TLE 7/8 - Caregiving

Concept Notes:

Care and routine maintenance of tools, equipment, and paraphernalia

 In dealing with tools, equipment, and paraphernalia, attention to details is the best means to
prevent future problems from happening. It is a must, therefore, that tools, equipment and
paraphernalia are properly cleaned and stored after usage. In addition, a maintenance schedule
should be in place to make sure that they will operate efficiently. As a future caregiver, it will be to
your advantage if you check them daily to help avoid jams, leakages, or breakdowns. It is, of
course, necessary that you follow the usage and maintenance instructions from the manufacturer.

A. BLENDER
To ensure that a blender will last long, follow these tips:
1. Wash and clean the glass pitcher using warm water after use.
2. Remove the blade and carefully wash it. Never put it in the dishwasher.
3. Never immerse the base where the plug is connected in water.
4. Clean the base with cloth and wipe off any dirt. Use a toothbrush to remove dirt that has
accumulated around the button.
5. Clean the lid by removing it and washing it with soap and water.
6. Always remember to towel dry the blender before putting it back inside the cabinet.

B. COFFEMAKER
Cleaning your coffeemaker regularly will keep it in good working condition and can keep the freshness
of your coffee. Leftover coffee that accumulates in the coffeemaker can create coffee that tastes rotten.
Keep your coffeemaker in good condition by cleaning it with vinegar and water at least one a month.
Here are the steps:
1. Mix equal parts of water and white household vinegar in a container to make a solution.
2. Empty and rinse the carafe. Be sure to dump out the coffee ground left in the filter.
3. Put the solution in the water reservoir.
4. Brew the solution as if you are brewing coffee. Let it stand for about 10 minutes to allow the
solution to clean the coffee pot.
5. Remove the solution by pouring it in the sink.
6. Fill the water reservoir only with water this time. Run a new brew cycle at least twice to remove
any vinegar residue. Allow the brewer to cool down between cycles.
7. Wipe the exterior of your coffeemaker.
8. Wash the carafe and filter basket in soapy water.
9. Reassemble the parts.

C. FOOD PROCESSOR
Here are ways to keep your food processor in a good working condition:
1. Remove and wash the removable parts of the food processor.
2. Wipe the base motor with clean and dry cloth.

1
 3. Wait until it is truly dry, and assemble all the removable parts and store it in the cabinet.

D. MICROWAVE OVEN
A microwave oven does not require too much care. To maintain your microwave oven, follow these:
1. Clean the inner part of the microwave oven after every use to prevent the accumulation of
food splash, which may cause bad smell.
2. Wipe off the dirt on the outer top part and the door of the microwave oven.
3. Use appropriate microwave containers and the dishes when heating the food. Do not use metal
or aluminum containers to prevent uneven cooking and permanent damage.
4. Regularly clean the inner and the outer parts of the microwave oven to prevent resting and
staining.
5. Close the door properly to keep the radiation inside the microwave oven.

E. BOTTLE STERILIZER
Regularly clean and descale the bottle sterilizer following what is written in its instructional manual.
1. Wash the removable parts. Notice that usually, the basket disconnects from the sterilizer so you can clean
it. Use water and mild soap to wash the basket and the other removable parts. Rinse them well.
2. Using a damp cloth, wipe the base and the sterilizer cover.
3. Pour out excess water out of the base.
4. Put a small amount of white household vinegar into the base of the sterilizer. Let the vinegar sit
in the unit for an hour or until the mineral scales dissolve.
5. Pour out the vinegar and rinse the inside to remove residue.
6. Reassemble the sterilizer parts and fill the sterilizer with water according to manufacturer
instructions.
7. Set the sterilizer to a standard sterilization cycle.

F. FLAT IRON
Here are some guidelines in caring for the flat iron.
1. Switch off/ disconnect the iron from the circuit. Allow the flat iron to cool before cleaning its
surface.
2. Prepare a mixture of water and baking soda paste (1 tablespoon water and 2 tablespoons baking
soda).
3. Apply the paste into the iron’s plate using spatula, covering the parts of the iron with mineral
deposits.
4. Remove the paste using a clean damp cloth.
5. To clean the steam holes, dip a cotton swab in distilled water. Insert the swab into the iron’s steam
vents. Remove the dirt from the steam holes using the cotton swab.
6. Pour at least 1/3 full of water and vinegar solution into the water reservoir to clean it.
7. Turn on the iron to the hottest setting and steam-iron a clean cloth to allow the water to flush out
vent deposits.

2
 8. Turn off the iron and remove the remaining water from the reservoir. Store the flat iron in a safe
place.
9. Always remember to empty the flat iron’s reservoir to maintain its durability and protect it from
the build ups of mineral deposits.

G. WASHING MACHINE
It is important to know how to maintain and care for the washing machine so it will last for a long time.
Follow these:
1. Before and after each use, clean the dryer lint filter for better efficiency.
2. Open the door of washer after using it to completely dry the inner part and allow the air to flow to
avoid molds.
3. Ensure that the washing machine is placed on a flat level surface for firm footing.
4. Always follow the instruction manual and recommendations of the brand of your washing machine
when washing your clothes.
5. Damp clothes must be removed immediately from the washer to protect and prevent it from
mildew build up.
6. Check the washing machine from time to time to see if there are cracks, leaks, or tight fittings of
the hose.
7. Drums on washer and dryer should be cleaned with water and vinegar solution.
8. Always wipe the washing machine with a clean dry cloth every after use to prevent rusting.

H. THERMOMETER
This is how you need to clean and store a thermometer:
1. Clean the tip of the thermometer by using isopropyl alcohol and water.
2. Wipe away any lubricant from the digital thermometer with a tissue or a paper towel.
3. Store the unit in some protective case when you don’t use it.

I. STETHOSCOPE
Cleaning and storing a stethoscope:
1. If you need to disinfect your stethoscope, you may wipe it with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution.
2. Wipe down stethoscope starting at the earpieces (which helps prevent the spread of ear infections if
you are not the only person using it), continuing down the tubing, and ending around the bell and
diaphragm. Take the diaphragm apart to remove dust, lint, or debris and clean it well before
reassembling it.
3. Store the unit in its protective case after using.

J. SPHYGMOMANOMETER
Cleaning and storing a sphygmomanometer:
1. You may clean the aneroid gauge, valve, and inflation bulb by wiping with slightly dampened cloth or
alcohol pad.
2. Integrated One-Piece Cuff: You may safely clean the cuffs with a damp cloth (70% alcohol or 0.5%
bleach solution may be used) or washed in warm water (140°F / 60°C maximum) with mild detergent.
3. Before laundering the cuff: Take off the inflation bulb and valve from the cuff. Make sure to close off
the end of the tubing with tube plug accessory. Close off the cuff port with cuff port.

3
 4. Laundering the cuff: When using a washing machine, use gentle cycle, warm water, and mild
detergent. Completely air dry the cuff and reassemble the components. Keep the unit in its protective
case after cleaning/using.

 Cleaning, caring for, and storing tools, equipment, and paraphernalia are tasks that all caregivers shall
undertake. It is not easy to do these, but with concern for the people and environment where one works
for, doing them seem to be motivating.
 As a future caregiver, you should be aware that this job entails dependability on your part. It is your duty
to ensure that all tools, equipment, and paraphernalia are cleaned and stored properly. In addition, it is
your task to observe a maintenance schedule for these. This involves doing the preservation yourself by
using the equipment as it should be. Of course, part of this important job is to call and arrange for a repair
service not only when needed, but when the timetable is set.
 Maintaining tools, equipment, and paraphernalia becomes worthy of note because of the satisfaction a
caregiver feels when he/she realizes the valuable benefits of the responsibility.

Directions: Write TRUE if the statement is correct, or FALSE if it is incorrect. Write your
answer on the space provided before each number.

______1. Cleaning the different tool, equipment and paraphernalia in caregiving is not necessary.
______2. Cleaning, caring for, and storing tools, equipment, and paraphernalia are tasks that all caregivers
shall undertake.
______3. Caregivers’ duty is to ensure that all tools, equipment, and paraphernalia are cleaned and stored
properly.
______4. Cleaning and storing the different the tool, equipment and paraphernalia properly cannot help to
prolong its life span.
______5. Before attempting to clean any electrical device, it is a must that you turn it off and unplug from the
outlet.
______6. Regularly clean the inner and the outer parts of the microwave oven to prevent resting and staining.
______7. Do not wipe the washing machine with a clean dry cloth every after use to prevent rusting.
______8. White vinegar is cannot be used as a cleaning agent because it cannot remove grease, grime, dirt,
and other debris on surfaces.
______9. Baking Soda can be used as a cleaning agent that causes dirt and grease to dissolve in water.
______10. Thermometer should be stored in some protective case when doesn’t used.

References
DepEd Modul (k_to_12_caregiving_learning_modules);
Technology and Livelihood Education Series: Caregiving 7/8, an exploratory Course, Copyright
2016, by Phoenix Publishing House Inc. and Jenny A. Da-Anton, page 21-24.