A childcare centre is more than a workplace. It’s a shared environment where young children learn, play, eat, and rest—often all in the same space. Because children’s immune systems are still developing, cleanliness isn’t just about appearance. It’s about safety, health, and trust.
Below are practical cleaning guidelines every childcare centre should follow to maintain a healthy and welcoming environment for children, educators, and families.
1. Prioritise High-Touch Areas
Children touch everything—tables, toys, door handles, chairs, shelves, and each other. These surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected more frequently than general areas.
Key focus points include:
- Door handles and light switches
- Tables and chairs
- Play equipment and shared learning materials
- Bathroom taps and flush buttons
Regular attention to these areas helps reduce the spread of germs and common childhood illnesses.
2. Clean Toys the Right Way
Toys are essential for learning, but they are also one of the biggest carriers of bacteria in childcare settings.
Best practice includes:
- Washing washable toys daily or as needed
- Disinfecting hard toys after use, especially if mouthed
- Removing damaged or difficult-to-clean toys from circulation
Toys should always be fully dry before being returned to play areas.
3. Maintain Bathroom and Nappy Change Hygiene
Bathrooms and nappy change areas require strict hygiene standards. These spaces should be cleaned multiple times throughout the day, not just once.
Important steps include:
- Disinfecting change tables after every use
- Cleaning toilets, sinks, and floors regularly
- Using disposable gloves and correct waste disposal
- Keeping hand-washing supplies stocked at all times
Clear procedures help staff maintain consistency and reduce cross-contamination.
4. Focus on Floor Cleanliness
Young children spend a lot of time on the floor—crawling, sitting, and playing. Floors should be treated as a high-contact surface.
Guidelines to follow:
- Vacuum carpets daily
- Mop hard floors with child-safe cleaning products
- Spot-clean spills immediately
- Schedule periodic deep cleaning for carpets and mats
Clean floors contribute significantly to overall hygiene and air quality.
5. Use Child-Safe Cleaning Products
Strong chemicals may clean well, but they can pose risks to children’s health. Childcare centres should use low-toxicity, non-irritating products wherever possible.
Always ensure:
- Cleaning products are stored securely and out of reach
- Product labels are followed correctly
- Areas are well-ventilated during and after cleaning
Safety should never be compromised for convenience.
6. Clean Kitchens and Eating Areas Thoroughly
Food preparation and eating spaces must meet high hygiene standards to prevent illness.
Best practices include:
- Cleaning and sanitising tables before and after meals
- Washing food prep surfaces thoroughly
- Emptying bins daily
- Regularly cleaning fridges, microwaves, and storage areas
Consistency in these areas helps protect children with allergies or sensitivities.
7. Establish a Clear Cleaning Schedule
A written cleaning schedule helps ensure nothing is missed and makes responsibilities clear for staff and cleaners.
A good schedule should:
- Separate daily, weekly, and monthly tasks
- Clearly outline who is responsible
- Be easy to follow and review
Documentation also supports compliance with childcare regulations and inspections.
8. Work With Professional Childcare Cleaners When Needed
While daily cleaning is essential, professional cleaners experienced in childcare environments can provide deeper, more specialised services.
This includes:
- After-hours cleaning
- Deep sanitisation
- Carpet and upholstery cleaning
- Infection control support during outbreaks
Choosing cleaners who understand childcare standards makes a noticeable difference.
Final Thoughts
Cleanliness in childcare centres isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating a safe, healthy space where children can grow and thrive. By following clear cleaning guidelines and maintaining consistent routines, centres can reduce illness, support staff wellbeing, and give families peace of mind.
A clean environment reflects care, responsibility, and professionalism—and in childcare, that matters more than anything.