Why PPE is critical in care homes:
PPE protects both staff and residents—especially important during outbreaks, flu season, or close-contact care.

Must-have hygiene and PPE products:

• Hand sanitiser stations at all entrances and communal areas
• Disposable aprons and gowns
• Surgical face masks or visors
• Dispenser systems to maintain stock and reduce waste

Since the outbreak of Covid-19, there has been more emphasis than ever on PPE equipment particularly in healthcare settings. Protect your patients and each other by shopping our full range of compliant PPE here.

Quick Hygiene Tips for Care Home Managers

Why Irish Care Homes Choose Flannery Group

• Irish-owned supplier serving healthcare, education, and hospitality sectors
• Huge range of PPE, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products in one place
• Fast, reliable delivery across Ireland
• Trusted by HSE providers and care facilities nationwide

Ready to Restock Your Care Home?

Browse our full range: www.flannerygroup.ie
Need help choosing the right products? Call our expert team today.