Cleaning Guidelines for Childcare Centres

Childcare centres play an important role in fostering a safe and healthy environment for children. It ensures they can learn, play and grow safely. To achieve this, it is a good idea for childcare centres to follow strict cleaning guidelines that ensure the premise is hygienic and free from harmful germs and bacteria. We aim to in this blog, share some tips and cleaning guidelines that childcare centres in Australia should follow to help maintain a clean and healthy environment for children.

Childcare centres can develop a cleaning routine that outlines when and how often certain cleaning tasks will be performed. The schedule should include weekly, monthly and annual cleaning tasks. On a day-to-day basis, tasks should include cleaning all toys, high chairs, changing tables, high chairs and other frequently touched surfaces. The weekly tasks can include mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms and sanitising the food-making areas. The monthly tasks should include a deep cleaning of carpets as well as upholstery. Finally, annual tasks should include the air conditioning unit cleaning as well as any exhaust fans.

What Cleaning Products To Use?

Using effective and safe cleaning products approved for use in childcare centres is important. By using products that aren't toxic, non-irritating and ones without harsh chemicals would help protect children. The products must be labelled clearly and use common sense as well as referring to manufactuers instructions when unclear. The cleaning products should be stored out of reach of children, and in a place that is secure to mitigate any accidental ingestion of the harmful chemicals.

Hand Hygiene

If COVID has taught us one important thing, hand hygiene is the most important measure to prevent the spread of infections, this is more true in childcare centres. Childcare centres should prioritise and ensure staff, children and parents practise good hand hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alternatively, a hand sanitiser may also be suitable but should not contain less than 40% alcohol to ensure it can be used when soap and water isn't available.

What about Food Preparation Areas?

If your childcare centre's food preparation areas are cleaned and sanitised after each use, this will ensure your childcare minimises the chances of the spread of germs. This includes cleaning and sanitising all utensils, surfaces and equipment. Food should also be stored at the right temperatures to stop growth of harmful bacteria. Staff can also be trained in food handling and hygiene to help educate them and ensure food is prepared and stored safely.

How to manage waste disposal?

All rubbish bins should be emptied daily and the waste should be stored in an area away from children. By utising a waste management system, your childcare can ensure waste is disposed of safetly and hygienically. Nappies and other soiled items should also be disposed of in a seperate bin with a tight lid to prevent bacteria and germs from spreading.

Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment helps with health and safety of children in these centres. By following these guidlines, you can ensure that the premises are free from harmful germs and bacteria and provide a safe environment for children to learn and grow. As an Australian business, Neat Cleaning keeps these guidelines in mind when carrying out our professional childcare cleaning services. If you are in Brisbane North and surrounds, we can help with a weekly or monthly clean and help you raise your standards of cleanliness and hygiene. To get in touch call us on (07) 3888 0655