Cleaning & Disinfection in Nurseries & Daycares

The Importance of Cleanliness in Childcare Facilities

When it comes to health and safety, maintaining cleanliness and preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses are always top priorities. This concern becomes even more critical when the environment involves vulnerable individuals, such as children.

Children often have developing immune systems, are less able to communicate illness symptoms, and may engage in unsanitary behaviours—like putting objects in their mouths or accidents that every parent dreads. These factors make proper cleaning even more vital in spaces where children spend time, such as nurseries, daycare centres, and other childcare facilities.

Cleaning vs Sanitising: What’s the Difference?

It’s essential to understand the difference between cleaning and sanitising in childcare settings. Cleaning involves removing dirt, dust, and grime from surfaces. While this can reduce the number of germs, it doesn't eliminate them entirely. In some environments, this may be sufficient, but when it comes to childcare, it’s not enough.

Sanitising, on the other hand, refers to reducing harmful bacteria to a level that poses no risk to health, or ideally, eliminating them completely. This often involves the use of disinfectants or high temperatures to kill germs. However, sanitising doesn’t necessarily mean that the item is entirely clean—it’s crucial to do both cleaning and sanitising to ensure the highest standards of hygiene.

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How to Clean and Sanitise Children’s Toys

General Cleaning Tips

For most items, such as toys and surfaces, a general-purpose soap or cleaner will do the job. Wipe down the surface with warm, soapy water, then rinse with clean water to remove any residue.

Sanitising Children’s Toys

When it comes to sanitising, choose a high-quality disinfectant that is both hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. These products are designed to ensure safety, even in small amounts. Always follow the product’s instructions, such as allowing the disinfectant to sit for a recommended time before rinsing off.

Soft, Porous Toys

For soft toys like stuffed animals or porous items like wooden blocks or cardboard books, use a suitable cleaning solution. Wash these items with warm water, and if they’re machine washable, use a high-temperature setting. Always disinfect before washing, not after, to avoid leaving traces of disinfectant that could be ingested by children.

Hard, Non-Porous Toys

For smooth, non-porous toys such as plastic blocks or action figures, wash them with warm, soapy water. Afterward, dry thoroughly before sanitising with hot water and disinfectant. Make sure to rinse and dry once more to eliminate any remaining cleaning products.

Electronic or Technological Toys

Electronic toys should never be washed directly with water. Instead, wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe or use a disinfectant solution on a cloth. Avoid spraying the disinfectant directly onto the toy; spray it onto the cloth first to prevent liquid from entering the device.

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When to Consider Professional Cleaning Services

Regular cleaning and sanitising are crucial for ensuring a safe environment for children. However, periodic deep cleaning is also necessary, especially in larger facilities or following illness outbreaks. Professional cleaning services like Best Home Services can help maintain the highest hygiene standards in childcare settings with minimal disruption to daily activities.

At Best Home Services, we offer expert cleaning solutions in London tailored to nurseries, daycare centres, and other childcare facilities. Our trained cleaning operatives are equipped to deliver thorough, high-quality cleaning, sanitising, and disinfection services, ensuring a clean, safe environment for both children and staff. Let us handle the cleaning, so you can focus on providing exceptional care.