5.3.22

Cleaning & Laundry

Cleaning

Shasta Head Start follows the cleaning and sanitizing guidelines set forth as described in Managing Infectious Disease in Child Care and Schools (see Cleaning and Sanitizing Chart for guidance). Sanitizing solutions shall always be stored far out of the reach of children. All sanitizing and disinfecting solutions must be stored in properly labelled containers. Labels can be printed onsite using the linked templates ( Sanitizer Label or Disinfectant Label ) and Avery Label #5168 or contact the Health department for labels.  All heavy cleaning and disinfecting shall take place when children are not present.

• Cleaning: Cleaning gets rid of dirt you can see. Routine cleaning with soap and water is the most useful method for removing germs from surfaces. Cleaning can reduce the number of germs on surfaces, but some items need to then be sanitized or disinfected which is different than cleaning.
• Sanitizing and Disinfecting: Sanitizing reduces the amount of germs to a safe level, while disinfection kills virtually 100% of germs, on surfaces that are left after cleaning by using chemicals such as bleach or quaternary solutions that are stronger than soap and water. Items that are washed in a high temperature dish washer or hot cycle of a washing machine do not need to be sanitized because the hot water kills most germs.
• Sanitizing Solutions: Centers shall use either quaternary solution or bleach to sanitize centers. For use on food contact surfaces and in common areas (tables and other surface areas).
  • Quaternary sanitizing solution: Mix per directions on product label.
  • Bleach sanitizing solution: Mix 1 tbs. household liquid bleach in one gallon of tap water (needs to be mixed daily).
• Disinfecting Solutions: Centers shall use either quaternary or bleach to disinfect centers. For use in bathroom areas and any surface that is contaminated with body fluids (saliva, mucus, vomit, urine, stool, blood.)
  • Quaternary disinfecting solution: Mix per directions on product label.
  • Bleach disinfecting solution: Mix ¼ cup household liquid bleach in one gallon of tap water (needs to be mixed daily).

IMPORTANT: Quaternary and bleach shall never be used together, as hazardous vapors may be emitted by doing so. 

• Cleaning Toys: All toys should be cleaned at least once per week. If a toy touches a child’s mouth, it should be washed prior to reintroducing the toy to the classroom.
  • Indoor Hard Plastic Toys: If possible, run the toy through the dishwasher. If not, use hot soapy water, rinse in hot water and air dry.  Toys that are likely to be mouthed by children should not be sprayed with sanitizing solutions, as trace amounts of the chemical remains on the toy.  Toys that are not likely to be mouthed, such as riding toys can be sprayed with sanitizing solution and left to air dry.
  • Fabric Toys: Fabric toys should be laundered at least once weekly. If a child soils a fabric toy or is observed to place it to their mouth, remove the toy until laundered.
• Cleaning Surfaces: After tables, bookshelves, or other surfaces are cleaned, spray surface with sanitizing solution and leave to air dry.
• Classroom Handwashing Sinks: Sinks are never to be used for food preparation or bathing.

 Meal Time Table Washing Procedure – specifically for when children are at a meal table

1. Spray table with soap-water solution and wipe with a disposable paper towel.
2. Spray the table with Simple Green d Pro 5 200 sanitizing solution and wait at least 60 seconds before wiping with a disposable paper towel or allow to air dry.
3. To wash an individual section at the table between children, complete steps 1 and 2 by spraying solution onto paper towels away from children and then applying to the table. Sanitizing solution must remain wet on the surface for 60 seconds.

Precautions

• Separate disposable paper towels must be used for each table.
• Sanitizing solution should not be sprayed while children are seated at the table.
• Tables must be cleaned and sanitized between uses by different children. Be aware if children are moving between tables at mealtimes.
• If highchair trays are used as eating surfaces, the trays must be washed, sanitized and stored in the same way as plates and other food service utensils. Infants should not be fed directly on the table surface.
• Shasta Head Start requires that soap-water solution be dispensed from a spray bottle to eliminate cross contamination of solution. Soap-water solution buckets should not be used.
• If using an alternative sanitizing solution, read and follow sanitizing instructions from label.

Laundry

Children’s Laundry v. Staff Laundry

• Children’s Laundry – including towels, washcloths, smocks, bibs, bedding – sheets, blankets, stuffed animals, costumes/dress-up clothing
  • Laundry is done on-site by Staff. These items are placed in a specific laundry basket for the children’s items which need to be washed. Assigned staff is responsible for laundry which should be completed as part of Opening/Closing Checklist.
  • Bedding for infant/toddler is washed daily
  • Bedding for Preschoolers is weekly or as needed
  • Items from home – e.g. Blankets, stuffed animals
  • Items which belong to the center – everything else including sheets, etc.
• Staff Laundry – including smocks, aprons, etc.
  • If laundry services are available on-site, the laundry is done by staff. These items are placed in specific laundry baskets for staff laundry items. Assigned staff is responsible for laundry which is completed as part of Opening/Closing Checklist.
  • If laundry services are NOT available on-site, children’s items are sent home to be washed, staff washes their own smocks and a laundry services cleans the towels.
• (from Preschool Nap Time Guidelines) Sheets and blankets should be washed weekly for preschool age children. Decide if blankets will be brought from home and sent home to launder or if the center will provide and launder the blankets. Have a procedure for disinfecting cots and laundering bedding.
  • When bedding is removed from cots, disinfectant is sprayed on the cot and allowed to air dry.
• For information on Care of Cots, Mats, Cribs and Bedding in all-day care, see Napping Procedures.

References

• Formster and forms/checklist
  • Daily Cleaning Checklist
  • Monthly Cleaning Checklist
• Center Maintenance Form – Formster | English
• Disinfectant Label
• Sanitizer Label