The aim of this study was to evaluate whether behavioural and systemic measures will decrease intra-operative contamination during total hip or knee replacements. The influence of these measures on subsequent prolonged wound discharge, superficial surgical site infection and deep periprosthetic infection was also investigated during an 18-month follow-up period. Four swabs were taken from instruments at the beginning and end of the procedure for 207 procedures. Removed bone material (acetabulum and femur in case of the hip joint; femur and tibia in case of the knee joint) was also tested for contamination. Initially, 70 operations performed under original control conditions were included, after which the first behavioural measure was introduced (i.e. better use of the plenum). Cultures were taken during 67 operations using better use of the plenum (Group 1), followed by disciplinary measures and the installation of a new laminar flow system. Seventy operations were monitored after this second intervention (Group 2).The control group showed intra-operative contamination in 32.9% (23/70) of cases, Group 1 showed contamination in 34.3% (23/67) of cases and Group 2 showed contamination in 8.6% (6/70) of cases. Prolonged wound discharge and superficial surgical site infection decreased significantly in Group 2, as did the incidence of deep periprosthetic infection; however, the latter did not reach statistical significance. This study shows that the combination of systemic and behavioural changes in an operating room significantly decreases the incidence of intra-operative bacterial contamination, subsequent prolonged wound discharge and superficial surgical site infection. After 18 months of follow-up, there was also a decrease in deep periprosthetic infection.