Keeping a childcare centre clean is one of the most important parts of creating a safe and healthy environment for young children. Kids explore, touch everything, and share toys throughout the day, which makes hygiene even more important. If you manage or work in a centre, these practical tips will help you improve cleanliness, reduce the spread of germs, and maintain a healthy space for children and staff. These tips are also helpful if you’re looking for reliable childcare cleaning Brisbane services.
1. Create a Daily Cleaning Routine
A strong and consistent routine is the foundation of a clean childcare centre.
Make a simple checklist that covers all rooms, including:
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Play areas
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Sleep rooms
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Toilets and nappy change areas
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Kitchens
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Entry and reception spaces
Clean high touch surfaces several times a day. This includes door handles, tables, toys, switches, and any surface that children frequently touch. A good routine ensures nothing gets missed, even on busy days.
2. Focus on High Touch Areas
High touch areas spread germs faster than anything else.
To keep children safe, clean and disinfect these places more often:
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Toys
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Tabletops
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Chair rails
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Play equipment
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Bathroom taps
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Door handles
Use safe and child friendly cleaning products. Avoid harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin or cause strong odours in small rooms.
3. Keep Toys and Play Equipment Clean
Toys are one of the biggest sources of germs in a childcare centre.
Follow these tips to keep them clean:
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Wash soft toys regularly
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Wipe hard toys with disinfectant wipes
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Keep separate boxes for clean and used toys
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Rotate toys to avoid overuse
You can also create a “toy cleaning bin” where used toys can be placed throughout the day. This makes it easier for staff to spot items that need cleaning.
4. Maintain Clean Sleeping Areas
Sleep rooms need extra care because children spend quiet time there, often lying close to surfaces.
Keep these areas fresh by:
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Washing bedding frequently
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Cleaning cots and mattresses
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Vacuuming carpets daily
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Keeping air flowing with natural ventilation
Fresh air helps reduce odours, dust, and germs.
Clean linens also help prevent skin irritation and allergies.
5. Prioritise Bathroom and Nappy Change Areas
Bathroom and nappy change areas must stay extremely clean to prevent infections.
Make sure to:
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Disinfect the change table after every use
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Keep handwash and sanitiser available
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Clean toilets and sinks multiple times a day
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Empty bins often to avoid bad smells
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Keep floors dry to prevent slips
These small steps protect both children and staff from illness.
6. Keep the Kitchen Area Safe
If your centre provides snacks or meals, the kitchen area needs proper cleaning.
Follow safe food handling practices:
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Wash hands before preparing food
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Clean benches before and after use
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Store food safely
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Keep the fridge clean and organised
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Wash dishes immediately after meals
A clean kitchen ensures children eat in a safe environment.
7. Improve Air Quality Indoors
Children spend many hours indoors, so good air quality is essential.
You can improve air quality by:
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Opening windows often
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Using air purifiers
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Keeping carpets vacuumed
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Dusting vents and corners
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Adding indoor plants where safe
Cleaner air helps reduce allergies, asthma issues, and sickness.
8. Train Staff on Proper Cleaning Habits
Good cleaning isn’t just about tools and products.
It also depends on how well staff follow hygiene practices.
Provide training on:
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Handwashing
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Handling sick children
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Sanitising toys and surfaces
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Using cleaning products safely
When everyone understands the importance of hygiene, the whole centre stays cleaner.
9. Encourage Good Hygiene Among Children
Even small children can learn simple hygiene habits.
Teach them:
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How to wash their hands properly
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To cover their mouth when sneezing
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To use tissues
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To keep toys out of their mouths
These habits reduce the spread of germs and help maintain a healthier centre.
10. Consider Professional Cleaning Support
Running a childcare centre is a big responsibility.
With staff busy caring for children, cleaning can sometimes become overwhelming.
This is why many centres choose professional childcare cleaning Brisbane services.
A trusted company like Commercial Clean Group can help maintain high cleaning standards every day. They use safe products, follow strict hygiene processes, and understand the unique cleaning needs of childcare centres. Their support allows your team to focus more on education and care while keeping the environment spotless.
Final Thoughts
A clean childcare centre supports healthier children, happier staff, and a safer environment for everyone. By following these practical tips and maintaining daily hygiene routines, you can create a space where children grow and learn safely.
If you ever need extra help or want a more consistent cleaning schedule, professional services such as Commercial Clean Group can make childcare cleaning much easier and more effective.
