Daycare cleaning involves a consistent routine of cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting to remove germs, dirt, and impurities, creating a safe environment for children. Because young children are vulnerable to infection and frequently touch shared surfaces, maintaining a rigorous cleaning schedule for toys, high-touch areas, and diapering stations is essential to preventing the spread of illness.
A successful early childhood education program helps children develop the skills they need to learn and grow, but it also provides a safe environment. While physical security protects against visible threats, your program must also protect children from unseen dangers like viruses and bacteria.
Germs are everywhere, and young children in group settings are naturally more exposed to them. While you can’t completely stop the spread of germs, you can significantly reduce the risk with consistent and thorough cleaning practices.
The importance of keeping your childcare program clean
A clean childcare program is vital for the health and safety of children, staff, families, and visitors. Young children are still learning hygiene skills—like covering their mouths when they cough—and have developing immune systems, making them more susceptible to illness.
Cleaning surfaces to eliminate germs helps protect everyone in your care. Since children spend much of their time on floors or at shared tables, frequently cleaning these common areas helps stop the spread of illnesses. Children also spread germs through shared toys, often putting them in their mouths before passing them to a friend. Regular cleaning of toys reduces how quickly infections spread.
Beyond health, a clean facility is a business necessity. Every state has specific licensing laws and health regulations regarding sanitation and building safety. Maintaining compliance ensures your program stays open and operates successfully.
Manage your program efficiently and stay compliant with state regulations with a childcare management software like brightwheel. Utilize contactless check-in and custom health screening questions to keep everyone in your program safe and healthy.
The Ultimate Cleaning Guide for Childcare Programs
Use this guide to create safe and healthy spaces for children, staff, and families.
Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting
It is common for children to get colds, ear infections, or stomach bugs, but routine cleaning helps prevent these outbreaks. It is critical to understand the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting, as they serve different purposes according to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) guidelines:
- Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces using soap and water.
- Sanitizing reduces the number of germs on surfaces to a safe level using weaker bleach solution or sanitizing sprays.
- Disinfecting destroys almost all remaining germs on surfaces using stronger bleach solutions or chemicals.
Cleaning is always the first step. You must remove visible dirt before you can effectively sanitize or disinfect. The CDC recommends sanitizing surfaces that come in contact with mouths, such as toys and feeding items. You should reserve disinfecting for areas like diaper changing tables, bathrooms, or when someone is sick.
How to clean, sanitize, and disinfect
Because these processes differ, the steps you take will vary based on the item or surface.
Cleaning
Clean visibly dirty surfaces daily or after meals and activities.
- Hard surfaces: Scrub with soap and water.
- Soft surfaces: Launder items like clothing, cloth toys, and rugs according to manufacturer instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry completely. Vacuum carpets and rugs regularly.
Sanitizing
You can sanitize using a weakened bleach solution, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered sanitizing spray, or a dishwasher with a sanitizing cycle.
- Cloth materials: Machine wash and dry bibs, placemats, and tablecloths after each use.
- Toys and bottles: Sanitize plastic, metal, or wood objects by boiling, steaming, or using a bleach solution. Let them air dry on a clean towel.
- Food surfaces: Clean highchair trays and tables with hot, soapy water, then rinse and sanitize before and after meals.
Disinfecting
Bathrooms and diaper-changing tables require regular disinfecting. Always wear gloves to avoid contact with bodily fluids.
- Electronics: Use disinfecting wipes on phones and computers according to instructions.
- Surfaces: Clean the area with soap and water first, then use an EPA-registered disinfectant or diluted bleach solution.
Safe cleaning products for childcare
Not all chemicals are safe for a childcare setting. To protect children from harsh fumes and residues, follow these safety tips:
- Choose green products: Look for "green" cleaners without phosphates, chlorine, or artificial fragrances.
- Read labels: Avoid products labeled "danger" or "flammable." Look for terms like "non-toxic," "biodegradable," or "citrus-based."
- Check the EPA list: Use the EPA’s Safer Choice list to find products that are safer for people and the environment.
- Ventilate: Open windows or use fans when cleaning indoors to ensure fresh air circulation.
Organizing your daycare cleaning routine
A defined system ensures no surface gets overlooked. A standard routine includes collecting debris, washing with soap and water, rinsing, applying a disinfectant (if necessary), and drying the surface.
Color coding and labeling
Color coding prevents cross-contamination, which is especially helpful for large staff teams. You can assign specific colors to different areas for buckets, mops, and cloths:
- Red: Bathrooms and toilets
- Green: Kitchen area
- Yellow: Diaper changing area
- Blue: Classrooms
Managing cleaning supplies
Automate your inventory by setting up monthly orders for essentials like detergent, sanitizer, and wipes. Store all supplies in a locked cabinet or a dedicated room children cannot access. Always keep products in their original containers with lids tightly closed.
Using a cleaning checklist
A cleaning checklist ensures consistency and reduces decision fatigue. Create a specific list for each room (e.g., "Bathroom Cleaning Checklist") that outlines daily and weekly tasks.
Display a duty checklist in each room where staff can sign and time-stamp their work. This keeps the team accountable and informs everyone when a room was last cleaned. Including these protocols in your staff handbook ensures everyone understands the expectations.
Cleaning by area
The most effective way to clean is to tackle one room at a time.
Play areas
Play areas are high-traffic zones where children spend most of their time. Use skin-friendly cleaning solutions to prevent irritation. Establish a routine to clean and sanitize hard toys, cushions, and nap blankets daily, preferably in the evening.
Kitchen and eating areas
Food preparation areas must remain spotless. Store kitchen-specific cleaning tools separately from those used in bathrooms or classrooms. Daily tasks should include disinfecting countertops, stoves, handles, and sinks. Always clean and sanitize high chairs and tables before and after every meal.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms require deep cleaning and disinfection every evening. Throughout the day, spot-clean visible dirt and disinfect high-touch surfaces like flush handles, faucets, and toilet bowls.
Diaper changing areas
This area requires strict hygiene protocols. Follow these CDC steps for every diaper change:
- Remove the liner and discard it.
- Clean the surface with soap and water or a wipe.
- Wet the entire surface with disinfectant.
- Allow it to air dry (do not wipe it off).
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Hiring a daycare cleaning service
As your business grows, you might consider outsourcing deep cleaning to professionals. This allows your staff to focus on teaching rather than scrubbing floors.
Here are some commercial cleaning companies to consider:
What to look for
When selecting a service, ask for recommendations from other local childcare providers. Ensure the company follows childcare cleaning standards, uses safe products, carries insurance, and has positive reviews.
Benefits of outsourcing
- Safety: Professionals know how to handle dangerous germs and use chemicals safely.
- Staff morale: Teachers are trained to educate, not to be professional cleaners. Removing this heavy burden can reduce burnout.
- Enrollment: A spotless facility builds trust. Families are more likely to enroll and recommend your program if they see a clean, safe environment.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean toys in a childcare program?
Clean and sanitize toys that children put in their mouths immediately after the child finishes playing with them. Clean other toys daily.
Can I use bleach to clean toys?
Yes, you can use a diluted bleach solution to sanitize toys. Ensure you follow proper dilution guidelines (usually 2 teaspoons of bleach per gallon of water) and allow the toys to air dry completely before children use them again.
What is the difference between general cleaning and deep cleaning?
General cleaning involves daily tasks like wiping surfaces, sweeping, and spot cleaning. Deep cleaning happens less frequently (weekly or monthly) and involves intensive tasks like shampooing carpets, scrubbing grout, and washing windows.
Final thoughts
A clean daycare is essential to the well-being of the children you serve. While you can’t stop every mess, you can clean up promptly so children can continue to play and explore safely. Maintaining a clean facility supports a healthy, high-quality learning environment for children, families, and staff.
