Enhanced Cleaning Tips for COVID-19 is Today's Thursday Tip from Canavan Byrne. These are some great guidelines to making sure you have the best possible infection control when cleaning - to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 but also many other bacteria and viruses that can be transmitted from surfaces.
These tips are taken from the COVID-19 Rescue Pack which has a comprehensive range of documentation, staff training, forms and more to help you prepare for the next term in your early years service.
Enhanced Cleaning Tips for COVID-19
All childcare services should have in place cleaning schedules which specify:
- The areas to be cleaned, particularly frequently touched surfaces, e.g., light switches, door handles, taps, toilet flush handles, table tops, fridge handles.
- The method of cleaning, frequency of cleaning, and the cleaning product to be used.
- All toys, in particular mouthed toys, and outdoor toys and equipment.
- A list of the cleaning products should be maintained with clear written directions for their use.
- All cleaning products should be correctly labelled with their active ingredient.
Cleaning of Toys
- All toys (including those not currently in use) should be cleaned on a regular basis, i.e., weekly. This will remove dust and dirt that can harbour germs.
- Toys that are used by very young children will be washed daily.
- Toys that children put in their mouths will be washed after use or before use by another child.
- All toys that are visibly dirty or contaminated with blood or body fluids must be removed immediately for cleaning or disposal. Toys awaiting cleaning must be stored separately.
Cleaning Procedure
- Wash the toy in warm soapy water, using a cleaning brush to get into crevices.
- Rinse the toy in clean water.
- Thoroughly dry the toy.
- Hard plastic toys may be suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher.
- Toys that cannot be immersed in water i.e., electronic or wind up should be wiped with a clean damp cloth and dried.
Disinfection Procedure
In some situations, toys/equipment may need to be disinfected following cleaning, for example:
- Toys/equipment that children will place in their mouths.
- Toys/equipment that have been soiled with blood or body fluids.
The COVID-19 Rescue Pack includes daily cleaning checklists and comprehensive documentation to help you be as organised as you can around managing COVID-19 for your service and compliance in case of inspection.
If you are still using the documentation from last year it is essential you update in order to keep up with the latest changes to regulations, guidelines and recommendations.
