Keeping a daycare or preschool clean is crucial to prevent the spread of germs that cause illnesses such as the flu, cold sores, and the common cold.
However, the game has changed. Today, there’s a much greater need to keep gathering places clean as we’re facing the threat of COVID-19.
Nowadays, keeping your daycare or preschool clean isn’t just standard operating procedure—it’s critical for the health and safety of your client families. We’re learning more every day about COVID-19 and its possible impact on children, carrier profiles, symptoms, and other elements that can inform our business practices. However, since we still don’t know every bit of information, there are some steps we can take to keep everyone safe.
Cleaning vs. Sanitizing vs. Disinfecting
| Cleaning | Sanitizing | Disinfecting | |
| Definition | Removing dirt & debris by physically washing, scrubbing, and rinsing | Preventing growth of germs & bacteria | Apply disinfectant cleaner that kills virtually all germs |
| Examples | Soap & water, dishrag, paper towels | Most hand soaps, dishwashers, washing machines | Antibacterial wipesDisinfectant sprayBleach |
| Best for | Everything | Hands, dishes, clothing, fabrics | High touch surfaces like drinking fountains |
| When | Before sanitizing or disinfecting | Multiple times a day | Daily |
The Importance of Daycare and Preschool Cleaning
Anyone who has worked with children understands the vital need (and impossible challenge) of keeping surfaces clean. Small children touch everything, lick many things, and don’t always practice good hygiene when it comes to bathrooms, handwashing, eating, and touching one another.
Daycares and preschools are full of surfaces that need frequent cleaning, from play rugs to plastic toys to snack table countertops. Every single object and surface can become a breeding ground for viruses, even coronavirus. Children can bring in germs and bacteria from their own environments into your preschool or daycare, and share those germs with others; this can be particularly dangerous if they take home a virus that could threaten immunocompromised individuals in their home or neighborhood. Be sure to communicate expectations clearly with parents and caregivers to keep everyone safe.
Tips for Cleaning a Daycare or Preschool
We certainly need to be more vigilant as we strive to fight the COVID-19 strain in public places, but it can become a normal part of our routine if we just adopt better habits.
- Mandatory handwashing upon entering, exiting, and when changing activities
- Midday cleaning of surfaces with disinfectant
- Regular sanitizing of carpets, rugs, fabric toys and dress-ups, and dishware
- Use EPA approved disinfectants for cleaning and sanitization
- Enlist the help of a trustworthy and thorough cleaning service
- Monitor symptoms in children
- Stay up-to-date on best practices regarding coronavirus safety and local guidelines for gatherings and businesses
We’ll weather this storm together and provide the valuable service of preschool or daycare for working parents in need—and do it safely.
Professional Cleaning with Town & Country Office Cleaning
Now more than ever, you can benefit from professional cleaning that will make your job easier and put parents’ minds at rest. Contact Town & Country Office Cleaning for your preschool or daycare cleaning needs today and receive a free estimate. We serve Salt Lake County.
