Infection prevention
residents, and high-contact routines. These dynamics make it essential to move beyond reactive cleaning approaches. Proactivity is key to designing spaces
that stay cleaner for longer, with less effort. A proactive approach also allows cleanliness to become part of the architectural language of a care home. It empowers planners to incorporate solutions that not only look appealing but serve a real purpose. For example, choosing seamless wall coverings over tiled surfaces can reduce grout lines that trap dirt. Installing sensor-operated fixtures reduces touchpoints in bathrooms and kitchens. Even the selection of colour palettes and materials can influence the perception of a clean environment and support a calm, restorative atmosphere. Modern design in care homes is about
futureproofing, creating environments that require less intervention to maintain while preserving a homely and dignified feel. As care expectations continue to evolve, embracing this approach from the outset of a project ensures more consistent standards and a better overall living experience.
Surface materials that stay cleaner for longer One of the most effective ways to embed a second line of defence that compliments existing protocols into a care home is by choosing materials with built-in antimicrobial and odour-control properties. Surfaces such as door handles, handrails, tabletops, and light switches are touched repeatedly each day. Traditional materials harbour bacteria between cleaning cycles, but treated alternatives can reduce microbial growth continuously.
Cleanliness is now being recognised as a design priority
Technologies such as silver ion-based
antimicrobial additives are now being incorporated into a wide range of materials used throughout care settings. These include plastics, laminates, textiles, paints, and even ceramic tiles. These additives typically work by disrupting the cell walls or metabolic processes of microbes, helping to reduce their presence on treated surfaces. Most importantly, the antimicrobial
functionality of these materials works continuously and do not leach or wear off over time, offering a consistent level of cleanliness without any behavioural change required by staff or residents. These materials can also contribute to minimising the use of harsh cleaning chemicals, supporting both environmental goals and occupant wellbeing. Real-world examples include, but are not
limited to: n Door hardware with integrated silver ion- based antimicrobial technology.
n Tabletops and food service trays made with antimicrobial polymers.
n Handrails and grab bars manufactured using treated plastics.
n Bedside furniture coated with antimicrobial laminates or powder- coated metals.
n Antimicrobial paints that resist microbial growth on walls and ceilings.
n Antimicrobial wall panelling used in corridors and communal areas.
n Antimicrobial flooring that reduces surface contamination.
n Textiles with antimicrobial and odour- reducing technology, including pillows, bed sheets, and mattresses.
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com November 2025
As these technologies are now widely available and cost-effective, their inclusion in care home refurbishments and new builds should be an industry standard, not only as a functional enhancement but also as a mark of design quality and care philosophy.
Wall cladding, flooring, and fixtures Beyond high-touch items, walls, floors, and bathroom fixtures play a major role in supporting overall cleanliness in care home settings. Easy-to-clean wall cladding made from antimicrobial PVC or similar materials provides seamless, wipe-clean surfaces that prevent moisture buildup and bacterial colonisation. This is particularly valuable in corridors, kitchens, and bathrooms. Antimicrobial wall panelling is
increasingly being used across the healthcare industry. These panels offer elegant finishes, and the ease of installation and durability make them a popular choice for new builds and refurbishments. Flooring is another critical element.
Vinyl flooring with built-in antimicrobial properties can significantly lower microbial presence on one of the most trafficked areas in any care home. These floors are not only easy to clean but are also slip-resistant, stain-resistant, and designed for longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacement. In bathrooms and wet rooms, fixtures
such as toilets, sinks, and shower panels made with antimicrobial polymers can help reduce biofilm buildup and are easier to clean. Thermoformed, seamless sink units also reduce crevices where dirt and bacteria
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Kokhan O -
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