TL;DR
Keeping your daycare clean is essential to prevent illness outbreaks among children. Daycares are hotspots for germs, and infections can spread rapidly without proper disinfecting.
✅ Why it matters: It protects children, ensures compliance with health regulations, and reassures parents.
✅ How to disinfect properly: Focus on high-touch areas, use EPA-approved disinfectants, clean before disinfecting, and maintain air quality.
✅ Common mistakes: Using ineffective products, skipping toys, neglecting cleaning schedules, and not allowing disinfectants enough dwell time.
✅ How often? High-touch areas: multiple times a day. General cleaning: daily. Deep cleaning: weekly or bi-weekly.
Introduction
If you own a Daycare, it is extremely important to know how to keep your daycare clean and disease free.
The thing with daycares and kids catching flu is that, it may start with just a few sniffles, constant contact with infected areas on a day to day basis, and by the end of the week, nearly half the kids may be sick with a flu.
When the occurrence is repetitive, the teachers may scramble to disinfect surfaces, but by then, it may be too late—the outbreak has spread.
Research has shown that daycares can be hotspots for germs, leading to frequent illness among children.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that children in daycare facilities are two to three times more likely to contract infections compared to those who stay at home.
Another study published in the American Journal of Infection Control highlighted that proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols in daycare settings can reduce the spread of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses by up to 50%
These studies emphasize the importance of regular and effective disinfecting practices in daycare centers.
At Mirola Cleaning Services, we understand the critical role cleanliness plays in keeping children healthy.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about daycare disinfecting, from essential techniques to best practices, ensuring your daycare remains a safe haven for little ones.
Why Is Daycare Disinfecting So Important?
1. Protecting Children from Illnesses
Young children have developing immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections like the flu, common cold, and stomach bugs. Without proper disinfecting, germs can spread rapidly, causing frequent outbreaks.
2. Compliance with Health Regulations
State and federal health authorities require strict sanitation standards in daycare facilities. Failure to comply can lead to penalties, closures, or reputational damage.
3. Peace of Mind for Parents & Staff
Parents trust daycare centers with their children’s well-being. A clean environment reassures them that their child is in a safe, healthy space. Likewise, staff members benefit from reduced exposure to harmful pathogens.
How to Properly Disinfect a Daycare Facility
A daycare cleaning routine isn’t just about wiping down surfaces—it’s about using the right products and techniques to eliminate germs effectively.
Step 1: High-Touch Areas Need Special Attention
Focus on frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, toys, tables, and chairs. Studies show that viruses can linger on plastic surfaces for up to 72 hours!
Step 2: Use EPA-Approved Disinfectants
Not all cleaning products are created equal. Always use disinfectants approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that are proven to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Step 3: Follow the Right Cleaning Sequence
A common mistake is disinfecting before cleaning. Dirt and grime can shield germs, rendering disinfectants less effective. Always clean first, then disinfect.
Step 4: Don’t Forget Soft Surfaces
Carpets, rugs, and plush toys can harbor dust mites and bacteria. Use steam cleaning and machine-washable methods to keep them sanitary.
Step 5: Air Quality Matters Too
Proper ventilation helps reduce airborne germs. Regularly change HVAC filters and use air purifiers for an extra layer of protection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Disinfecting a Daycare
- Using the Wrong Products – Not all cleaning products kill germs effectively. Always check the labels for EPA approval.
- Ignoring Toys and Play Areas – Toys pass through multiple hands daily, making them a hotbed for germs.
- Skipping Regular Cleaning Schedules – Disinfecting isn’t a one-time thing. Daily and weekly schedules help maintain a clean environment.
- Not Allowing Disinfectants to Sit – Many disinfectants require a dwell time of at least 5–10 minutes to work effectively.
FAQ: How Often Should a Daycare Be Disinfected?
Q: Should we disinfect daily or weekly?
A: High-touch areas should be disinfected multiple times a day. Floors, bathrooms, and general surfaces should be disinfected at least once daily. Deep cleaning is recommended weekly or bi-weekly for optimal safety.
Are You Doing Enough to Keep Your Daycare Germ-Free?
What’s your current daycare disinfecting routine? Are you confident it meets health standards?
Drop a comment below and share your biggest cleaning challenge!
Let Mirola Cleaning Services Handle Your Daycare Cleaning Needs
At Mirola Cleaning Services, we specialize in professional daycare cleaning and disinfecting services in New Jersey.
Our trained staff uses child-safe, hospital-grade disinfectants to ensure the safest environment for your little ones.
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation!
Visit: www.mirolacleaningservices.com
Serving: New Jersey & surrounding areas
Let’s create a cleaner, healthier space for children—one disinfected surface at a time!