Cleaning

·        Keeping the child care area clean and germ free is very important.

·        Reducing the number of germs helps to stop the spread of sickness.

·        Regular cleaning with soap and water is the most useful method for removing germs from countertops, floors, and other surfaces.

·        Proper handwashing lowers the number of germs from the hands.

Germ Killing - Disinfecting

·        Some items and surfaces should receive one more step of cleaning – disinfection.

·        One of the most common germ killers is bleach and water.

·        Items that can be washed in the dishwasher or washing machine do not have to be disinfected because the water is hot enough to kill most of the germs.

·        Soak or drench items for several minutes in bleach solution to kill the germs.

Recipe for Bleach Disinfecting Solution (For use in bathrooms, diapering areas, etc.) 1/4 cup bleach 1 gallon of cool water OR 1 tablespoon bleach 1 quart cool water Add the household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) to the water. Recipe for Weaker Bleach Disinfecting Solution (For use on toys, eating utensils, kitchen, etc.) 1 tablespoon bleach 1 gallon cool water Add the bleach to the water.  A solution of bleach and water loses its strength very quickly.  Bleach solution should be mixed fresh each day to make sure it is effective. Any leftover solution should be thrown away at the end of the day. NEVER mix bleach with anything but fresh tap water!  Keep the bleach solution you mix each day in a cool place out of direct sunlight and out of the reach of children.  You will want to establish a routine for cleaning.

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