CLEANING & DISINFECTING PLANS
Child care facilities should develop a plan for enhanced cleaning and
disinfecting. |
- Review existing practices to determine where enhancements can be made, including:
- frequency and timing of cleaning/disinfection;
- areas to clean and/or disinfect
- choice of cleaning products
- child safety
- staffing
- signage
- PPE for cleaning staff
- Review inventory to determine items to be stored, moved, or removed altogether to reduce handling or challenges with cleaning them (e.g. porous or soft items such as stuffed toys, area rugs, fabric seating, etc.)
- Limit the use of shared objects (e.g. outdoor play toys, art supplies, toys, etc.), or clean shared objects between each use
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CLEANING & DISINFECTING FREQUENCY |
Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces at least twice daily. More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be necessary, depending on the frequency of use and extent of soilage. |
WHAT TO CLEAN AND WHAT TO DISINFECT |
Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces, including:
- Washrooms (e.g. toilet fixtures, faucets)
- Eating areas (e.g. tables, sinks, countertops)
- Doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, touch screens, push buttons, handrails, computers, photocopiers, sports equipment, toys, etc.
Clean plastic or metal outdoor surfaces using soap and water. Cleaning of outdoor wooden surfaces is not recommended.
See the full list at the bottom of this document.
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CLEANING PRODUCTS AND METHODS |
Cleaners:
- Break down grease and remove organic material from the surface.
- Are used separately before disinfectants.
- Can be purchased with cleaner and disinfectant combined in a single product.
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Disinfectants:
- Have chemicals that kill most germs.
- Applied after the surfaces have been cleaned.
- Have a Drug Identification Number (DIN).
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Disinfectant Wipes:
- Have combined cleaners and disinfectants in one solution.
- May become dry due to fast drying properties. Should be discarded if they become dry.
- Not recommended for heavily soiled surfaces.
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- Commonly used cleaners and disinfectants are effective against COVID-19
- Products that both clean and disinfect are preferable (e.g. hydrogen peroxide products)
- Only use cleaning and disinfectant products that have a Drug Identification Number (DIN). A DIN is an 8-digit number given by Health Canada that confirms it is approved for use in Canada
- Where possible, use pre-mixed solution
- Check expiry dates and always follow manufacturer’s instructions
- Wear gloves and any other personal protective equipment recommended by the manufacturer when handling cleaning products, including wipes
- Allow adequate contact time for disinfectant to kill germs (see product label)
- Use damp cleaning methods such as damp clean cloths, and/or a wet mop
- Do not dry dust or sweep which can distribute virus droplets into the air
- Contaminated disposable cleaning items (e.g. mop heads, cloths) should be placed in a lined garbage bin before disposing of them with regular waste
- Reusable cleaning items can be washed using regular laundry soap and hot water (60-90°C)
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ISOLATION ROOM
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All child care facilities have a room or space that can be used should a child or staff member become ill, including PPE available in the area.
These areas should be cleaned after each use.
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BATHROOMS |
Child care facilities should ensure that bathrooms are cleaned frequently and that there is an adequate supply of soap at all times. Paper hand towels are preferable to hand dryers.
Child care facilities should timetable bathroom breaks to stagger use of bathrooms and should monitor physical distancing. Signage should be posted that indicates the maximum number of people simultaneously using the bathroom at any given point. Individual children should not be prevented from accessing bathrooms as needed. |