Compliance8 min read
Daycare Cleaning: Child-Safe Products and CDC Guidelines
How to clean a daycare safely using non-toxic products while meeting CDC and local health department standards.
CL
Chris Leung · Founder & CEO
Would You Let a Toddler Crawl on a Floor Cleaned with Industrial Degreaser?
That's effectively what's happening when a standard janitorial company cleans your daycare with off-the-shelf commercial chemicals. Children breathe closer to the ground, touch every surface, and put their hands in their mouths. Your cleaning products need to be as safe as the environment you're creating.
CDC Guidelines for Childcare Cleaning
Clean and sanitize toys daily (or when visibly soiled)
Disinfect diaper-changing surfaces after every use
Clean food prep surfaces before and after meals
Mop floors daily with child-safe disinfectant
Sanitize bathroom fixtures 2x daily minimum
Launder dress-up clothes and fabric items weekly
Product Requirements
| Use | Product Standard | Why |
|---|---|---|
| General surfaces | Green Seal GS-37 | Non-toxic, child-safe |
| Food areas | NSF-registered | Food-contact safe |
| Bathrooms | EPA List N (child-safe formula) | Effective + safe |
| Floors | Green Seal or Safer Choice | No residue hazard |
Background Check Requirements
Your state likely requires all cleaning staff who access the facility during operating hours to pass background checks. Even after-hours crews should be vetted since children's belongings and records are present.