Daycare and childcare facility cleaning standards require strict health regulations and sanitation protocols to protect children and staff. This guide covers licensing requirements, disinfection procedures, toy cleaning, and best practices for early childhood education environments.
Daycare and childcare facilities have some of the most stringent cleaning requirements of any commercial building type. Young children have developing immune systems, spend time on floors, and put objects and hands in their mouths. These factors make thorough cleaning and disinfection critical for preventing the spread of illness. Childcare licensing regulations in every state establish specific cleaning and sanitation requirements that facilities must meet to operate. Daycare cleaning goes beyond standard janitorial services and requires specialized knowledge of licensing standards, age-appropriate sanitation protocols, and safe cleaning product selection. Directors of childcare centers, operators of in-home daycares, and facility managers for early childhood education programs must ensure their cleaning programs meet all regulatory requirements while protecting the health of children and staff. Commercial cleaning and professional janitorial services can be tailored to childcare facility requirements. See RBM Building Services for more.
Childcare facility cleaning requires strict adherence to health and licensing standards. Contact RBM Building Services or call 800.403.3564.
Understanding Childcare Facility Cleaning Requirements
Childcare facilities must comply with state licensing regulations that establish specific cleaning and sanitation requirements. Licensing regulations vary by state but typically cover cleaning frequency, disinfection procedures, product requirements, and documentation. Most states require that childcare facilities have written cleaning and sanitation policies that specify what is cleaned, how often, and with what products. Licensing inspections include evaluation of cleaning and sanitation practices. Common licensing requirements include daily cleaning of all classroom surfaces including floors, furniture, and fixtures, daily sanitizing of all surfaces that children touch including tables, counters, and doorknobs, weekly cleaning of toys and learning materials, and immediate cleaning of any surface contaminated by body fluids. Cleaning products used in childcare must be safe for use around children and some states restrict the use of certain chemicals. Cleaning must be documented with logs showing what was cleaned and when. Commercial cleaning providers experienced with childcare facilities understand licensing requirements. Contact RBM or call 800.403.3564.
Licensing Standards and Regulatory Compliance
Daily cleaning and sanitizing in childcare facilities must follow specific protocols to be effective. Cleaning removes visible soil and organic matter while sanitizing reduces the number of germs on surfaces to safe levels. These are two distinct steps and sanitizing cannot be effective without prior cleaning. High-touch surfaces in childcare facilities including tables and desks used for meals and activities must be cleaned and sanitized before each use. Door handles, light switches, cabinet pulls, and handrails must be cleaned and sanitized daily. Sinks and faucet handles must be cleaned and sanitized daily. Drinking fountains and water stations must be cleaned and sanitized daily. Floors must be cleaned daily with particular attention to areas where children eat and play. Carpets must be vacuumed daily and shampooed regularly. Cots and sleeping mats must be cleaned and sanitized between uses by different children. Soft surfaces including upholstered furniture should be vacuumed regularly and cleaned when soiled. Janitorial services for childcare facilities must follow daily sanitizing protocols. Contact RBM Building Services or call 800.403.3564.
Daily Cleaning and Sanitizing Protocols
Toy and surface disinfection is a critical component of childcare facility cleaning because toys are frequently handled and mouthed by children. Toys that are used by multiple children must be cleaned and sanitized regularly. The frequency depends on how often the toy is used and whether it goes in children’s mouths. Toys that are mouthed by children should be cleaned and sanitized after each use. Toys that are handled but not mouthed should be cleaned and sanitized weekly at minimum. Dress-up clothes and fabric toys should be laundered weekly or more frequently if soiled. Books should be dusted regularly and cleaned if they become soiled. Computers, tablets, and other technology should be cleaned with appropriate products. Art supplies including paint brushes, glue containers, and play dough tools should be cleaned after each use. Sand and water tables should be cleaned and sanitized daily. Commercial cleaning providers can implement toy cleaning protocols. Contact RBM or call 800.403.3564.
Toy and Surface Disinfection Procedures
Restrooms and diaper changing areas in childcare facilities require the most stringent cleaning protocols. Diaper changing areas must be cleaned and disinfected after each diaper change with an EPA-registered disinfectant. Changing tables must have a non-porous surface that can be easily cleaned and disinfected. Disposable paper covers should be used on changing surfaces. Diaper disposal must be in hands-free covered containers lined with plastic bags. Restrooms used by children must be cleaned and sanitized daily including toilets, sinks, counters, and floors. Toilet training equipment including potty chairs must be cleaned and sanitized after each use. Handwashing sinks must be accessible and supplied with soap and paper towels at all times. Cleaning staff must follow proper hand hygiene procedures and wash hands after cleaning restroom areas. Janitorial services for childcare facilities must address restroom and diaper area cleaning. Contact RBM Building Services or call 800.403.3564.
Restroom and Diaper Changing Area Cleaning
Kitchen and food preparation areas in childcare facilities must meet health department standards for commercial food service. All food contact surfaces including countertops, cutting boards, and preparation tables must be cleaned and sanitized after each use. Kitchen equipment including refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers must be cleaned regularly. Floors in food preparation areas must be cleaned daily and sanitized weekly. Food storage areas must be kept clean and organized. Trash receptacles must be emptied daily and cleaned regularly. Pest control is critical in food preparation areas and requires preventive measures and regular monitoring. The cleaning provider must coordinate with the childcare facility to ensure that cleaning does not interfere with meal preparation and service times. Commercial cleaning providers can support childcare kitchen sanitation. Contact RBM or call 800.403.3564.
Kitchen and Food Preparation Area Sanitation
Selecting a cleaning partner for a childcare facility requires careful evaluation of experience with childcare licensing, product safety, and staff training. The provider must understand state childcare licensing requirements and be able to document compliance. Cleaning products used must be safe for use around children and the provider should be able to provide safety data sheets for all products. Staff training should cover childcare-specific cleaning protocols including diaper area cleaning, toy disinfection, and proper product use. Staff should pass background checks required for working in childcare settings. The provider should have reliable quality assurance processes to ensure consistent cleaning quality. RBM Building Services has provided commercial cleaning and janitorial services for childcare facilities since 1974. Contact us or call 800.403.3564. Read more on our company blog.
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Choosing a Childcare Cleaning Partner
Daycare and childcare facility cleaning requires specialized knowledge of health regulations, licensing standards, and age-appropriate sanitation protocols. From toy disinfection to diaper area cleaning, every aspect of childcare cleaning must protect the health and safety of children. RBM Building Services has provided commercial cleaning and janitorial services for childcare facilities since 1974. Contact us or call 800.403.3564. Read more on our company blog.
