Resource
Cleaning and sanitizing
Routine cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces will help to reduce the spread of infection and disease. School Boards have policies on cleaning and sanitizing in schools.
Cleaning is the removal of visible dirt from a surface.
Sanitizing is done after cleaning to reduce the number of germs remaining on a surface to a safe level.
A surface cannot be properly sanitized until it has first been thoroughly cleaned.
How to clean
- Remove visible dirt by wiping it up with a clean, wet cloth and a little household cleaning detergent.
- Wipe off excess water.
How to sanitize
- Wipe with a mixture of one teaspoon (5 ml) of household bleach (5% - 6% chlorine) in two cups (1/2 litre) of water.
- Let stand for a minute and dry with a clean cloth.
Sanitizers other than bleach
When using sanitizers other than bleach. Read the entire label. Use the product exactly as directed on the label.
Other sanitizers may be used but must be suitable for the intended purpose, especially on food contact surfaces or objects children may put in their mouths.
Cleaning and sanitizing guide
Kitchen
| Surface or Item | Procedure | When |
|---|---|---|
|
Counters |
Clean |
Before & after each use |
|
Food contact surfaces, dishes, trays, tabletops, bib |
Clean and sanitize |
Before & after each use |
|
Sinks |
Clean and sanitize |
After each use |
|
Cleaning cloths |
Launder |
Daily |
Bathroom
| Surface or Item | Procedure | When |
|---|---|---|
|
Diaper table, potty |
Clean and sanitize |
After each use |
|
Toilet, floor, sinks |
Clean and sanitize |
Daily & when soiled |
Sleep room
| Surface or Item | Procedure | When |
|---|---|---|
|
Bedding |
Launder |
Between children & when soiled |
|
Cribs, playpens |
Clean and sanitize |
Between children & when soiled |
|
Sleep mats |
Clean and sanitize |
When soiled |
Floors
| Surface or Item | Procedure | When |
|---|---|---|
|
All floors |
Vacuum or sweep |
Daily |
|
Smooth |
Wash |
Weekly & when dirty |
|
Carpet in infant & toddler rooms |
Clean (steam or hot water) |
Every 3 months |
|
Carpet in over three rooms |
Clean (steam or hot water) |
Every 6-12 months |
Miscellaneous
| Surface or Item | Procedure | When |
|---|---|---|
|
Cleaning cloths |
Launder |
After each use |
|
Wet mops |
Rinse with sanitizer solution and dry with head up |
After each use |
Resources
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Cleaning and sanitizing guide
Print this page as featured in the guide book Sneezes & Diseases: A Resource Book for Caregivers & Parents
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