Childcare cleaning is one of the most important aspects of running a daycare. It’s a truth universally known that children love getting dirty; it’s in their nature. They run around, spill food, touch things they shouldn’t, and get messy quickly. It is part of the learning process. However, we as childcare centres have to ensure the place is clean and hygienically acceptable for the safety and wellbeing of our little ones. It is not easy and a task that requires energy, effort, and hard work.
Another issue that arises in a childcare centre is the spread of germs and sickness. It is inevitable with little kids who can’t communicate how they feel. The only way to reduce this spread of germs and disease is by keeping the premises clean and tidy. Clearing up after activities and wiping down workspaces are key.
Let’s look at how we can do our part in keeping the childcare centre clean and tidy!
Organize! Organize! Organize!
One of the main points in cleaning is to start by organizing yourself, and for that, you need to make a checklist. This is essential in getting yourself ready and knowing what areas need cleaning at what point. Organization is also a fantastic way of knowing if you have reached your targets, how much more cleaning is left and if you have missed anything. You can break your checklist into two categories. One checklist for essential tasks and another for minor tasks. While organizing your cleaning schedule, you can break down the daily, weekly, and monthly duties that need to be attended to. This helps the team at the childcare centre stay on top of what needs to be done. It also gives a timeframe of when the cleaning is required.
Now that you have a checklist sorted, the next step is to delegate. By doing so, you get the chance to allocate your staff to specific tasks and, if needed, get a cleaning company to do the heavy lifting type of cleaning. The places needing extra attention need to be carefully cleaned so as not to damage them, for example, the right tools, and products when cleaning windows and curtains.
Cleaning Tools
Below is a list of essential cleaning tools that you should have at your childcare centre. These tools will allow you to get your job done thoroughly and with convenience.
- Mops, brooms, and buckets
- Squeegee and microfiber cleaning cloths
- Vacuum cleaner
- Disinfectants, disinfectant wipes, wet wipes
- Cleaning solutions
Cleaning Throughout the day
There are some parts of the childcare centre that need cleaning continuously throughout the day. It is advisable to assign staff to follow up and do different tasks. This way, you don’t overload one person, and everyone gets to pitch in.
These places and items need to be cleaned each time before and after use.
- After each activity, make sure to wipe down the work surfaces and counters.
- After every toilet use, the seats and handles should be wiped down and disinfected.
- Toys that aren’t being used should be put away.
- Dirty toys should be put aside and separated to be cleaned thoroughly.
- Before preparing food, countertops and food prep stations should be cleaned.
- After preparing food, the countertops should be wiped down and disinfected.
- Sinks should be cleaned and free from food and debris.
- Dishes and other utensils should be washed and put away, out of reach.
- Highchairs and tables used during break time should be wiped and cleaned before and after use.
- Diaper changing tables and potty chairs need to be cleaned and disinfected after use.
- Use hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes after a diaper change.
- Dispose of diaper trash appropriately and don’t let them pile up in the waste.
Daily Cleaning Tasks
Let’s look at a list of areas that need daily cleaning.
- At the end of each day, make sure to wipe and spray down the toys that have been used. Don’t forget to put them back in the appropriate places.
- Mops and buckets need to be cleaned, washed, and dried as they are breeding grounds for germs.
- Clean and put away the art and craft supplies that were used.
- Do a final clean-up of the kitchen, utensils, and countertops.
- Sweep and mop the floors.
- Vacuum rugs and mats.
- Disinfect the door handles, light switches, and electronic equipment such as phones and computers.
- Wash any soiled linen and sleeping mats.
- Wipe down and disinfect the changing tables.
Make sure the place is kept neat, tidy, and fresh for the next day.
Weekly Cleaning Tasks
A weekly cleaning schedule is essential, too; this is for the cleaning tasks that require more deep cleaning and take a little longer to do. A tip to make this convenient is having a roster and breaking up the duties. You can even allocate specific dates to do these to ensure the job has been done.
- Disinfect and wipe down all the books and bookshelves.
- Dust, wipe and disinfect all cupboards and the items stored in them.
- Do a full vacuum and dusting of all the floors and walls.
- If you have an arts and crafts section, do a thorough cleaning, and get rid of any old or unnecessary items.
- Cribs and changing tables need to be disinfected and cleaned.
- Clean and wash all the toys and play clothes.
- Deep clean the kitchen and food prep areas.
- Deep clean the fridge and cabinets, check the expiration dates, and throw away old items.
- If the childcare centre has its own vehicle, such as a van, then be sure to give it a deep clean.
- Bathrooms need to be disinfected and deep cleaned.
- Remove and wash all the old linen and start the new week with fresh and clean linen.
Monthly Cleaning Tasks
A monthly cleaning schedule is for more of the maintenance side of your childcare centre. These tasks don’t need daily or weekly attention but do need an inspection and check-up monthly to ensure they are functioning smoothly and see if any replacements are required.
- Windows, blinds, and curtains need to be deep cleaned and inspected for any damages.
- Plumbing and drains cleaned, sanitized, and checked for leaks or blockages.
- Deep clean the furniture such as sofas and windowsills.
- Deep clean shelves and cabinets and reorganize storage containers.
A quick tip: You can change the layout of the furniture and renew decorations to give the space a new feel.
Finally! A professional Cleaner is an option.
Cleaning a childcare centre should be done thoroughly, and no spot left hidden. Every nook and corner should be considered and professionally cleaned. A great way to clean a daycare is by getting professional cleaners to take it off your hands. They know precisely what needs to be done, and it is hassle-free. One of Melbourne’s go-to professional and reliable cleaning services is Star Shining Facility Solutions.
The wonderful thing about having a professional cleaner is that they bring the tools. They have all the latest cleaning tools that can effectively clean your childcare centre, and what’s even great is they know how to use them properly. You may end up saving money by hiring a professional team to complete the tasks.
Done and Dusted!
Now that we looked at how and when childcare cleaning should be done, we are halfway there. All you need is to organize yourself and get going. Remember that a neat, clean, and tidy daycare centre is vital for the safety and wellbeing of those little bundles of joy. Seeing them happy and smiling throughout the day is the best part of the job. Get yourself a checklist, stock up on cleaning tools and scrub the place clean.