Unit 2 Lesson 1.

3: Maintain Tools,
Equipment, and Paraphernalia (MT)
Maintain Tools, Equipment, and Paraphernalia (MT) Introduction

Maintaining tools, equipment, and paraphernalia is

important to maintain the quality and to avoid
problems while using them. Cleaning and storing the
tools, equipment, and paraphernalia after using them
are one of the most important aspects in caregiving.
These will avoid contamination, spread of diseases,
and physical breakage after using them.
Maintain Tools, Equipment, and Paraphernalia (MT) Introduction

It is important to maintain and inspect the tools,

equipment, and paraphernalia in a regular basis to
avoid jams, leakages, and to make sure that they
are still efficient and effective to be used In this
lesson, you will learn about how to clean, store,
check, and perform the aftercare activities for
tools, equipment, and paraphernalia.
 In this lesson, you should be able to:
• clean and store tools, equipment and
paraphernalia after use;
• check tools, equipment and paraphernalia
regularly for orderliness and tidiness;
• carry-out routine maintenance as per
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP); and
• perform aftercare activities for tools,
equipment, and paraphernalia.
Cleaning and Storing the Tools, Equipment and Paraphernalia

Common Tools in Meal Preparation

Food Tongs
1. Wash and soap food tongs immediately to prevent food
particles from sticking to it.
2. If not washed immediately, submerge it to a warm water until
soft enough to scrape.
3. Wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
4. Store it inside a clean kitchen cabinet drawer to avoid
contamination from pests and other microorganism.
 Other kitchen apparatus (knives, ladle, utensils, etc.)

1. Wash and soap immediately after use to prevent

food particles from sticking to it.
2. If not washed immediately, submerge it to a warm
water until soft enough to scrape.
3. Wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
4. Store it inside a clean kitchen cabinet drawer to
avoid contamination from pests and other
microorganisms.
 Order in washing:
1. Start washing the glasses.
2. Spoons, forks, and other utensils.
3. Plates, bowls, and other serving dishes.
4. Big pans and pots.
 Tip:
• While washing utensils and tools that are not very
dirty, submerge pans and pots in warm water to
easily clean them. Start from the least dirty to the
most dirty tools.
 In storing:
1. Store in clean, dry cabinet drawers.
2. Before storing, make sure that the tools are dry.
Common Equipment in Meal Preparation Blender

1. Wash the funnel, stir stick, blender lid, and other

removable parts of the blender with liquid soap and
water. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry them
using a clean towel.
2. Inside the blender jar, put ¾ hot water and put ½
teaspoon dish soap into the jar. You can add baking
soda to water to remove the stains, odor and other
tough food particles.
3. Turn on the blender at high speed for about 20
seconds to get the blender clean on the inside.
4. Repeat second and third steps if necessary to
dissolved the sticky and dry substance.
5. Rinse the blender jar thoroughly and dry it with
clean towel or put it on a dish strainer to air dry.
6. If your blade assembly is removable, remove it
and rinse it with hot water. Dry with a clean towel
and be careful with the pointed edges while
washing and drying it.
7. For the steel base blender, clean it by mixing half
vinegar and half water in a spray bottle. Spray it to
the steel base blender and remove the dirt by
wiping it with a soft cloth.
8. If your blender base is plastic, use a damp
soapy rag, an all-purpose kitchen spray cleaner, or
a mixture of baking soda and water to wipe the dirt
away.
9. Unplug the base first when cleaning the blender,
use a rag to wipe the electric cord but be careful in
getting the electric plug wet.
10.Wipe the countertop where the blender is located to
keep it clean and sanitized.
11.When not in use, cover blender with a fabric.
Food Processor
 Food Processor
1. Before cleaning the processor, turn it off and unplug it.
2. Take the food processors apart to clean and remove all
the little pieces.
3. Wash all the removable pieces of the food processor in
warm water with a mild dish soap. Do not scrub the parts
of the processor with abrasive cleaners or pads. Be
careful with the blades. Do not submerge in water to
maintain its sharpness.
4. Use a damp cloth and wipe down the base or
motor area. Do not submerge this in water as well.
Wipe the stains with a clean cloth using mild dish
soap, or a baking soda paste.
5. Dry the pieces of the processor completely
using a clean cloth.
6. Put it back together and store in a clean cabinet.
If you use your food processor on a regular basis,
store it on a countertop or in another accessible
location where you can easily get it.
7. Wipe to clean and sanitize the countertop where
the food processor is placed.
8. Cover the food processor with fabric.
 Coffeemaker
1. Make a mixture of one part white vinegar and two
parts water. The amount of mixture depends on the
size of the coffee pot.
2. Put the mixture into the reservoir of the coffee
maker.
3. Turn on the coffee maker and let the vinegar-water
mixture cycle through. This is to help clean all of the
parts of the coffee maker.
4. Turn off the coffee maker and let the pot cool for 15
to 20 minutes.
5. Pour the solution into the sink and rinse the pot
thoroughly.
6. In rinsing the coffee maker, perform two cycles with
the coffee maker with cold water to wash away the
vinegar-water solution out of the coffee maker.
7. Wipe, clean, and sanitize the countertop where
the coffee maker is placed.
8. In storing the coffee maker, placed it in its
original position and cover it with fabric.
 Microwave Oven
1. Unplug the microwave oven.
2. In a microwavable bowl make a mixture of ½ cup of
water and ½ cup of vinegar (white vinegar, apple cider,
or any vinegar).
3. Place the bowl with the mixture inside the oven and
cook on high heat for about 2 minutes. The mixture of
water and vinegar will help remove dirt and foul odor
inside the microwave.
4. After 2 minutes, remove the bowl from the oven
using a pot holder. Be careful of the steam coming
out from the oven.
5. Remove the grease and food stain inside the oven
using a sponge.
6. Use water and mild detergent to clean the outside
of the microwave.
7. Wipe the oven dry with a clean cloth.
8. Wipe, clean, and sanitize the countertop where
the coffee maker is placed.
9. In storing the microwave oven, placed it in its
original position and cover it with fabric.
Airpot
 Airpot
1. Turn off and unplug the airpot.
• Note: If you don't have an electric airpot with a
power button, continue with the rest of the
process.
2. Remove the liquid left inside the airpot and pour
it to the sink. Set aside the pot to let it cool.
3. Rinse the inner lining of the airpot with hot water.
4. Using a sponge-head bottle cleaner, remove any
loose deposits of the inside of the airpot and then
rinse again.
5. Mix a hot water and 2-3 drops of mild dish
detergent to the dispenser.
6. Wait for about 8-10 minutes and then clean
the inside with a sponge-head cleaner. Wash
the dispenser with water thoroughly to remove
the detergent residues.
7. Mix hot water and 2 tablespoons of vinegar
inside the airpot to descale at least once a
month.
8. Let the solution stay in the airpot for 1 hour. If
mineral deposits are seen, descaling is done.
9. Close the lid and dispense some of the solutions
out of the spout. Open the lid and clean the interior
again with a sponge-head cleaner then rinse with
water.
10.Wipe the lid and exterior of the dispenser with a
slightly damp, lint-free cloth and then wipe it dry with a
cloth.
11.Remove stains from the exterior part of the airpot
by adding one to two drops of mild detergent to the
cloth and wiping it. Use another cloth to remove the
detergent and then wipe it dry.
12.Wipe, clean, and sanitize the countertop where the
coffee maker is placed.
13.In storing the airpot, place it in its original position
and cover it with fabric.
Cleaning and storing an electric knife
 Cleaning and storing an electric knife

1. Turn off and unplug the electric knife.

2. Detach the cord from the knife. If the cord is not
detachable, be very careful so that the cord does
not get wet.
3. Wash and clean the blade with water and
detergent and sponge.
4. Rinse the blade thoroughly and wipe with a
clean cloth.
5. Wipe the exterior of the electric knife with a
damp cloth followed by a dry one.
6. Place the knife inside its box and store in a
kitchen cabinet.
Cleaning and storing an electric opener
 Cleaning and storing an electric opener

1. Turn off and unplug the electric can opener.

2. Use a toothbrush with small bristles and a mild
detergent to remove food particles left after opening
cans.
3. Wipe with a dry and clean cloth.
4. Lubricate the cutter with enough light oil.
5. Place the can opener inside its box and store in a
kitchen cabinet.
 Common Equipment in Cleaning, Washing,
and Ironing

Bottle Sterilizer
 Bottle Sterilizer

1. Remove the racks inside the sterilizer.

2. Wipe the interior with a clean and damp sponge.
3. Put 1 cup of white vinegar into the sterilizer.
4. Turn on the sterilizer and allow it to run through
its cycle. When the cycle is done, unplug the
sterilizer and allow it to cool down, then pour any
remaining liquid down the sink.
5. Wash the interior well with cool water and use a
clean sponge to remove any build-up that came
loose as a result of the cleaning process.
6. Plug the sterilizer again and add the regular
amount of water you use for normal sterilization.
This will remove the remaining traces of vinegar
from the bottle sterilizer.
7. Unplug the sterilizer again to cool it down and
then pour any remaining liquid down the sink.
8. Rinse the sterilizer one last time with cool water
and a sponge.
9. Put back the racks inside the sterilizer.
10.When the sterilizer has cooled down completely,
store the bottle sterilizer it in a kitchen cabinet.
Washing Machine
1. Spray cleaner and paper towels on the top, front,
and sides of the washing machine.
2. Spray cleaner at the lid and wipe with paper towels.
3. Clean the basin or the container of the washer by
filling it with hot water, 2 cups of lime juice for rust
problems, or 2 cups of vinegar for odor problems.
Run one cycle for each if the washing machine has
both problems.
4. Clean the washing machine again by filling the
washer with hot water on the largest load setting.
Put 2 cups of bleach to the water to help in
removing stains. Run a wash and rinse cycle.
5. Fill the washer with plain water and run one
more cycle to rinse.
6. Clean the bleach dispenser by soaking it in a
bucket of warm water. When the buildup has
loosened, remove the dispenser from the pad and
place on a paper towel. Wipe away any remaining
dirt with the use of spray cleaner and paper towels.
Dry the dispenser and return to the original place
in the machine.
7. Clean the outside portion of the hoses with a cloth
and spray cleaner.
8. When the washer has completely dried, place its lid
back.
9. Mop and clean the floor where the washer stands.
 Flat Iron
1. For steam irons, they should be cleaned inside. When
the iron automatically descales water using a replaceable
filter, you just have to make sure to replace your filter on
the recommended schedule in the instructions.
2. An iron which requires descaling manually needs to be
cleaned by mixing one part of water and one part of
vinegar which need to be poured in the water chamber of
the iron. To rinse, repeat the process but use plain water
instead.
3. Unplug and Clean non-coated sole plates. Use
baking soda or metal polish cleaner to clean the
sole plate. Use extra fine steel wool for plates that
need extra cleaning. Do this as a last resort.
4. Clean non-stick sole plates. Use clean soft cloth,
warm water, and mild detergent for non-stick
coated irons to maintain the non-stick ability of the
iron.
5. For non-stick coated irons, use a soft cloth,
warm water, and mild detergent to clean it. Always
wait until your iron is completely cool and
unplugged before cleaning it. Never use an
abrasive cleaner because it will wear away the
coating on your iron.
6. Store it in a drawer.
Ironing Board
 Ironing Board
1. Remove the ironing board cover and pad.
2. Using a damp cloth, wipe the ironing board
down. For metal ironing boards, dry the board
thoroughly to prevent rust.
3. Clean the ironing board cover with a slightly
damp cloth.
 Ironing Board
4. In replacing the ironing board cover, stretch
evenly on top of the ironing board and straighten.
Make sure that the surface of the ironing board is
completely dry before reattaching the pad and cover.
5. In storing, fold down the ironing board and place it
where it is away from people to avoid bumping it. If
the ironing board is wooden, cover the ironing board
with fabric and clean the area where it stands.
 Common Devices in Taking Vital Signs

Stethoscope
1. To disinfect stethoscope, wipe it with 70%
isopropyl alcohol solution.
2. Wipe down stethoscope starting at the
earpieces to prevent the spread of ear infections,
continuing down the tubing, and ending around the
bell and diaphragm.
3. Disassemble the diaphragm to remove dust, lint,
or debris and clean it well before reassembling it.
4. Store the unit in its protective case after using it
and place inside a clean cabinet.
Sphygmomanometer
1. Wipe clean the aneroid gauge, valve, and
inflation bulb with a slightly dampened cloth or
alcohol pad.
2. Integrated One-Piece Cuff: Clean the cuffs with
a damp cloth with 70% alcohol or 0.5% bleach
solution or washed in warm water (140°F / 60°C
maximum) and mild detergent.
 Before laundering the cuff:
1. Close the end of the tubing with tube plug
accessory.
2. Disassemble the inflation bulb and valve from the
cuff.
3. Close off the cuff with the cuff port.
 Laundering the cuff.
1. In using a washing machine, use gentle cycle,
warm water, and mild detergent. However, washing
it manually with warm water and mild detergent is
more preferable.
2. Completely air dry the cuff and reassemble the
components.
3. Store the sphygmomanometer in its protective
case after cleaning or using it.
 Thermometer
For Clinical and Ear Thermometer
1. Use isopropyl alcohol and water to clean the tip
of the thermometer.
2. Use tissue or a paper towel in removing any
lubricant from the digital thermometer.
3. Store the unit in its protective case and place it
inside the cabinet.
 For Human body Non-contact Thermometer

1. Wipe the thermometer with paper towel or

tissue.
2. Store the unit in its protective case and place it
inside the cabinet.
Every caregiver should know how to clean and store tools,
equipment, and paraphernalia to maintain the cleanliness,
quality, and safety of the tools. As future caregivers, it is your
responsibility to use these materials properly and with minimal
help. It is also your obligation to call on repair and maintenance
services when needed or on the set schedule of check-up of the
tools, equipment, and paraphernalia. In the next section, you
will learn how to properly check the quality of the tools,
equipment, and paraphernalia and when to call and ask for
repair and maintenance services.
Checking and Carry-out Routine Maintenance
as per Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Checking and carry-out routine maintenance as per SOP
are important to maintain the quality of the tools,
equipment, and paraphernalia used in caregiving. These
are also to prevent the transfer of illnesses and diseases
with the use of these tools, equipment, and paraphernalia.
Proper maintenance of the tools, equipment, and
paraphernalias will prolong the life and deterioration of
these materials thus, help maximize the use and function of
each tool, equipment, and paraphernalia.
• Inspection, based on Oxford Dictionary of
English, is a careful examination or scrutiny of
any material or things. Thus, inspection involves
thorough assessment to develop proper findings
of the safety and health risk.
 Inspection of tools, equipment, and
paraphernalia
1. Identify whether the tools, equipment, and paraphernalia
can be operated, adjusted, and maintained safely.
2. Always check if the quality deteriorated, if so, make sure
to do remedy to ensure safety and health risk.
3. Do a visual check up before using the tools, equipment,
and paraphernalia.
4. Have a monthly risk assessment and inspection for the
tools, equipment, and paraphernalia.
 What should you do during inspection?

1. Inspect tools, equipment, and paraphernalia if there

is any significant risk (for example, it can cause
physical injury) to caregivers and the person using it.
2. Record your inspection in a log book or computer for
re-checking.
3. Tools, equipment, and paraphernalia that requires
professional inspection should not be used.
 What should you know before buying a tool, equipment, or
paraphernalia in caregiving?

1. The tools, equipment, and paraphernalia should

be inspected after installation or after buying the
product before using them.
2. Customers have the right to return defective
products. Show warranty if needed.
 Steps in Inspecting the tools, equipment, and
paraphernalia

1. Test the tools, equipment, and paraphernalia.

2. Quick check before use. Check the electric
cable condition, functional testing, lighting, etc.
3. Do weekly checks for the condition of the tools,
equipment, and paraphernalia.
4. Undertake extensive examinations of tools,
equipment, and paraphernalia in a monthly basis.
5. Records are not normally required to be made
for the simplest pre-use checks.
6. Use checklists when doing inspection and
prepare short remarks on the quality.
• When conducting a checking for the tools, equipment, and
paraphernalia, the caregivers should know what to look at,
what to look for, and what to do if they find a problem. The
nature of inspections does not solely depend on the
maintenance team; the caregivers, who use the tools,
equipment, and paraphernalias should also need to take into
account the manufacturer’s recommendations, industry
advice, and their own experience of the tools, equipment, and
paraphernalias, their use, the particular factors of the
workplace, and the people using the work equipment.
 Avoid Unnecessary Returns for Repair:

1. Do not operate tools, equipment, and

paraphernalia without checking the directions or
instructions for use.
2. Check the storing information.
3. Do equipment quality control checks from time
to time.
4. Check the warranty information:
a. If the item is under warranty AND the repair is covered
under the warranty, there is no charge for the repair service.
b. If the item is no longer under warranty, OR if the repair is
covered under the warranty, there is a charge fee for the
repair.
c. Refer to the contact information of the tools, equipment,
and paraphernalia for the warranty.