Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfection Frequency Table

Cleaning, Sanitizing,

and Disinfection

Frequency Table

Deinitions

› Cleaning

–Physically removing all dirt and contamination, oftentimes using

soap and water. The friction of cleaning removes most germs and exposes any

remaining germs to the eects of a sanitizer or disinfectant used later.

› Sanitizing

–Reducing germs on inanimate surfaces to levels considered

safe by public health codes or regulations. Sanitizing may be appropriate

for food service tables, high chairs, toys, and paciiers.

› Disinfecting–Destroying or inactivating most germs on any inanimate object,

but not bacterial spores. Disinfecting may be appropriate for diaper tables,

door and cabinet handles, toilets, and other bathroom surfaces.

› Detergent–A cleaning agent that helps dissolve and remove dirt and grease

from fabrics and surfaces. Soap can be considered a type of detergent.

› Dwell Time–The duration a surface must remain wet with

a sanitizer/disinfectant to work eectively.

› Germs–Microscopic living things (such as bacteria, viruses,

parasites and fungi) that cause disease.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfection Frequency Table

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Frequency Table

Relevant to NAEYC Standard 5 (Health), especially Topic C: Maintaining a Healthful Environment

Areas

Before

each

Use

After

each

Use

Daily

(End of

the Day)

Weekly Monthly Comments

Food Areas

Food preparation

surfaces

Clean,

and then

Sanitize

Clean,

and then

Sanitize

Use a sanitizer safe for

food contact

Eating utensils &

dishes

Clean,

and then

Sanitize

If washing the dishes

and utensils by hand,

use a sanitizer safe for

food contact as the inal

step in the process;

use of an automated

dishwasher will sanitize

Tables &

highchair trays

Clean,

and then

Sanitize

Clean,

and then

Sanitize

Countertops

Clean

Clean,

and then

Sanitize

Use a sanitizer safe for

food contact

Food preparation

appliances

Clean

Clean,

and then

Sanitize

Mixed use tables

Clean,

and then

Sanitize

Before serving food

Refrigerator

Clean

Toilet &

Diapering Areas

Changing tables

Clean,

and then

Disinfect

Clean with detergent,

rinse, disinfect

Potty chairs

Clean,

and then

Disinfect

Use of potty chairs is

not recommended,

but if used should be

cleaned and disinfected

after each use.

Hand washing

sinks & faucets

Clean,

and then

Disinfect

Countertops

Clean,

and then

Disinfect

Toilets

Clean,

and then

Disinfect

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfection Frequency Table

Areas

Before

each

Use

After

each

Use

Daily

(End of

the Day)

Weekly Monthly Comments

Diaper pails

Clean,

and then

Disinfect

Floors

Clean,

and then

Disinfect

Damp mop with a loor

cleaner/disinfectant

Child Care Areas

Plastic mouthed

toys

Clean

Clean,

and then

Sanitize

Paciiers

Clean

Clean,

and then

Sanitize

Reserve for use by

only one child; use

dishwasher or boil for

one minute

Hats

Clean

Clean after each use if

head lice present

Door & cabinet

handles

Clean,

and then

Disinfect

Floors

Clean

Sweep or vacuum, then

damp mop, (consider

micro iber damp

mop to pick up most

particles)

Carpets

and

Large Area Rugs

Clean Clean

Daily: Vacuum

when

children are not

present; clean with a

carpet cleaning method

consistent with local

health regulations and

only when children will

not be present until the

carpet is dry

Monthly: Wash carpets

at least monthly in

infant areas and at least

every three months in

other areas, or when

soiled

Small Rugs

Clean Clean

Daily: Shake outdoors

or vacuum

Weekly: Launder

Machine

washable cloth

toys

Clean Launder

Dress-up clothes

Clean Launder

Play activity

centers

Clean

Areas

Before

each

Use

After

each

Use

Daily

(End of

the Day)

Weekly Monthly Comments

Drinking

Fountains

Clean,

and then

Disinfect

Computer

keyboards

Clean,

and then

Sanitize

Use sanitizing wipes, do

not use spray

Phone receivers

Clean

Sleeping Areas

Bed sheets &

pillow cases

Clean

Clean before use by

another child

Cribs, cots, &

mats

Clean

Clean before use by

another child

Blankets

Clean

1 Denitions and table adapted from: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, National

Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education. Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety

Performance Standards; Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs. http://cfoc.nrckids.org.

2 Routine cleaning with detergent (see denition above) and water is the most useful method for removing germs from surfaces

in the child care setting. Safer cleaning products are not only less-toxic and environmentally safer, but they also often cost the

same or less than conventional cleaners. Green Seal and UL/EcoLogo are non-prot companies that research and certify

products that are biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

3 Sanitizing and disinfecting can be achieved with a solution of chlorine bleach and water. However, the use of chlorine bleach

for disinfecting and sanitizing is not a requirement; there are other EPA-approved sanitizing and disinfecting agents that can be

used instead of chlorine bleach/water solutions. When purchasing products, look for an EPA registration number on the product

label, which will describe the product as a cleaner, sanitizer, or disinfectant. When using sanitizing and disinfecting agents, it is

important that manufacture instructions for ‘dwell time’ (see denition above) is adhered to.

When sanitizing or disinfecting is warranted, sta use EPA-registered least-toxic disinfecting and sanitizing products. The easiest

way to nd least-toxic cleaning products is to use products that have been tested and certied by a third party group such as Green

Seal, UL/EcoLogo, and/or EPA Safer Choice. For alternative methods and products to be used in lieu of chlorine bleach, please

refer to the Green Cleaning Toolkit for Early Care and Education, a set of resources developed by the EPA.

Follow manufacturer instructions for how to mix chlorine bleach / water solutions for sanitizing and disinfecting. Refer to Caring

for Our Children, Appendix J, (http://cfoc.nrckids.org/les/CFOC3_updated_nal.pdf) for instructions on how to

identify EPA-registered sanitizing and disinfecting products (including chlorine bleach), and how to safely prepare chlorine bleach

solutions.

4 In addition to the frequencies listed here, all items should be cleaned when visibly dirty.

5 It is best practice to use alternatives to installed carpets in the child care environment.

6 All area rugs and carpeted areas should be vacuumed with a HEPA ltered vacuum and according to instructions for

the vacuum. Use proper vacuuming technique: (1) push the vacuum slowly; (2) do a double pass—vacuum in 2 directions,

perpendicular to each other; (3) start at the far end of a room and work your way out (to avoid immediate re-contamination); (4)

empty or replace vacuum bags when ½ to 2/3 full.

7 “Each Use” of computer keyboards should be dened as use by each group of children, not each individual child. Keyboards

connected to computers should be cleaned daily if one group is in the room all day, or after each dierent group of children uses

the room. These guidelines do not apply to keyboards that are unplugged and used for dramatic play.