Date Posted:26 June 2023 

Creating a clean and safe environment is crucial for education and care services to promote the health and well-being of children, staff, and visitors. Effective environmental cleaning helps minimise the presence of germs on surfaces and reduces the risk of cross-infection.

Below you’ll find the key steps and considerations for cleaning your facility. These will help you to ensure a hygienic and healthy environment.

 

1. Importance of Environmental Cleaning

Environmental cleaning aims to reduce the number of germs on surfaces. Starting with the cleanest areas and progressing to the dirtier areas helps prevent cross-infection. Warm water is recommended for cleaning, but cold water can also be used effectively with thorough scrubbing.

 

2. Cleaning Routine Steps

  • Use detergent and warm water as per instructions on bottle
  • Vigorously rub the surface to physically remove germs
  • Rinse the surface with clean water
  • Dry the surface thoroughly

 

3. Your Equipment

Appropriate cleaning equipment includes mops with detachable heads, disposable or launderable cloths, and vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters. Maintaining, cleaning, and storing equipment properly is essential. Colour-coded cloths or sponges for different areas can help with organisation and prevent cross-contamination.

 

4. When to Clean

Different surfaces and areas require varying cleaning frequencies. 

 

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5. Special Considerations

  • Bathrooms and Toilets: Clean at least once a day, or more frequently if visibly dirty. Provide appropriate disposal bins for sanitary products.
  • Nappy Change Area: Clean thoroughly with detergent and water after each use. Soiled surfaces should be washed, rinsed, and dried.
  • Clothing and Linen: Wash staff clothing daily and children’s dress-up clothes weekly, both with detergent and hot water. Follow specific guidelines for washing linen.
  • Cots: Clean and change bedding promptly after a child soils the crib or cot, following proper hand hygiene protocols.
  • Toys: Wash toys daily, especially those used by younger children. Use warm water and detergent, and ensure thorough rinsing. Discard non-washable toys or assign them to individual children.
  • Other considerations: Properly clean and maintain cushions, carpets, mats, curtains, and toothbrushes to prevent the spread of germs. 

 

Maintaining clean education and care facilities is vital for the health and safety of children, staff, and visitors. By following proper cleaning procedures, using appropriate equipment, and adhering to recommended cleaning frequencies, you can create a hygienic environment that promotes the well-being of everyone involved.

 

For further information on this topic view the 5th edition “Staying Healthy. Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services” - June 2023, published by the Australian Government - National Health and Medical Research Council.