Daycare centers are environments where young children spend a significant portion of their day, so cleanliness is crucial to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses. Dust, dirt, and allergens can trigger allergies in children. Effective cleaning practices, including dusting, vacuuming, and sanitizing, can help create an allergen-free environment, ensuring that children with allergies can attend without discomfort.
More importantly, a clean and organized environment promotes positive child development. Children thrive in spaces that are neat, orderly, and free from distractions. It helps create a conducive atmosphere for learning and play. If you manage or are planning on starting a daycare center, here are some cleaning tips to keep in mind:
- Develop a Cleaning Schedule
A daycare can get busy, and a fixed cleaning schedule can help you stay on top of your chores. Create a detailed cleaning schedule that outlines daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks. To make things easier, assign specific responsibilities to staff members to ensure accountability.
- Use Child-Friendly Cleaning Products
When it comes to daycare cleaning, it is imperative to choose cleaning products that are safe for children and the environment. You must use non-toxic, eco-friendly, and fragrance-free options to eliminate the risk of allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
- Daily Cleaning Checklist
A daily cleaning list can ease the burden on the cleaning staff. It is crucial to disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, toys, and play equipment multiple times a day. If you have one, clean and sanitize diaper changing stations after each use.
More importantly, ensure that eating and food preparation areas are thoroughly cleaned after meals. Your daily cleaning list must include vacuuming and mopping floors to remove dirt, dust, and germs.
- Weekly Cleaning Checklist
Once a week, wash and sanitize all toys, including stuffed animals and soft toys, in a washing machine or with non-toxic disinfectant solutions. Clean and sanitize bathroom facilities, including toilets, sinks, and changing tables. Last but not least, launder bedding, curtains, and any other fabric materials.
- Monthly Cleaning Checklist
Deep cleaning of carpets and rugs is essential to remove dirt, allergens, and stains. While you are at it, thoroughly inspect and clean air vents and HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality. Check for any signs of mold or mildew and address them promptly.
- Sanitize and Disinfect
Use an EPA-approved disinfectant to sanitize surfaces and toys. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper dilution and contact time. You must pay special attention to high-touch surfaces like light switches, door handles, and faucet handles.
- Organize and Declutter
Keep toys and materials well-organized to prevent clutter, which can harbor germs.
Regularly rotate toys to ensure they are cleaned and sanitized, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
- Train Staff
To ensure that every cleaning task is accomplished optimally, it is important to provide training to staff members on proper cleaning and sanitation procedures. Emphasize the importance of handwashing and maintaining personal hygiene amongst your staff.
- Hand Hygiene
Place hand sanitizer stations in strategic locations throughout the daycare center to encourage frequent handwashing for both children and staff. Additionally, you should also help children and staff understand the benefits of frequent hand sanitization.
Keep Your Daycare Clean With Tidy Team
By following these expert cleaning tips, you can create a clean and safe environment for children in your daycare center. Remember, regular cleaning and hygiene practices are essential to prevent the spread of illnesses and provide a healthy learning environment.
If you don’t have a dedicated cleaning staff and are looking for a competent team to keep your daycare clean and well-maintained, Tidy Team can help. Our cleaning experts are ready to face any challenges you throw at them and can work around your schedule. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get your quote!