How to: Clean and Disinfect Remo Green and Clean Instruments

How to Clean and Disinfect Remo Green and Clean Instruments (Drums, Melodic Instruments and Percussion)

I am using Remo drums in a hospital setting, what is the recommended cleaning/sanitizing method?

The degree to which instruments are able to cleaned and disinfected depends on the materials used in manufacturing and its construction.  Porous surfaces may harbor bacteria and other microorganisms and can be damaged by the chemicals required for infection control. 

To address these concerns Remo has developed a line of products specifically to address infection control concerns called Green & Clean. These instruments do not have any porous contact surfaces and all can be disinfected with hospital grade disinfecting chemicals and protocols without damaging the instruments.  Cleaning the instruments before disinfecting is also an essential part of the process. 

Please note that there is a distinction between disinfection and sterilization. This is an excerpt from the CDC website:

Sterilization describes a process that destroys or eliminates all forms of microbial life and is carried out in health-care facilities by physical or chemical methods. Steam under pressure, dry heat, EtO gas, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, and liquid chemicals are the principal sterilizing agents used in health-care facilities. 

Disinfection describes a process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects. In health-care settings, objects usually are disinfected by liquid chemicals or wet pasteurization.

You will find the full article on the CDC website HERE

STEP 1: CLEANING

Cleaning is the necessary first step of any disinfection process. Cleaning removes organic matter, salts, and visible soils, all of which interfere with microbial deactivation (CDC article on Cleaning HERE). The physical action of scrubbing with detergents and rinsing with water removes substantial numbers of microorganisms. If a surface is not cleaned first, the success of the disinfection process can be compromised. Removal of all visible blood and inorganic and organic matter can be as critical as the germicidal activity of the disinfecting agent.

STEP 2: DISINFECTING

Disinfection of your instruments destroys most pathogenic and other microorganisms by chemical means. Follow this protocol after cleaning with a detergent or soap and water. 

1. Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after use.  
2. View a list of disinfection products on the CDC website HERE

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

Spray and wipe all contact surfaces with an appropriate disinfectant or disinfectant wipe. Leave disinfectant on the instrument for the time recommended by the disinfectant manufacturer. Then wipe the instruments with a clean cloth and distilled water.  Remove the drumhead and clean all surfaces (Contact surfaces as well as interior surfaces) 

Interior surface cleaning. Following contact surface cleaning continue with the interior surface (if applicable) of your instrument that may not be touched by participants. If you can easily reach inside you can wipe these areas. If not you may use an EPA approved spray disinfectant.

Dry. Allow the instruments to dry before use. 

Dispose of gloves in an appropriate receptacle. 

Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed. 

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

For information on Remo's NEW* GREEN AND CLEAN ™ line of drums click below