In a care home environment, infection control isn’t just about cleaning regularly — it’s about cleaning and storing hardware correctly. One of the simplest yet most effective methods to improve hygiene is colour coded cleaning storage. This approach uses clear visual cues to separate equipment and reduce the risk of cross-contamination between areas.

What Is Colour Coded Cleaning?

Colour coding assigns a specific colour to cleaning tools, PPE, and storage for different zones in the care home. A common scheme, recommended by the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), is:

  • Red – Bathrooms, toilets, and washrooms

  • Blue – General low-risk areas like reception or hallways

  • Green – Kitchens and food preparation areas

  • Yellow – Clinical or high-risk areas

By keeping equipment separated and storing it according to these colour codes, staff can instantly identify the right tools for each area, cutting down on mistakes that could lead to the spread of bacteria.

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Why Care Homes Should Use Colour Coded Storage

The benefits go beyond hygiene:

  • Better infection control – Prevents harmful bacteria from spreading between areas.

  • Faster cleaning routines – Staff know exactly which tools to grab.

  • Clear staff training – Colour codes are easy to understand and remember.

  • Compliance support – Aligns with infection prevention guidance from the NHS and CQC.

For more guidance on effective cleaning practices in care settings, see our Cleaning & Hygiene page.

Essential Products for Colour Coded Cleaning Storage in Care Homes

To make colour coding work in your care home, you need the right equipment — and the right way to store it.

1. Mop Heads and Buckets

Your floor cleaning tools should match your chosen colour code system. The Exel Mop Heads come in all standard hygiene colours and are designed for easy replacement and durability. Pair them with matching colour-coded buckets for complete separation.

2. Cleaning Cloths

Surface cleaning should always be done with the correct cloth for the right area. Choose the Hygiene Dishcloth with Coloured Stripe for lighter tasks, and the Antibacterial Heavy Duty Cloth for tougher jobs. Assign specific colours for kitchens, bathrooms, and resident rooms.

3. Aprons

Disposable aprons are a must for preventing contamination from splashes and spills. Stock up from our Aprons range, and use colour-coded options to align with your cleaning zones.

4. Gloves

Hands are a key pathway for cross-contamination. Use separate gloves for different cleaning areas. We recommend having both Vinyl Gloves for lighter tasks and Rubber Gloves for heavy-duty work.

5. Cleaning Carts

For mobile storage, colour-coded Cleaning Carts keep all the right tools for each zone in one place. They’re ideal for larger facilities where staff move between multiple areas.

Setting Up Your Colour Coded Storage Area

  1. Designate Spaces – Have separate cupboards, shelves, or trolley sections for each colour.

  2. Label Clearly – Use signs or laminated charts in staff rooms to remind everyone of the system.

  3. Train Staff – Cover colour coding in induction training and provide refresher sessions regularly.

  4. Keep Equipment Clean – Wash and disinfect mops, cloths, and gloves before returning them to storage.

  5. Audit Regularly – Carry out monthly checks to make sure the system is being followed.

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    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    Even with a colour-coded system, mistakes can happen. Avoid these pitfalls:

    • Mixing equipment – Never store different coloured tools together, even temporarily.

    • Not replacing worn items – Damaged or stained tools can hide dirt and bacteria.

    • Overcomplicating the system – Stick to a few clear colours to avoid confusion.

    Final Thoughts

    Colour coded cleaning storage in care homes is a simple, cost-effective way to boost hygiene and streamline cleaning routines in care homes. By investing in the right equipment and training your team, you can significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination and keep your residents safer.

    If you’d like help setting up a colour coded storage system or sourcing the right products for your care home, book a meeting with us today. We’ll help you choose the best options for your space, your staff, and your residents’ needs.

Colour Coded Cleaning Storage for Care Homes FAQ’s

A common BICSc-style scheme is: Red – bathrooms/toilets; Blue – general low-risk areas; Green – kitchens/food prep; Yellow – clinical or higher-risk areas.

Mops and buckets, cloths, aprons, gloves, brushes, and storage (trolleys, shelves, cupboards). Labelling and clear signage help staff pick the right items instantly.

Keep each colour in separate, clearly labelled sections or cupboards. Don’t mix colours on the same shelf or trolley. Return items clean and dry after use.

Clean and disinfect after each use, launder cloths according to manufacturer guidance, and replace worn, stained, or damaged items promptly to avoid harbouring bacteria.

Yes. It supports infection prevention practices referenced by NHS guidance and aligns with CQC expectations for safe systems and staff training.

Mixing colours in storage, using one set across multiple zones, overcomplicating the scheme, and failing to retrain staff or audit monthly.

Include colour coding in induction, display laminated charts in staff areas, run refreshers, and log accountability for each zone.

Colour-coded mops/buckets, cloths (light and heavy duty), disposable aprons, gloves (vinyl and rubber), labels/signage, and—ideally—a colour-coded cleaning cart.