A childcare facility is where kids learn, grow, and build friendships. However, it’s also a place where they can be exposed to germs and contagious illnesses. But don’t worry—you can hire a childcare cleaning service like Clean Australia Service to ensure a safe and healthy environment for these little ones. We're here to guide you through the essentials of maintaining a safe and healthy childcare facility.
Cleanup Steps and Disinfection for ChildCare Centre
Not everything that appears dirty is heavily contaminated with germs, such as window sills and walls. However, don’t be deceived by appearances—places like diaper changing tables and hands can harbour significant amounts of bacteria. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the proper methods for commercial cleaning and disinfecting. The process starts with cleaning and is followed by disinfection.
Childcare cleaning involves removing dust, dirt, grease, and other debris, as well as germs, by physically lifting them off surfaces. Examples include mopping floors, scrubbing counters with soap and water, or using commercial cleaning agents.
Disinfecting, on the other hand, virtually eliminates all germs. This is achieved using specific chemicals known as disinfectants.
It’s essential to disinfect areas that are likely to harbour large amounts of germs—surfaces that frequently come into contact with blood, mucus, or urine.
How can you tell if you're disinfecting properly? You’ll need to use a specific chemical, such as bleach, or any product labelled as a disinfectant. Keep in mind that not all cleaners are disinfectants.
Make sure you’re choosing the correct product by verifying that it’s indeed a disinfectant, and always follow the directions for use.
Cleaning may be a tough job, but it’s vital, especially for the well-being of the children in these facilities. Unfortunately, many commercial cleaners don’t spend enough time to do the job thoroughly.
Here’s a quick guide to ensure effective cleaning and disinfecting:
- Block off the area you’ll be working in.
- Use the correct equipment, tools, and cleaning chemicals.
- Wear rubber gloves.
- Clean the area.
- Disinfect the surfaces.
- Clean up after the cleaning process.
- Wash the gloves you used during cleaning.
Always remember, the thoroughness of your work directly impacts the health and safety of the children in the facility.
How to Properly Sanitise The Toys in The ChildCare Centre
Have you ever wondered how your commercial cleaner sanitises the toys that children often put in their mouths? Many childcare workers simply spray disinfectant over a box of toys at the end of the day, or they might soak the toys in disinfectant and consider the job done. However, we’ve researched more effective methods for disinfecting toys.
While it’s not wrong to spray Lysol directly into a box of toys, it’s important to note that this product needs a dwell time of at least 30 seconds to sanitise properly. This means that after spraying, the toys should remain wet for 30 seconds to effectively reduce germs. However, this approach may only kill a minimal number of germs.
If you’re using a specific disinfectant, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as the effectiveness of the product depends heavily on its proper use and required dwell time.
In many childcare facilities, toys are stored in boxes. We’ve designed a special box with holes surrounding it to aid in the disinfection process. First, we fill another plastic box with a disinfecting solution. Then, we submerge the box of toys into this solution, ensuring they are fully saturated. After the necessary dwell time, we simply lift the box out and allow the solution to drain. The toys can then air dry.
The key is to ensure that the toys remain wet with the disinfectant for the entire dwell time. Always follow the instructions for any product you use to achieve the best results in keeping toys safe and germ-free.
Be Cautious with Commercial Disinfectants
Not all cleaning chemicals are suitable for use in childcare facilities. Here are some tips to help you select safe products:
- Opt for “green products” that are safe for a childcare environment. These products generally do not contain phosphates, chlorine, or artificial fragrances and colours.
- Take the time to read labels carefully. While EPA-approved products may be effective, some could contain chemicals that are too harsh for certain childcare surfaces.
- Avoid products with warning labels such as “danger” or “flammable.” Instead, look for those labelled with “caution” or “warning,” as they are typically less harmful.
- Choose cleaning products that feature keywords like “natural ingredients,” “non-toxic,” “biodegradable,” and “citrus-based.”
- Whenever possible, steer clear of products with warnings like, “Ensure the room is ventilated,” “Wear protective eyewear and/or gloves,” “Harmful if swallowed,” or “Irritant.”
- Opt for pump sprays instead of aerosols.
- Select products that are packaged to minimise spills, leaks, and the risk of child tampering.
Tips for Preventing the Spread of Germs in ChildCare Centers
It’s crucial for child care facilities to control the spread of germs while ensuring children are safe from harmful chemicals. We can protect them by selecting reliable products and using chemicals responsibly. It’s important to understand that disinfecting, sanitising, and cleaning each serve different purposes.
- Washing with soap and water, along with proper handwashing, will remove most germs, but some areas require more than just general cleaning.
- Disinfectants are your most powerful tool against germs, particularly in toilet and diaper-changing areas. Disinfectants kill all germs.
- For surfaces that come into contact with food or objects that go in children’s mouths, you’ll need a sanitizer. While not as strong as disinfectants, sanitizers reduce germs to a safe level.
- Household bleach is a common sanitizer and disinfectant, but it’s easy to overlook that it’s also toxic. A small amount of bleach mixed with water is sufficient; using more than necessary increases exposure and risk.
- Bleach loses its potency quickly when mixed with water, so you should prepare a fresh solution each day. Disinfectants are your strongest option. Start with regular-strength unscented bleach. Use a measuring tool or calibrated pump for accuracy, as it’s easier to get the concentration right when measuring in quarts rather than gallons. Mix one tablespoon of bleach per quart of cold water, or a quarter cup per gallon.
- To make a sanitizer, mix a quarter teaspoon of bleach per quart of water, or one teaspoon per gallon. Test the strength of your sanitizer after mixing.
- Before applying your solution, wash the surfaces with soap and rinse with water, as debris and soap residue can interfere with germ-killing effectiveness. Apply the solution from a bucket or spray it on, keeping it away from your face. Ensure the area is well-ventilated and keep children out.
- Once applied, allow the surface to air dry. If you need it dry sooner, wait two minutes before wiping it down. Remember, like all chemicals, bleach should be stored safely, away from children and food.
Call the Professional ChildCare Centre Cleaning Service
Hiring a professional commercial cleaning service can help you maximise your cleaning budget by providing a comprehensive cleaning for your childcare centre. With their expertise and experience, professional commercial cleaners can thoroughly clean your facility, saving you time and effort.
Professional cleaners have the knowledge and skills to effectively sanitise the facility, and they often have access to specialised tools and supplies that can remove dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants.
Another advantage of hiring a childcare centre cleaning service is the time and effort it saves. Cleaning a childcare centre is a time-consuming task, and outsourcing this work allows the staff to focus on other important responsibilities, like caring for the children.
Moreover, a professional commercial cleaning service can help create a more pleasant and welcoming environment for both children and their families. A clean, well-maintained centre projects a positive and professional image, which can help attract and retain families.
In summary, hiring a childcare centre cleaning service ensures the facility remains clean, healthy, and inviting, benefiting the children, staff, and families who use the centre.
At Clean Australia Service, we recognise the vital role that proper childcare cleaning plays in the health and comfort of children, staff, and families. That's why we provide comprehensive and tailored cleaning services designed to meet the specific needs of childcare centres. Our dedicated team of experienced cleaners uses top-of-the-line equipment and supplies to ensure a thorough and effective cleaning every time.
Don't delay—schedule regular cleaning services with Clean Australia Service today and give your childcare centre the clean, safe environment it deserves!