US20060076263A1

US20060076263A1 - Self-contained sterile cleaning kit

Info

Publication number: US20060076263A1
Application number: US10/962,356
Authority: US
Inventors: David Schafer; Todd Maddock
Original assignee: Steris Inc
Current assignee: American Sterilizer Co
Priority date: 2004-10-08
Filing date: 2004-10-08
Publication date: 2006-04-13

Abstract

A cleaning kit, comprised of a molded container defining a fluid-tight cavity and an opening to the cavity. The cavity contains a collapsible mop assembly, a carrier fluid, and an active decontaminating agent. The carrier fluid and active decontaminating agent are maintained separately from each other and from the mop assembly. A removable membrane covers the opening and encloses the carrier fluid, the active decontaminating agent and the mop assembly in the cavity.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the art of decontamination, and more particularly to a self-contained, sterile cleaning kit for cleaning a room or surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain areas in hospitals and medical facilities, such as operating rooms, cleaning rooms and the like, must be periodically cleaned to maintain clean, sterile conditions therein. Such areas are typically cleaned by employees using a special disinfecting/cleaning solution. The disinfecting/cleaning solution is formed by mixing a disinfecting agent with water. The cleaning solution is typically formed in a bucket and applied to the areas to be cleaned by a conventional mop.
It is known to use stainless steel buckets to contain the cleaning solution. Preferably, such buckets are decontaminated between uses to avoid transferring contaminants from one room or area to another. Likewise, it is desirable to decontaminate the mop head between uses in different areas to prevent transmission of contaminants from one area to another.
However, it is not unusual for the same mop and bucket to be used to clean several rooms or areas, with only the disinfecting solution being replenished for each room or area. Thus, it is difficult to assure proper decontamination of such rooms or areas.
The present invention overcomes these and other problems and provides a self-contained, single-use, sterile cleaning kit for cleaning surfaces or areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning kit, comprised of a first sealed vessel containing a carrier fluid, a second sealed vessel containing an active decontaminating agent, a mop assembly having a collapsing handle, and a molded container defining a fluid-tight cavity and having an opening to said cavity. The cavity contains the first and second vessels and the mop assembly. At least the vessels, the mop assembly and the cavity being sterile within the cavity. A layer of material maintains the vessels and the mop assembly sterile within the cavity.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning kit, comprised of a sealed vessel containing an active decontaminating agent, a mop assembly having a collapsing handle, and a molded container defining a fluid-tight cavity and having an opening to the cavity. The cavity contains the vessel and the mop assembly. The vessel, the mop assembly and the cavity are sterile. A sterile carrier fluid is within the cavity, and a layer of material maintains the vessel, the mop assembly and the carrier fluid sterile within the cavity in the sterile state.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self-contained cleaning kit, comprised of a first sealed vessel containing a carrier fluid, a second sealed vessel containing an active decontaminating agent, a mop assembly having a collapsing handle, a molded container defining a fluid-tight cavity and having an opening to the cavity. The cavity contains the first and second vessels and the mop assembly. A removable membrane covers the opening and encases the vessels and the mop assembly within the cavity.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning kit, comprised of a molded container defining a fluid-tight cavity and an opening to the cavity. The cavity contains a collapsible mop assembly and a decontaminating solution. A removable membrane covers the opening and encloses the decontaminating solution and the mop assembly in the cavity.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning kit, comprised of a molded container defining a fluid-tight cavity and an opening to the cavity. The cavity contains a collapsible mop assembly, a carrier fluid, and an active decontaminating agent. The carrier fluid and active decontaminating agent are maintained separately from each other and from the mop assembly. A removable membrane covers the opening and encloses the carrier fluid, the active decontaminating agent and the mop assembly in the cavity.
An advantage of the present invention is a self-contained, single-use, sterile cleaning kit for cleaning surfaces in an operating room, cleaning room or the like.
Another advantage of the present invention is a cleaning kit as described above having components that are disposable or recyclable after a single use.
Another advantage of the present invention is a cleaning kit as described above having pre-measured amounts of a liquid carrier and a decontaminating agent, the pre-measured amounts allowing for active formulation of a sterile cleaning solution.
Another advantage of the present invention is a cleaning kit as described above including a container for holding the sterile cleaning solution, and further including a mop for applying the cleaning solution to a surface or floor.
Another advantage of the present invention is a cleaning kit as described above that includes a wringer for wringing excess fluid from the mop.
Another advantage of the present invention is a cleaning kit as described above that is pre-packaged such that the components contained therein are all sterile.
These and other advantages will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment taken together with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of several cleaning kits stacked one on another, each cleaning kit illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1 illustrating the contents of a single cleaning kit;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the components of a cleaning kit, together with a portable, sterilizable cart for use therewith;
FIG. 4 is a partially sectioned, elevational view showing a method of forming a sterile cleaning solution from the components of the cleaning kit;
FIG. 5 is a partially sectioned, elevational view showing a cleaning solution poured into a container from the cleaning kit, together with a mop in an extended usable configuration;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cleaning kit illustrating an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an active decontaminating agent being added to a carrier liquid in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a partially sectioned, elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, illustrating use of a mop and wringer assembly;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cleaning kit, illustrating yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a partially sectioned, elevational view of the cleaning kit shown in FIG. 10, showing such kit on a portable, sterilizable cart and showing use of a wringer assembly for wringing fluid from a mop that forms a part thereof; and
FIG. 12 is a partially sectioned, elevational view of a portable, sterilizable cart assembly having a wringer arrangement as part thereof, illustrating another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows a plurality of cleaning kits 10, stacked one on top of another, cleaning kits 10 illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Broadly stated, each cleaning kit 10 includes a container 20, a first vessel 50 containing a carrier fluid, a second vessel 70 containing an active sterilizing agent, and a mop assembly 90. Container 20 has a cavity 22 dimensioned to hold two vessels 50, 70 and mop assembly 90. Container 20, vessels 50, 70 and mop assembly 90 are sterile, and vessels 50, 70 and mop assembly 90 are sealed within container 20.
In the embodiment shown, container 20 generally has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and has a flat, planar bottom wall 28 that is generally rectangular in shape. Four side walls 32, 34, 36, 38 extend upwardly from bottom wall 28 to define cavity 22. Container 20 includes a wide-mouthed, open upper end. The upper edges of each side wall 32, 34, 36, 38 include an outwardly extending lip 32 a, 34 a, 36 a, 38 a, best seen in FIG. 2. Container 20 is preferably integrally formed, wherein cavity 22 is fluid tight and outwardly extending lips 32 a, 34 a, 36 a, 38 a on side walls 32, 34, 36, 38 form a continuous flange 44 about the container opening. Container 20 is preferably formed of a polymer material, such as, by way of example and not limitation, injection moldable thermoplastics, such as olefins, such as polypropylene or polyethylene; nylons; acrylonitrile-butadiene-syrenes (ABS), and other plastics conventionally used in forming containers.
Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, first vessel 50 is best seen. First vessel 50 is comprised of a hollow body 52 that defines a cavity 54. In the embodiment shown, body 52 is generally rectangular in shape with planar sides. Body 52 includes a neck 56 at one end that defines an opening 58 communicating with cavity 54 within body 52. Neck 56 of body 52 has external threads 56 a dimensioned to matingly engage internal threads (not shown) on a cap 62, as is conventionally known. As best seen in FIG. 3, first vessel 50 is dimensioned to be disposed within cavity 22 of container 20 and to occupy a major portion thereof. In this respect, first vessel 50 is preferably dimensioned such that the contents within first vessel 50 can be maximized. In this respect, vessel 50 is dimensioned to occupy a major portion of cavity 22, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
First vessel 50 is designed to hold a carrier fluid. The carrier fluid may be an active fluid or an inactive fluid. As used herein, the term “active fluid” refers to a fluid having deactivating or decontaminating properties. The term “inactive fluid” refers to a fluid having no decontaminating or deactivating properties. The carrier fluid may be an alcohol, or an alcohol-based solution, but in a preferred embodiment, the carrier fluid is sterile water. In a more preferred embodiment, the carrier fluid is sterile water suitable for injection into humans, conventionally referred to as “water for injection” (WFI).
Second vessel 70 is designed to hold a deactivating agent that when mixed with the carrier fluid in first vessel 50, produces a deactivating, cleaning solution. A deactivating agent or solution is one that sanitizes, disinfects or sterilizes. In the embodiment shown, second vessel 70 is similar in shape to first vessel 50, but is smaller in size than first vessel 50. In this respect, second vessel 70 is comprised of a hollow body 72 that defines an inner cavity 74. Body 72 is generally rectangular in shape with planar sides. Body 72 includes a neck 76 at one end that defines an opening 78 communicating with cavity 74 within body 72. Neck 76 has external threads 76 a dimensioned to matingly engage internal threads (not shown) on a cap 82, as is conventionally known. In another embodiment of the present invention, second vessel 70 may be a packet, such as by way of example and not limitation, a foil packet (not shown) attached to first vessel 50.
In this respect, it will be appreciated that first and second vessels 50, 70 may assume other sizes and shapes depending upon the amount and the desired ratio of active, deactivating agents to the carrier fluid needed to form a desired deactivating, cleaning solution. As best seen in FIG. 3, second vessel 70 is dimensioned to be disposed with first vessel 50 in cavity 22 defined by container 20.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, mop assembly 90 is best seen. Mop assembly 90 is comprised of a mop head 92, and a collapsible handle portion 94. Mop head 92 is comprised of strands of an absorbent cloth or fibrous material. Mop head 92 is attached to collapsible handle portion 94. In the embodiment shown, handle portion 94 is comprised of a lower section 94 a, a first intermediate section 94 b, a second intermediate section 94 c and an upper section 94d. Lower section 94 a is dimensioned to telescope within first intermediate section 94 b, and first intermediate section 94 b is dimensioned to telescope within second intermediate section 94 c, and second intermediate section is dimensioned to telescope within upper section 94 d, wherein handle portion 94 can telescopically collapse to a collapsed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Handle portion 94 has an extended configuration, as shown in FIG. 5. Mop handle portion 94 is dimensioned such that mop assembly 90 fits within cavity 22 within container 20 when handle portion 94 is in its collapsed configuration.
Container 20, first and second vessels 50, 70 and handle portion 94 of mop assembly 90 are preferably formed of polymeric materials, and more preferably, are formed of a polymer material selected from the group consisting of injection moldable thermoplastics, such as olefins, such as polypropylene or polyethylene; nylons; acrylonitrile-butadiene-syrenes (ABS), and other plastics conventionally used in forming containers.
A removable, protective membrane 112 seals and encloses the upper end of cavity 22 in container 20, when first and second vessels 50, 70 and mop assembly 90 are disposed therein. Membrane 112 is preferably formed of a sheet material that is secured to the upper surface of flange 44, to seal first and second vessels 50, 70 and mop assembly 90 within container 20. The sheet material forming membrane 112 may be a metallic foil, a polymeric film or a metallized polymeric film. In a preferred embodiment, a polymeric film is used. An adhesive (not shown) attaches membrane 112 to flange 44 of container 20. As best seen in FIG. 1, membrane 112 includes a tab 114 that extends beyond the periphery of flange 44 of container 20.
Cleaning kit 10 as heretofore described is preferably enclosed within a protective, outer packaging. In the embodiment shown, sealed container 20, having first and second vessels 50, 70 and mop assembly 90 therein, is enclosed within a first protective covering or wrapping 122. Protective covering 122 is an outer sheet material that is provided to contain and to preferably hermetically seal, container 20 therein. In a preferred embodiment, wrapping or covering 122 is a sealed, polymer bag or pouch. Covering 122 is preferably formed of a clear, polymer material. A second outer protective covering or wrapping 132 encloses sterile cleaning kit 10 and first outer covering 122. Second outer covering 132 is preferably a sealed polymer bag. Container 20 and itself is preferably sterile within first and second coverings 122, 132.
A number of different methods may be used to sterilize the contents of first and second coverings 122, 132. In a preferred embodiment, the contents of sterile cleaning kit 10 are sterilized by radiation applied to cleaning kit 10 after kit 10 is sealed within first and second coverings 122, 132.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a portable cart 210 best seen in FIG. 3 is provided for use with sterile cleaning kit 10. Cart 210 is comprised of a rectangular frame 212 having casters 214 on the bottom thereof. In the embodiment shown, frame 212 is formed of lengths 212 a, 212 b, 212 c and 212 d having an L-shaped cross-section. Lengths 212 a, 212 b, 212 c and 212 d are joined together to form a rectangular structure, defining an inwardly extending ledge 216 that is dimensioned to support container 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. In the embodiment shown, frame 212 is rectangular in shape to match the rectangular shape of container 20 heretofore disclosed. As indicated above, container 20 may assume other shapes and sizes. It is contemplated that cart 210 is dimensioned to correspond and to support the shape or size of a particular container 20.
Cart 210 is preferably formed of a sterilizable material. In this respect, frame 212, and portions of casters 214, are preferably formed of a metal, such as, by way of example and not limitation, stainless steel.
Referring now to the operation use of sterile cleaning kit 10, it is to be understood that procedures may vary from facility to facility. Sterile cleaning kit 10 is intended for use in accordance with the procedures and practices in effect at a facility to be cleaned. Accordingly, the method of use of sterile cleaning kit 10 begins with observing protocols and procedures for the environment to be cleaned.
In a preferred method of use, the outer protective covering 132 is opened at a location outside, or away from, the area to be cleaned. Outer covering 132 may be opened by cutting or tearing the plastic bag forming the same. Inner protective covering 122 and the contents therein are then removed from outer covering 132.
Following removal of inner covering 122 and container 20 (and its contents) from outer covering 132, outer covering 132 may be discarded. In the alternative, if outer covering 132 is a polymer bag, as disclosed above, outer covering 132 may be retained as a receptacle for parts of sterile cleaning kit 10, as shall now be described. Once outer covering 132 is removed, the remainder of sterile cleaning kit 10 is transferred to the area to be cleaned. Inner covering 122 is then opened. Container 20 and its contents are then removed from inner covering 122. Preferably, container 20 is then set within a cart 210, of the type as heretofore described. Cart 210 is preferably pre-sterilized by conventionally known means before use with container 20. (It is also contemplated that container 20 may be used alone).
With container 20 within cart 210, membrane 112 may be peeled away from container 20 using tab 114. With membrane 112 removed, the contents of container 20 are then accessible. First vessel 50 is set upright within container 20, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Caps 62, 82 of first and second vessels 50, 70 are removed, and the contents of second vessel 70, i.e., the active deactivating agent, is poured into first vessel 50 to mix with the carrier fluid therein so as to form a deactivating, cleaning solution. As indicated above, the quantity of carrier fluid and deactivating agent in first vessel 50 and second vessel 70, respectively, are proportioned to form a desired deactivating, cleaning solution. Cap 62 may be returned to first vessel 50, and first vessel 50 may be shaken to mix the solution. Once mixed, the cleaning solution is poured into container 20, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Handle portion 94 of mop assembly 90 is extended (as illustrated in FIG. 5), and mop head 92 is used to spread the cleaning solution onto the surface(s) to be cleaned.
Once the cleaning of the room or surface has been completed, any remaining cleaning solution may be properly disposed of, and container 20 and vessels 50, 70, as well as mop assembly 90, may be discarded. Preferably, container 20, vessels 50, 70 and handle portion 94 of mop assembly 90 are recycled.
In this respect, each sterile cleaning kit 10 is intended for a single use, thereby insuring that the cleaning solution, container 20 holding the cleaning solution and mop assembly 90 that is used to disperse the solution are all sterile prior to use.
Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. FIG. 6 shows a container 320 without any inner or outer protective coverings 122, 132, as described above. Container 320 is similar in many respects to container 20, as heretofore described. In this respect, container 320 generally has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and has a flat, planar bottom wall 328 that is generally rectangular in shape. Four side walls 332, 334, 336, 338 extend upwardly from bottom wall 328 to define a cavity 322. Container 320 contains a wide-mouth, open upper end 342. The upper edge of each side wall 332, 334, 336, 338 includes an outwardly extending lip 332 a, 334 a, 336 a, 338 a, respectively. Container 320 is preferably integrally formed wherein cavity 322 is fluid tight and outwardly extending lips 332 a, 334 a, 336 a, 338 a define a continuous flange 344 about opening 342.
Container 320 differs from container 20 in that a partition 352 extends across side walls 332, 334, 336, 338 above bottom wall 328 to define an upper first compartment 354 and a lower second compartment 356 within container 320. Partition 352 has a first partition section 352 a, that is slightly inclined relative to bottom wall 328, and a second partition section 352 b, that is generally parallel to bottom wall 328, as best seen in FIG. 7. A plurality of spaced apart apertures 362 are formed through first partition section 352 a, as best seen in FIG. 8. A large opening 366 is formed in a second partition section 352 b. Opening 366 is dimensioned to allow mop head 92 of mop assembly 90 to pass therethrough. In the embodiment shown, opening 366 is generally rectangular in shape, as best seen in FIG. 8. A rectangular, frame-shaped ledge 368 is defined around opening 366.
A plate 372 is mounted to first partition section 352 a where first partition section 352 a meets second partition section 352 b. In the embodiment shown, plate 372 is rectangular in shape, and is dimensioned to overlie first partition section 352 a. Plate 372 is pivotally mounted to be movable over first partition section 352 a. A recess 374 is formed in a free edge of plate 372. Recess 374 is dimensioned to receive lower section 94 a of handle portion 94 of mop assembly 90, as shall be described in greater detail below.
A first cover layer 382, as best seen in FIG. 7, overlies and is secured about the periphery of first partition section 352 a to cover apertures 362 therethrough. First cover layer 382 is preferably a sheet material similar to membrane 112 discussed above, that is releasably adhered to first partition section 352 a such that first cover layer 382 may be peeled away from first partition section 352 a. First cover layer 382 is preferably formed of a polymer/metal laminate that has adhesive about the periphery thereof to secure first cover layer 382 to the periphery of first partition section 352 a in a fluid-tight fashion. In this respect, first cover layer 382 is a peel-away material similar to conventional seals formed on liquid and food containers. A tab 382 a is formed along one edge of first cover layer 382 to facilitate its removal from first partition section 352 a.
Similarly, a second cover layer 386 is applied to second partition section 352 b to cover and seal opening 366 therethrough. Second cover layer 386 is preferably formed of the same material that forms first cover layer 382. A tab 386 a is provided along one edge of second cover layer 386 to facilitate its removal from second partition section 352 b.
When first and second cover layers 382, 386 are in place, lower compartment 356 is a fluid-tight compartment that is isolated from upper compartment 354. Lower compartment 356 is dimensioned to hold a carrier fluid, as heretofore described. Upper compartment 354 is dimensioned to hold mop assembly 90, as heretofore described, and a second vessel 70, as heretofore described. Second vessel 70 contains an active sterilizing agent, as heretofore described.
The opened, upper end of container 320 has a membrane 112, as described with respect to container 20. Container 320 is thus a self-contained sterile cleaning kit, similar to sterile cleaning kit 10. Inner and outer protective packaging (not shown) in FIGS. 6-9 are preferably provided to enclose container 320 and its contents.
Referring now to the operation of container 320, any outer covering or packaging would be removed from container 320 in a manner as previously described. Membrane 112 would be peeled away from container 320 exposing mop assembly 90 and second vessel 70 within upper compartment 354. Mop assembly 90 and second vessel 70 are removed from container 320, and first and second cover layers 382, 386 are peeled away from first and second partition sections 352 a, 352 b to expose the carrier fluid in lower compartment 356. The active deactivating agent within second vessel 70 is added to the carrier fluid in lower compartment 356, as illustrated in FIG. 8, to form a deactivating cleaning fluid. Once the deactivating cleaning fluid is formed, mop head 92 of mop assembly 90 may be inserted into lower compartment 356 through opening 366 in second partition section 352 b. The sterile cleaning solution within container 320 may then be used to clean surfaces in a manner as conventionally known.
As best seen in FIG. 9, lower section 94 a of handle portion 94 includes an annular flange or collar 392 spaced apart from mop head 92. With lower section 94 a of handle portion 94 within recess 374 of plate 372, collar 392 may be used to press plate 372 against mop head 92 to wring the cleaning solution from mop head 92, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Container 320 thus includes a wringer assembly for use with mop assembly 90.
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, a telescopic wringer handle 412 is pivotally attached to plate 372. Wringer handle 412 is extendable to a position as shown in FIG. 11, wherein wringer handle 412 may be used to manipulate plate 372 to wring the cleaning solution from mop head 92 of mop assembly 90.
FIG. 12 illustrates still another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a wringer assembly 510 is attached to a cart 210 to enable the cleaning solution to be wrung from mop assembly 90. A C-shaped bracket 512 is fixedly attached to cart 210.
In the embodiment shown, wringer assembly 510 is comprised of an end plate 522, an inclined bottom plate 524 and two side plates 526 (only one is shown) that are attached to the lateral edges of end plate 522 and bottom plate 524 to form an open-ended trough above container 20. A press plate 542 is pivotally mounted to side plates 526. Press plate 542 includes a handle 544 that facilitates wringing cleaning solution from mop head 92, as illustrated in FIG. 12. Wringer assembly 510 is preferably formed of a sterilizable material, such as, by way of example and not limitation, stainless steel.
The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for purposes of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, a membrane 112 may not be required if inner and outer protective coverings 122, 132 are shaped and dimensioned to maintain vessels 50, 70 and mop assembly 90 in position within container 20. Further, a single container having a pre-mixed deactivating cleaning solution may be used in place of first and second vessels 50, 70, thereby eliminating the need for mixing a deactivating agent with an inactive carrier fluid. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A cleaning kit, comprised of:

a first sealed vessel containing a carrier fluid;

a second sealed vessel containing an active decontaminating agent;

a mop assembly having a collapsing handle;

a molded container defining a fluid-tight cavity and an opening to said cavity, said cavity containing said first and second vessels and said mop assembly, at least said vessels, said mop assembly and said cavity being sterile; and

a layer of material maintaining said vessels and said mop assembly sterile within said cavity.

2. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 1, wherein said layer of material is a membrane covering the opening in said container.

3. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 2, wherein said membrane is adhered to said container in a manner to enable said membrane to be peeled-away from said container.

4. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 1, wherein said layer of material is a first protective covering containing said container, said vessels and said mop assembly.

5. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 4, further comprising a second protective covering encasing said first protective covering.

6. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 5, wherein said first and second protective coverings are polymer bags.

7. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 6, wherein the contents of said first and second protective coverings are sterile.

8. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 1, wherein said mop assembly has a telescoping handle.

9. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 1, wherein said carrier fluid is water.

10. A cleaning kit, comprised of:

a sealed vessel containing an active decontaminating agent;

a mop assembly having a collapsing handle;

a molded container defining a fluid-tight cavity and an opening to said cavity, said cavity containing said vessel and said mop assembly, said vessel, said mop assembly and said cavity being sterile;

a sterile carrier fluid within said cavity; and

a layer of material maintaining said vessel, said mop assembly and said carrier fluid sterile within said cavity in said sterile state.

11. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 10, wherein said container has a first compartment and a second compartment, said first and second compartments defining said cavity.

12. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 11, wherein said first compartment is dimensioned to contain said vessel and said mop assembly, and said second compartment contains said carrier fluid.

13. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 12, further comprising a partition in said cavity, said partition defining said first and second compartments.

14. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 13, wherein said partition is a fluid-tight barrier between said first compartment and said second compartment.

15. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 13, wherein said partition includes a section having an opening communicating said first compartment with said second compartment.

16. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 15, wherein a peel-away membrane covers said opening.

17. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 16, wherein said opening is dimensioned to allow a mop head on said mop assembly to pass therethrough.

18. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 13, wherein said partition includes a first partition section having a plurality of apertures therethrough.

19. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 18, wherein a peel-away membrane covers said apertures.

20. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 19, wherein said apertures fluidly connecting said first compartment from said second compartment.

21. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 18, further comprising a plate overlaying said first partition section, said plate movable relative to said first partition section to form a wringer assembly therewith.

22. A self-contained cleaning kit, comprised of:

a first sealed vessel containing a carrier fluid;

a second sealed vessel containing an active decontaminating agent;

a mop assembly having a collapsing handle;

a molded container defining a fluid-tight cavity and an opening to said cavity, said cavity containing said first and second vessels and said mop assembly; and

a removable membrane covering said opening encasing said vessels and said mop assembly within said cavity.

23. A self-contained cleaning kit as defined in claim 22, wherein said vessels and said mop assembly are sterile within said cavity.

24. A self-contained cleaning kit as defined in claim 23, further comprising a first protective covering enclosing said cleaning kit.

25. A self-contained cleaning kit as defined in claim 24, wherein said protective covering is a polymer bag.

26. A cleaning kit, comprised of:

a molded container defining a fluid-tight cavity and an opening to said cavity, said cavity containing:

a collapsible mop assembly;

a carrier fluid;

an active decontaminating agent, said carrier fluid and active decontaminating agent being maintained separately from each other and from said mop assembly, and

a removable membrane covering said opening and enclosing said carrier fluid, said active decontaminating agent and said mop assembly in said cavity.

27. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 26, wherein said carrier fluid and said active decontaminating agent are contained in separate vessels.

28. A cleaning kit, comprised of:

a collapsible mop assembly and a decontaminating solution; and

a removable membrane covering said opening and enclosing said decontaminating solution and said mop assembly in said cavity.

29. A cleaning kit as defined in claim 28, wherein decontaminating solution is in a closed vessel within said container.