The Ultimate Guide to Childcare Cleaning Standards: Keeping Kids Safe and Healthy

Wondering if your childcare centre is as clean as it should be? When it comes to young children, maintaining strict cleaning standards isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a priority for their safety and health.

Parents expect a clean and hygienic environment, and for good reason.

Little hands touch everything, and germs can spread in no time. This guide to childcare cleaning standards will help you understand what it takes to create a sanitary, healthy space for children and provide peace of mind for parents.

Why Are Childcare Cleaning Standards Important?

Cleanliness in childcare settings goes far beyond appearances. Effective cleaning protocols can reduce illness, prevent infections, and ensure that young children are playing and learning in a safe environment. Here’s why strict childcare cleaning standards are essential:

• Reduces Spread of Illness: Kids’ immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to viruses and bacteria.
• Promotes Safe Play and Learning: A clean space means fewer hazards, from sticky surfaces to harmful germs on toys and tables.
• Builds Trust with Parents: Parents feel reassured knowing that their child’s childcare centre prioritises health and hygiene.
• Protects Staff and Reduces Absenteeism: Clean facilities keep staff healthy, reducing sick days and maintaining a positive work environment.

Childcare Cleaning Standards: What’s Required?

In Australia, childcare cleaning standards are strict, and for good reason. Proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures must be followed in all childcare settings to keep children safe and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. Let’s break down the primary areas that childcare cleaning standards cover.

1. Daily Cleaning and Disinfection

Childcare centres are high-touch environments, with little hands on toys, tables, and surfaces all day long. Daily cleaning and disinfecting are critical to reducing the spread of germs.

• High-Touch Surfaces: Disinfect tables, chairs, door handles, light switches, and handrails multiple times a day.
• Toys and Play Areas: Clean and disinfect all toys, play surfaces, and shared materials daily to prevent cross-contamination.
• Bathrooms and Nappy Change Areas: Disinfect nappy change stations after every use and clean bathroom facilities thoroughly at least once a day.

2. Kitchen and Food Prep Areas

Food preparation and serving areas in childcare centres need to meet the highest hygiene standards to prevent foodborne illnesses.

• Food Surfaces and Utensils: Clean and sanitise all surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils before and after every use.
• Refrigerators and Storage: Clean and check refrigerators and food storage regularly to ensure they’re working properly and not harbouring any bacteria.
• Hand Hygiene for Staff: Staff must wash hands thoroughly before preparing or serving food, and hand sanitiser should always be available.

3. Bedding and Rest Areas

For centres that provide nap time or sleep spaces, maintaining a clean and hygienic rest area is essential.

• Clean Bedding Regularly: Wash blankets, sheets, and pillowcases weekly or after any child shows signs of illness.
• Disinfect Mats and Cots: Wipe down sleeping mats and cots daily with a safe disinfectant to avoid spreading germs.
• Assign Personal Bedding: If possible, provide individual bedding for each child to reduce cross-contamination.

4. Outdoor Play Equipment and Spaces

Children love playing outside, but outdoor play areas are prone to dirt and germs as well. Regular cleaning of outdoor play equipment helps minimise hazards and maintain a hygienic environment.

• Clean Play Equipment: Wash and disinfect outdoor toys and playground equipment weekly.
• Sanitise Sandpits: Rake and disinfect sandpits regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.
• Check for Hazards: Regularly inspect outdoor areas for hazards, like broken equipment or accumulated dirt, to ensure children’s safety.

Best Practices for Meeting Childcare Cleaning Standards

Maintaining childcare cleaning standards requires a systematic approach. Here are some essential tips and practices for keeping up with these high standards.

1. Develop a Cleaning Schedule

• Ensure all areas, from bathrooms to play zones, are cleaned and sanitised on a regular basis. A cleaning checklist can help maintain consistency and accountability.

2. Train Staff Thoroughly

• All staff members should be trained in proper cleaning and disinfection techniques. This training should include hand hygiene, safe handling of cleaning products, and knowing when to escalate cleaning frequency.

3. Use Child-Safe Cleaning Products

• Use non-toxic, child-safe disinfectants, especially for surfaces that little ones frequently touch. Look for products approved by the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association.

4. Implement a Clean-As-You-Go Policy

• Encourage staff to clean up spills and messes immediately rather than waiting until the end of the day. Quick responses to messes help prevent accidents and minimise the spread of germs.

5. Practice Regular Health Screenings

• Screen children and staff for signs of illness. Having a clear illness policy and sticking to it helps keep contagious illnesses from spreading.

Meeting and Exceeding Childcare Cleaning Standards: Benefits

Keeping a childcare facility clean is a big job, but the benefits are well worth it.

1. Reduced Illness Transmission

With proper cleaning protocols, viruses and bacteria are less likely to spread among children and staff. This means fewer colds, less flu, and fewer days missed due to illness.

2. Improved Parent Satisfaction

Parents are more likely to choose a childcare centre that prioritises cleanliness and health. A well-maintained environment shows parents you care about their child’s safety and well-being.

3. Safer Play Environment

A clean and organised space minimises hazards, making it a safer place for children to play, explore, and learn.

4. Staff Health and Wellbeing

Cleaner facilities mean staff members are less exposed to germs, making it easier for them to stay healthy and maintain consistent attendance.

Final Thoughts

Keeping a childcare centre clean isn’t just about wiping down tables and sweeping floors. It’s about creating a safe, healthy environment where children can play, learn, and grow.

By following strict childcare cleaning standards, centres can prevent the spread of illness, increase parents' peace of mind, and create a more welcoming space for children and staff alike.

Want to ensure your childcare facility meets the highest standards of cleanliness? Perth Express Cleaning is here to help you learn how our professional cleaning services can help you maintain a safe, hygienic environment that meets all regulatory standards.

FAQs

How often should toys be cleaned in a childcare centre?

Toys should be cleaned and disinfected daily in childcare centres. For soft toys, which may not withstand daily washing, it’s best to launder them weekly or as needed when visibly soiled.

What type of cleaning products should be used in childcare facilities?

Use non-toxic, child-safe disinfectants. Avoid harsh chemicals that could irritate children’s skin or respiratory systems, and always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe use.

Are there special cleaning requirements during flu season?

Yes, during flu season (or any time illness is circulating), increase the frequency of cleaning high-touch surfaces and common areas. Encourage children and staff to practice good hand hygiene.

How can a childcare centre keep bathrooms and nappy-changing areas sanitary?

Clean and disinfect nappy changing stations after each use, and thoroughly clean bathrooms at least once daily. Keep soap and sanitiser stocked, and ensure staff wear gloves when changing nappies.

Do outdoor play areas need to be cleaned as often as indoor spaces?

Outdoor play equipment should be cleaned weekly and after any spills or messes. Regular cleaning of sandpits and playground equipment helps maintain a safe, hygienic outdoor environment for children.