Keeping your kids healthy takes more than a quick swipe and spray. It requires a proper cleaning plan, the right cleaning products, professional cleaners, and a regular cleaning routine. Harmony Clean has built this childcare cleaning guide that is suitable for all families, educators, and child care centre managers. It covers everything from cleaning techniques, regulations, to product safety, and cleaning checklists.
Why Is Childcare Cleaning Important?
Children explore the world with their hands and mouths. They share toys, crawl across floors, move constantly, and then touch their faces. This is why cleaning in childcare centres must be consistent and detail-driven.
- Developing immune systems: Because immunity is building, young kids are more susceptible to germs and bacteria in group settings. Regular cleaning helps prevent illnesses caused by a dirty environment.
- Shared environments amplify risk: Common areas, play areas, classrooms, nap rooms, and bathrooms are places which accelerate the spread of illness if hygiene is not maintained.
- Builds confidence and compliance: A clean environment reassures parents and staff. It also helps centres meet licensing and health standards so programmes keep operating smoothly.
What a Childcare Cleaning Service Should Incorporate?
Not all cleaning services are designed for childcare. You need to look for a proper cleaning provider.
Vetted & Trained People
Professional cleaners working in childcare should be police-vetted and inducted in child-safe practice before attending the site.
Child-Safe Methods
The cleaning team should use correct dilution, rinsing, and safe product storage to protect little ones.
Custom Scheduling
Cleaning schedules need to work around each room’s requirements and rhythm. This ensures proper learning without disruption.
Selection of Cleaning Products
Children are close to the floor and put objects in their mouths, so product choice is very important.
- Low-perfume options for routine cleaning: Non-toxic or low-odour cleaning products keep indoor air quality comfortable for the little ones and staff.
- Hospital-grade disinfectants where appropriate: Bathrooms and change tables often require hospital-grade products that eliminate germs efficiently.
- Check product suitability for childcare: Cleaning solutions should be carefully selected so they are appropriate and safe for children and staff.
- Keep chemicals out of reach: All products should be stored in locked cupboards, in original containers, and with labels intact so children cannot access them.
Cleaning, Sanitising, & Disinfecting
Getting the sequence right during cleaning is very important.
- Always clean first: Cleaning removes visible dust, dirt and organic matter. Use chemical-free products and water to clean the area thoroughly.
- Sanitising food-contact surfaces: Sanitising reduces bacteria on food-contact surfaces like high-chair trays and tables to safe levels.
- Disinfect non-food-contact surfaces: Disinfecting is used for bathroom surfaces, nappy-change areas, and high-touch points to eliminate a broader range of germs.
How often should you do each step?
The consistency with which each of the steps is carried out is also important in cleaning.
- Clean visibly dirty surfaces throughout the day
Surfaces should be cleaned immediately after meals and play, so dirt does not accumulate.
- Sanitise items that touch the mouth frequently
Places like high-chair trays and feeding areas should be sanitised frequently to prevent transmission of micro-organisms.
- Disinfect bathrooms and change areas daily
Toilets, basins, taps, partitions, and changing surfaces should be disinfected daily to protect children and staff.
Best Practice for Toys, Play, Food, and Bathrooms
Here are some of the best practices to follow while cleaning different areas and things in a childcare centre.
Toys and Learning Materials
- Wash toys before you disinfect: Hard toys should be washed in warm, soapy water and rinsed thoroughly to remove grime before disinfecting.
- Avoid disinfectants on fabric toys: Residues of disinfectants can linger on soft toys. They can be washed in a hot cycle.
- Allow full drying time: Cleaned items should be air-dried completely so that moisture does not trap germs.
Play Areas and High-Touch Surfaces
- Prioritise high-touch areas: Door handles, railings, tablet screens, and shared craft tools should receive extra attention.
- Reset play areas each evening: Cleaning and sanitising play areas at the end of each day ensures surfaces are dry and ready for morning arrival.
Food Preparation and Dining
- Clean & sanitise: Benches and tables should be cleaned first and then sanitised with a food-safe product.
- Handle food safely: Easily perishable food must be temperature-controlled, and fridges should be checked frequently.
- Clean cookware properly: Cookware and cooking supplies should be washed, rinsed, sanitised, and air-dried properly.
Bathrooms and Diaper-Change Areas
- Disinfect every time: Toilets, change mats, and bins should be cleaned and then disinfected to eliminate germs effectively.
- Empty waste: Nappy bins need to be lined, hands-free, and emptied daily or more often during busy periods.
Why You Should Work With Harmony Clean
Choosing a childcare cleaning partner is about trust, consistency, and calm.
- Child-safe methods: We prioritise products and processes that are effective against germs yet appropriate for childcare centres. We ventilate spaces so the environment stays comfortable for both the children and staff.
- Police-vetted, trained professional cleaners: Every team member is background-checked and inducted in child-safe practice, correct dilution and dwell times, toy handling, and safe storage of cleaning products.
- Rapid communication: You get a dedicated team for fast responses and prompt help.
- Fair & transparent pricing: Our pricing is clear, with service levels you can compare. We do not surprise you with hidden fees.
- Local & committed: We understand local regulations and expectations. And most importantly, we care about the well-being of your children.
Creating Healthy Spaces Where Children Thrive
A spotless and hygienic place keeps children learning and laughing. The goal of childcare cleaning is not just shiny floors, but fewer sick days, a calmer environment, and confident kids. With the right plan, products, and people, cleanliness becomes part of how you create safe, joyful places to grow.
If you are in Christchurch, contact Harmony Clean to design a programme that protects your kids, respects your routines, and keeps your childcare centre and schools sparkling clean.