Anyone who works with young children will understand that keeping nurseries and daycare centres clean and hygienic is vitally important. In this article, we will delve into the details of nursery cleaning practices and provide readers with a daycare cleaning checklist. This list explains the difference between cleaning and sanitising alongside what areas take the highest priority.
Why Is Keeping a Daycare Clean So Important?
Young children are still developing their immune systems, so they are more prone to infection. Their tendency to touch surfaces and put items in their mouths means germs spread rapidly. A shared environment, such as a day nursery, must minimise the risk of illnesses by implementing a thorough cleaning checklist.
The Ultimate Childcare Cleaning Checklist
When it comes to putting together a daycare cleaning checklist, it can be difficult to know where to start and what to focus on. Certain areas, like food preparation surfaces and highchairs, need to be wiped clean after every use. However, refrigerators, walls and individual bedding only require weekly sanitising.
Whilst daily cleaning removes dirt from frequently used areas, it is not enough to prevent the spread of germs. An effective nursery cleaning checklist will combine day-to-day sanitising with deep cleaning, so that no areas are overlooked.
1. Disinfect toys and play areas
One of the positives of children attending daycare centres is the chance to interact with others and develop their social skills. Play areas and shared toys can harbour germs, so they need to be regularly disinfected. Soft, porous toys, such as teddies, need to be washed thoroughly after use.
2. Wipe down tables, chairs and surfaces.Â
Tables, chairs and surfaces are in constant use, so it’s essential they are wiped down and disinfected every time.
3. Sanitise nappy-changing stations
Nappy-changing stations require frequent cleaning to prevent the risk of transferable infections. There are eco and child-friendly cleaning products that are safe to use around children, without compromising on effectiveness.Â
4. Clean toilets and handwashing areas
Keeping toilets and handwashing areas, including staff areas, sanitised is vital for infection control.
5. Vacuum and mop floors
Children are always crawling around the floor, so making sure areas are mopped and vacuumed daily is essential. Crumbs, food and foot traffic can make floors unhygienic, so cleaning them regularly gives peace of mind to staff and parents alike.
6. Wash bedding and nap mats.
Bedding and nap mats should be washed on a regular basis. Whilst items reserved for individual use can be cleaned weekly, shared items should be sanitised every day.
7. Disinfect door handles, light switches and shared items
Most of us don’t think twice about flicking on a light switch or opening a door; these common touch points can be a major source of contamination.
8. Empty and sanitise binsÂ
Overflowing and dirty bins are bad news for infection control. Therefore, monitoring and regular cleaning of these items provides a barrier against germs spreading.
Nursery Cleaning Checklist: Final Thoughts
We hope this article has given some insight into the importance of a daycare cleaning checklist. Remember, the team at Scott & Sons is highly experienced in nursery cleaning and provides regular support for daycare centres across the region. Why not get in touch with us to find out more?
