Cleanliness is always important. But childcare cleaning goes beyond keeping things tidy — it’s also about safeguarding the well-being of the little ones.
This brings us to a crucial aspect: the choice of cleaning products.
It’s essential to recognise that many conventional cleaning products can be harmful, especially to children. These products often contain harsh chemicals that might pose health risks.
Childcare centres are vital for early childhood development. Owners and managers should ensure these are the safest, healthiest spaces possible. They must be clean, secure, and conducive to learning, play, and growth. The first step you should take? Practise sustainable cleaning.
Risks of Chemical Cleaning in Childcare Centres
Using chemical-based cleaning products in childcare centres poses several risks due to their potential toxicity and impact on children’s health. Here’s a summary of the key risks and concerns:
1. Health Impacts on Children
Children are vulnerable to the toxic effects of chemicals in cleaning products, which can cause issues like poisoning, chemical burns, allergies, asthma, and developmental harm.
2. Exposure to PFAS
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are chemicals used in various products, including cleaning products, because they’re resistant to grease, water, and heat. The problem with PFAS is that they don’t break down easily, meaning they can accumulate in the environment and our bodies over time. PFAS are also linked to serious health problems, including cancer and hormone disruption.
Alarmingly, higher levels of PFAS have been detected in childcare centre dust compared to homes. Young children in these centres are more at risk from these chemicals, which they can accidentally ingest or inhale. So, childcare centres must use safer, PFAS-free cleaning products.
3. Chemical Hazards from Common Products
Everyday cleaning products may contain harmful substances like ammonia or bleach. They need careful handling and storage to prevent accidents.
Switching to eco-friendly products reduces these risks, contributing to a healthier, safer environment for children.
Advantages of Green Cleaning in Childcare Centres
Beyond avoiding risks, green cleaning offers significant benefits in childcare settings:
- Safer for Children: Green products, free from the most harmful chemicals, are better suited for children’s sensitive health.
- Lower Chemical Exposure: Reduces the risk of respiratory problems and allergies.
- Eco-Friendly: These products are biodegradable and sustainable, minimising environmental impact.
- DIY Options: Childcare centres can create their own cleaning solutions using safe, everyday items.
- Regulatory Compliance: Aligns with growing green cleaning regulations in educational settings.
- Effective Cleaning: Equally effective as traditional methods, including cleaning against COVID-19.
Adopting green cleaning is a proactive step towards a healthier environment for children and staff.
Best Practices for Sustainable Cleaning in Childcare Centres
1. Sanitise Toys with Natural Products
Children’s toys are often a breeding ground for germs. Just imagine how toddlers handle these objects: Most of the time, they don’t wash their hands. Some kids even like putting toys in their mouths! It’s a must for cleaners to sanitise these items.
A safe and effective method for sanitising toys is to use a mixture of hot soapy water or a solution of vinegar and water. After cleaning, rinse the toys thoroughly. If possible, allow them to dry in the sun, which acts as a natural disinfectant.
2. Cleaning Desks, Benches, Diaper Stations, Sinks, and Basins
For these surfaces, a mixture of warm soapy water can be used. Opt for biodegradable detergents available in the market, which are gentle yet effective in removing bacteria and dirt. For more stubborn stains or residues, bi-carb soda (baking soda) mixed with water can be used as a gentle scrubbing agent.
3. Techniques for Mirrors, Windows, Microwaves, Fridges, Floors, and Carpets
- For mirrors and windows: A solution of vinegar and water applied with crumpled newspaper or microfibre cloth can leave a streak-free finish.
- Inside microwaves and fridges: Use a mixture of water with a few drops of vanilla essence or a damp cloth with bi-carb soda for cleaning. To absorb odours, place a small container of bi-carb soda inside these appliances.
- For floors: Mop with hot or warm water; for timber floors, cold black tea can be used for cleaning. If there are marks on the carpet, apply shaving cream, and rinse with warm water; salt or bi-carb soda can help remove mud or dirt marks before vacuuming.
4. Use Natural Alternatives for Disinfectants and Urine Spills
Natural disinfectants can include diluted bleach solutions. But, it’s essential to ensure that the concentration is not too high to avoid strong fumes that might affect children’s breathing. Vinegar, while not a suitable disinfectant for killing germs effectively, can be used for freshening up surfaces.
- For urine spills: A mixture of white vinegar or lemon juice with water can be effective. After application, allow the area to dry in the sunshine.
Green Cleaning Methods in Childcare Centres
Sustainable cleaning in childcare centres requires deliberate and careful attention. You must ensure that the products you use, although natural, are effective enough to disinfect and sanitise.
Feeling overwhelmed by this meticulous cleaning process? You can always hire commercial cleaners.
Commercial cleaners, particularly those specialising in green cleaning for childcare and daycare centres in Australia, play a significant role in ensuring a safe, clean, and healthy environment for children. Such companies, like CleanCo Commercial Cleaning, have responsibilities that encompass a variety of tasks and adhere to eco-friendly practices. Here’s an overview of what commercial green cleaners do:
1. Sanitising Toys and Surfaces
A key responsibility involves sanitising toys and frequently touched surfaces using safe methods, like soapy water, and ensuring thorough rinsing and drying. Sun drying is preferred for its natural disinfectant properties.
2. Cleaning Desks, Benches, and Diaper Stations
Regular cleaning of these areas with eco-friendly products like warm soapy water is crucial to eliminate bacteria effectively.
3. Maintaining General Cleanliness
This includes mopping floors with warm water, cleaning sinks and basins with bi-carb soda, and using natural agents for windows and mirrors.
4. Use of Green Cleaning Products
Encouraging the use of DIY green cleaning products made from items like vinegar, baking soda, and biodegradable detergents helps reduce harsh chemical usage and promotes environmental responsibility.
5. Dealing with Specific Cleaning Challenges
This includes addressing challenges like urine spills using natural methods and ensuring proper disinfection in areas like bathrooms with safer alternatives.
6. Safety and Compliance
Safe storage of all cleaning agents, correct labelling of containers, and compliance with policies related to maintaining a safe environment are essential.
7. Waste Management and Recycling
Minimising waste and properly sorting garbage, including recycling food scraps, is part of their role.
Looking for comprehensive and environmentally friendly cleaning services in childcare centres? We at CleanCo are here for you! We provide specialised childcare cleaning services focused on safety, hygiene, and environmental sustainability. For more information about our services and to book a session, you can visit our Childcare Cleaning Services page.
A Greener Tomorrow in Childcare Cleaning
Childcare centres are encouraged to adopt and continuously improve green cleaning practices for a healthier, safer environment.
For expert green cleaning services, reach out to CleanCo Commercial Cleaning. We are an expert commercial cleaning service in Brisbane. Our specialised services in childcare cleaning focus on safety and sustainability. To learn more and schedule our services, visit our website or contact us at 0435 057 599.