Cleaning for child care is time-consuming. It may also be perplexing. Should I clean, sanitize, or disinfect? What should you employ? How frequently? What is the most efficient and effective method? Do you require any fast methods?

Cleaning occurs not just before and after the children arrive but also during the day. It must be safe, effective, and fast. Cleaning and sanitation are vital to keep children healthy and lower the risk of disease by reducing the quantity of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mold in the environment. The primary responsibility of childcare providers is to keep children safe and healthy. Parents have concerns about their children’s health.

Bleach solutions are the most commonly utilized sanitizers and disinfectants in childcare facilities. While many parents use this strategy often, there are some disadvantages. Some children are susceptible or resistant to the excessive use of bleach.

To be as efficient as possible, bleach solutions must be prepared fresh every day. Moreover, follow the tips for childcare cleaning given in this guide.

What Is Childcare Cleaning?

Childcare Cleaning is a process that manually eliminates dust, filth, oil, and other foreign substances and bacteria from the surface. Mopping the floors, washing the countertops with water or soap, and using professional cleaning solutions are all good examples.

Benefits Of Childcare Cleaning

Taking care of children is a critical profession and duty. As a daycare or preschool center, parents and guardians entrust you with their children’s well-being. So, it is your responsibility throughout that time to keep the children amused, thriving, healthy, and safe.

You will need to maintain certain practices to do this. One of them is proper hygiene. Here are some of the advantages of daycare cleaning:

• Children Can Be Kept Healthy And Safe From Contagious Diseases

There is no getting around the reality that outbreaks of infectious disease spreading between children and staff are to be expected in the realm of COVID. Unfortunately, colds and other viral infections are also common. However, you may assist in minimizing the spread by practicing excellent hygiene.

As a result, one ill child may not turn into ten sick children. To prevent this risk, disinfect locations such as doorknobs, handrails, faucets, and dining utensils.

• The Children Will Be Protected From Food-borne Illnesses

It is common knowledge that tasks such as meal preparation, kid feeding, and diaper change may be dirty. When all three activities occur in the same location, cleanliness is crucial to keeping the kids clean and healthy. Cross-contamination is a severe problem that happens more frequently than you may expect.

Pay close attention to hygiene when it comes to meals and going to the bathroom; this will help to prevent foodborne diseases and germ contamination.

• Teaches The Kids Good Habits

When your childcare center promotes proper cleanliness, it instills in the children positive habits. These habits will carry with them throughout their lives. Teach children, for example, to wash their hands after using the restroom or before eating a meal. Demonstrate the significance of behaviors such as covering their mouth when coughing.

These habits will stick with them as they become older, and they will grow up to be healthy, responsible individuals.

Daycare Cleaning Procedures

• Removing Apparent Dirt From Visibly Filthy Surfaces

Clean noticeably unclean surfaces after meals or activities daily. It will keep your kids healthy.

• Cleaning Hard Surfaces With Soap And Water

Launder soft surfaces, such as clothes, cloth toys, and carpets, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Use the warmest acceptable water to set and fully dry the goods. Vacuum carpets and rugs and dispose of dirt properly.

• Disinfection Should Be Done Regularly

In early childhood settings, bathrooms and diaper-changing tables must be cleaned regularly. To avoid contact with body fluids or blood, use gloves. If surfaces or items are unclean, clean them right away and disinfect the surrounding area.

Disinfecting wipes should be used on electronic devices such as phones and laptops, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

To begin, clean the area with soap and water. Then, apply an EPA approved disinfectant or a diluted bleach solution.

• Clean Play Areas 

The messiest locations in a daycare are the play areas. They are also one of the most important spaces to clean because youngsters spend the majority of their time here.

Remember to use skin-friendly cleaning products while washing the region. They should be soft enough to keep youngsters safe from skin rashes or irritation.

Set aside several cleaning agents to clean cushions, toys, and sleep blankets. Make cleaning and sanitizing your play space a daily habit, ideally in the evening.

Daycare Cleaning Guidelines

1. Promote Frequent Hand-Washing

Children must be taught to wash their hands often to avoid the spread of germs and diseases. Both instructors and kids should wash their hands after using the restroom, before and after eating, sneezing, coughing, or blowing a runny nose, and before and after playing games or using shared equipment. Using a sanitizer after hand washing can also aid in illness prevention.

2. Vacuum And Mop Daily

The floor is typically the worst offender when it comes to germs, diseases, and infections. Because small children spend nearly all of their time playing on the ground, cleaning and mopping should be done daily. This helps to remove debris and dust that might bother young children, especially those who suffer from allergies such as asthma. Other advantages of frequent vacuuming include better indoor air quality, mold avoidance, and the eradication of pests. 

3. Keep a Supply Of Wet Wipes In Each Room

Always be prepared in case there is a spill or a problem that needs to be cleaned up. It might be a splattered drink, ink, paint, human fluids, or even food. Wipes may also be used to wipe children’s hands after an activity. This is easier and faster than taking youngsters to the restroom.

4. Keep Toys Clean Regularly

Many childcare centers require plastic toys to be cleaned and sterilized at least once every day. Toys are one of the most common ways for germs to spread. So, if a child puts one in their mouth, it should be set aside until fully cleaned and sanitized. Stuffed toys are a little more difficult to clean but deep-freeze them in a plastic bag once a week. This will destroy any allergies, dust mites, and pathogens after about 4-5 hours. Cleaning all toys not only prevents the spread of viruses but also results in fewer sick days.

5. Use Only Safe Cleaning Products

Always use caution while selecting cleaning products. Chemical exposure is particularly dangerous for young children. So, read all labels carefully to avoid exposing them to hazardous substances. Cleaning should be done with common soap and water, and disinfecting or sanitizing should be done using an approved product.

6. Ensure Proper Food Preparation

Before using any food preparation or storage surfaces or equipment, be sure they are clean. All food should be stored at the proper temperature, and any rotten product should be discarded promptly.

It is also critical to dissuade youngsters from sharing meals and drinks. This not only spreads germs, but a youngster with a nut allergy, for example, may unwittingly consume something they shouldn’t. Finally, be certain that no food preparation occurs near diaper changing stations.

Childcare Cleaning Checklist:

• Checklist For Daily Childcare Cleaning

• Basic brooming, vacuuming, and microfiber dusting are used to remove surface debris from floor areas, and other soft surfaces
• Sanitary wiping and disinfecting spraying of the play area
• Diaper changing station and kitchen areas should unquestionably be included in your regular daycare cleaning routine
• Toys, painting supplies, and other items used by children regularly are organized
• Disinfection of high-touch locations such as tabletops, toys, flush handles, toilet seat doorknobs, and so on

• Checklist for Weekly Childcare Cleaning

• Wipe down any plush toys, soft toys, and other everyday utility items that do not have any wash limitations
• Reorganize and clean all shelf spaces before restocking them
• Changing all bedding as needed, Changing cribs, and sanitizing all hard-to-reach spots
• Deep cleaning of all kitchen areas, toilet spaces, and other playrooms
• Window blinds cleaning, decolorization
• Deep cleaning along with disinfection wiping of the window panes and frames

• Checklist For Monthly Childcare Cleaning

• Check all of your drains and plumbing for any possible clogs or overflowing
• Invest in a full commercial deep cleaning of your carpet upholstery, baseboards, windowsills, and toilet areas
• Polish all of your floor spaces to make them appear their best for the month ahead

Childcare Cleaning Methods And Tips

• Cuddle Your Child Frequently

The child’s initial instinct is to feel loved and secure. This will provide them with the stability they require to deal with the other aspects of child care.

• Carry Your Child If Possible

It aids in the care of your child, allowing them to channel their child’s energy. We advocate carrying them in this manner as often as possible to enhance your relationship and theirs.

• Bathe Them In Non-Hazardous Materials

It is one of the most important aspects of child care. Our skin is our greatest organ, and it absorbs a significant amount of what we apply to it. When washing your child, choose products that are healthy for them, particularly natural ones. These cleaning products should be free of synthetic scents that might be detrimental.

• Maintain a Child-Friendly Environment At Home

It is critical that your youngster feels at ease in their environment. A child-friendly home should be devoid of risks and there should be lots of toys to play with. Ensure that everything is nicely arranged so that you can quickly find items when needed. Never argue with your spouse in front of your child or be disrespectful to them.

Conclusion

Keeping a clean and hygienic atmosphere is critical in the field of childcare. Proper cleanliness not only protects children from dangerous infections but also builds healthy habits. Ozap Cleaning Services, with decades of experience in childcare cleaning, can assist providers in providing a caring environment for children. Hire OZAP for childcare cleaning that emphasizes the safety of the children in your care.