Green Cleaning Services – Daycare Cleaning Guidelines

A critical aspect of green cleaning services is its ability to safely disinfect contaminated surfaces without the use of chemical cleaning solutions that may cause severe reactions in children.

What Are Green Cleaning Services?

The EPA defines Green Cleaning as:

[sic]... cleaning products and methods that are safer for human health and the environment.

Due to its trending popularity, green cleaning is the victim of a significant amount of false or misleading advertisement.

To adhere to recognized best practices, and to provide the highest standard of care for the children under your charge, the following guidelines are recommended:

Daycare Cleaning Recommended Guidelines

 

 

1. Only use cleaning solvents certified by the EPA under the Design for the Environment Antimicrobial Pesticide Pilot Project.
2. Use high-grade, commercial-use Microfiber.
3. Switch to HEPA filtered backpack vacuum's.
4. Encourage the regular washing of hands with gentle soap and warm water.  Avoid overusing chemical based, antimicrobial soap to combat MRSA.
5. Open windows to allow the circulation of fresh air.
6. Use and change HEPA filtered heating/air conditioning filters often.
7. Fix/seal chipped, pitted, or cracked hard surfaces to eliminate areas where bacteria and germs can fester.
8. Decrease clutter to simplify cleanup and to reduce hidden areas where dirt and germs can accumulate.
9. Consider a 'no shoes' indoor policy.
10. Use high-quality floor mats at entry points and teach children/adults to wipe their feet before entering the facility.
11. Use carpet cleaning methods and chemicals that adhere to IICRC Green Carpet Cleaning standards.
12. Clean regularly used surfaces, at least daily.  This is especially important in prominent areas, such as diaper changing stations.
13. Provide yearly education of staff, parents, and children where possible, in the safe use, storage, and disposal of cleaning products.  Additionally, publish reminders/guidelines in everyday use areas.  Update the documentation and education as needed, such as when new goods and services are introduced, or new standards are implemented.
14. Pay particular attention to the concentration levels in modern bleach solutions.

 

EPA Certified Green Cleaning Products

The EPA has approved several products as Green, identified by the DfE logo, and maintains a regularly updated list.

• List of Authorized DfE Products

Of primary concern are the reduction/elimination of the following health issues commonly associated with short and long-term exposure to conventional, household and commercial cleaning chemicals:

• Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat.
• A headache, nausea, and dizziness.
• Allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
• Damage to nervous, endocrine, immune, and reproductive systems.
• Birth defects.
• Brain cancer.
• Leukemia.
• Accidental poisoning/death.

For More Information:

• Fact Sheets for Families:  Commonly Used Toxic Cleaning Products

In addition to looking for the EPA or other recognized Green Certification logo's, consider following these guidelines when purchasing cleaning products:

• Choose pump sprays over aerosols.
• Avoid products that require excessive ventilation.
• Avoid highly concentrated solutions.
• Avoid anything that will contribute to the spread of pollution.

For More Information:

• Cleaning Procedures and Products

 

References

• Information for Child Care Providers about Green Cleaning
• Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting: A Toolkit for Early Care and Education
• UC San Francisco - Green Cleaning
• Design for the Environment Antimicrobial Pesticide Pilot Project: Moving Toward the Green End of the Pesticide Spectrum
• Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting: A Curriculum for Early Care and Education
• Sanitize Safely and Effectively: Bleach and Alternatives in Child Care Programs

 

Takeaway

• Green cleaning contributes to the overall health and safety of young children in daycare facilities.
• The proper use and storage of green cleaning products can significantly reduce a daycare's liability and risk due to adverse side-effects, long and short-term accumulated health issues, as well as accidental poisoning and death.
• Make sure only to use recognized industry certified products.
• Consider outsourcing your cleaning needs to a qualified third party to ensure the job is done correctly and as routinely as required.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of green cleaning services for your daycare facility, contact us today for a free quote!

In Bakersfield CA, call 661-395-3009

In Fresno CA, call 559-473-1790