Cleaning Protocols for Schools and Child Care Settings

Hand washing posters

Cough and sneeze etiquette posters

Cleaning frequently touched surfaces posters

Breaking the chain of infection

Whether creating a new plan or reviewing current practices, these are the areas to include:

• Frequency and timing of cleaning/disinfection
• Areas to clean and/or disinfect
• Choice of cleaning products
• Safety plan (WHMIS) – includes child/student and staff
• Staffing – adequate staffing is important, so cleaning/disinfecting procedures are done correctly, and nothing gets missed. Clear roles and responsibilities for staff are an important part of your policies and procedures.
• Signage
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for cleaning staff

Indoor surfaces that are frequently touched are to be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis and when visibly dirty. More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be needed, depending on the frequency of use and extent of soilage.

For more information about cleaning and disinfecting frequency, see our environmental cleaning recommendations table.

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, pushbuttons, 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.

For more information about what and when to disinfect, see our environmental cleaning recommendations table.

Cleaning

• Cleaning is the physical action of removing debris from a surface.
• Breaks down grease and removes organic material (food, bodily fluids, fecal matter, soil) from the surface.
• Are used separately before disinfectants.
• Residue from cleaner (soap or detergent) must be rinsed off before disinfecting to prevent the neutralization of some disinfectants.
• Can be purchased with cleaner and disinfectant combined in a single product.
• Flip-top bottles are preferred to apply a cleaning solution. If using a spray bottle, saturate the cloth first then wipe the surface.
• Avoid the use of aerosol cans as this can propel the germs and cleaning solution into the air.

Disinfecting

• Disinfection occurs after cleaning.
• Disinfectants have chemicals that kill microorganisms that may be present on surfaces that cleaning does not remove.
• Have a Drug Identification Number (DIN).
• The contact time, which is the time that a surface must remain wet for a disinfectant to be effective, varies between products.
• Always follow manufacturers’ instructions for contact times, dilution, and handling of products, including for pre-saturated disinfectant wipes.
• Household bleach diluted in water is an inexpensive and effective disinfectant and can be used for most surfaces. It should be prepared daily. Ensure that surfaces are cleaned with a detergent or cleaning agent before the household bleach mixture is used as a disinfectant.

Disinfectant wipes

• Have combined cleaners and disinfectants in one solution.
• May become dry due to its fast-drying properties. Should be discarded if they become dry.
• Not recommended for heavily soiled surfaces.

Tips for cleaning and disinfecting

• It might be tempting to mix cleaning products to make sure your facility is germ-free, but don’t. Mixing some cleaners and disinfectants (like chlorine bleach and ammonia) can be harmful, even deadly. Others can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat and cause breathing problems
• 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 a pre-mixed solution
• Check expiry dates and always follow the 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 the 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)

​Schools should ensure that bathrooms are cleaned and disinfected regularly and that there is an adequate supply of soap at all times. Paper hand towels are preferable to hand dryers.

To prevent germs from spreading and people getting sick, we must break the chain of infection. Practicing good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette are simple ways to reducing the spread of germs and break that link in the chain. 

• ​Hand hygiene refers to hand washing or hand sanitizing to remove or kill a virus and is the most effective way to reduce the transmission of organisms.
• Respiratory etiquette aims to reduce the risk of transmitting droplets that may contain a virus directly onto other surfaces where they may be picked up by others.
• Supplies: Staff and students should have the supplies they need to conduct appropriate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette and these supplies should be easily accessible.
• Alcohol-Based Hand Rub (ABHR) with a minimum 60% alcohol concentration (60-90% recommended in community settings) throughout the school (including ideally at the entry point to each classroom) and/or plain liquid soap in dispensers, sinks, and paper towels in dispensers.
• Soap and water are preferred as it is the most effective method and least likely to cause harm if accidentally ingested.
• ABHR can be used by children. It is most effective when hands are not visibly soiled. Regularly check the expiry date on the ABHR supply.
• Safe placement of the ABHR to avoid consumption is important, especially for young children.
• For any dirt, blood, or body fluids (urine/feces), it is preferred that hands be washed with soap and water.
• Support or modifications allowing students with special needs to regularly perform hand hygiene as independently as possible.
• Anyone entering the school should be practicing hand hygiene.
• Hand hygiene should be incorporated into the daily schedule at regular intervals during the day.
• Students may need assistance or supervision.

See the following table for an updated list of environmental cleaning recommendations.