Hand-washing correctly and frequently is part of keeping children healthy. Having
a regular schedule of cleaning and sanitizing is also necessary to reduce
the spread of germs and just as there are specific procedures to follow for
hand-washing, there are specific procedures to follow when you clean and
sanitize toys, surfaces, and equipment in your program.
Routine cleaning with soap and water is the most useful method for removing germs and
soil from toys, surfaces, and equipment, but some items and surfaces should be
sanitized or disinfected after cleaning with soap and water. One of the most
commonly used and most effective sanitizing solutions is a homemade
mixture of household bleach and water. The solution of bleach and water is easy
to mix, it's non-toxic when diluted according to directions, safe if handled
properly, and kills most infectious agents. Because bleach is inexpensive,
readily available, and so effective, it's the best choice for a sanitizing
solution. But, there may be some circumstances, like an allergy, that
require you to use something other than bleach for sanitizing. There are
acceptable commercial alternatives which can be used if the label indicates that
they're EPA-registered products that include directions for sanitizing and
disinfecting. If your program uses these products, be sure to read the label and
follow the directions on the bottle. When using bleach, it's a good idea to make
two solutions. One is for food contact surfaces, like countertops, tables and
high chair trays, and the other is for diapering surfaces, or surfaces that have
been contaminated by bodily fluids. To make the solution for
diapering and contaminated surfaces, mix one tablespoon of bleach with one quart
of cool water. To make the food surfaces solution, mix 1/2 teaspoon of bleach with
one quart of cool water. Use a soaking solution for toys that have been mouthed,
mixing one teaspoon of bleach with one gallon of cool water. Never mix bleach
with anything but fresh tap water. Other chemicals may react with bleach and
release a toxic chlorine gas. Keep any solutions you mix in labelled containers.
Keep the bleach solutions in a cool place out of direct sunlight and out of
the reach of children. A solution of bleach and water loses its strength very
quickly and easily, so mix small amounts of the solution fresh every day
to make sure it's effective. Any leftover solution should be discarded at the end
of the day. Here are the directions for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces.
Surfaces that are used for food preparation and eating, and bathrooms
including diaper changing areas, should be cleaned and sanitized in the
following manner. First, the surface should be washed with
soap and water and rinsed until it's clear of soap. Then spray the surface
with the appropriate spray solution until the surface glistens. Then let the
surface sit for two minutes and wipe with a paper towel or let it air dry.
Here are the directions for cleaning and sanitizing toys. Toys that children put
in their mouths should be washed and sanitized between
uses by individual children. If you can't wash a toy, put it in a bin reserved for
dirty toys out of reach of children. You can wash and dry the toys later at a
more convenient time and then transfer them to a bin for clean toys. To wash and
sanitize a hard plastic toy, scrub it in warm soapy water using a brush to reach
into the crevices. Rinse the toy in clean water,
then immerse the toy in the soaking bleach solution, one teaspoon of bleach
to one gallon of water, and allow it to soak for five minutes. Remove the toy
from the bleach solution, rinse well in clean water, and let it air dry. Hard
plastic toys that are washed in a dishwasher, or cloth toys washed in the
hot water cycle of a washing machine don't need to be sanitized. Stuffed toys
used only by a single child should be cleaned in a washing machine every week
or more frequently if heavily soiled. Toys and equipment used by older
children and not put into their mouths should be cleaned at least weekly and
when obviously soiled. These types of equipment include blocks, dolls, tricycles,
trucks, and other similar toys. Wash these with soap and water, then rinse and let
air dry. By following these basic tips for good sanitation, your child care
environment will be healthier and safer. This will allow you to focus on the most
important part of your job: spending quality time with the children in your
care.