Cleaning Daycare Centers: What You Should Know
Daycare facilities require a higher level of care when it comes to cleaning—and for good reason. These environments are filled with young children who are more vulnerable to germs, allergens, and chemical exposure. That’s why it’s essential to work with a cleaning service that understands the specific needs and challenges of daycare settings.
From sanitizing toys and learning areas to safely disinfecting surfaces without using harsh chemicals, professional cleaners must follow strict standards. While some daycare centers are smooth to work with, others may come with unexpected demands or regulations. Choosing an experienced, trustworthy cleaning partner ensures your space remains safe, spotless, and compliant—giving both staff and parents peace of mind.
Here are some common issues to be aware of when reviewing or comparing cleaning service proposals:
Be Specific About the Cleaning Services You Need
Every daycare center is unique, and not all facilities require the same cleaning tasks. When hiring a professional cleaning service, it’s important to clearly outline the specific services your daycare needs and communicate your expectations upfront.
Some tasks, like thoroughly sanitizing toys, cleaning nap mats, or disinfecting high-touch surfaces, can be more time-consuming than they may seem. By being clear and detailed from the beginning, you help ensure that the cleaning team can plan accordingly and deliver the level of care your space requires to stay safe, healthy, and compliant.
Will Every Surface Be Cleaned, Including Sticky Messes?
Do Toys Need to Be Cleaned and Sanitized Regularly?
Is Spot-Cleaning Carpet Stains Included with Each Visit?
How Long Does It Take to Clean Daycare Bathrooms?
Compared to regular restrooms, cleaning daycare bathrooms, especially those used by toddlers, often takes more time and care. Toilet seats and floors in boys’ toilets can get extremely dirty throughout the day because young children are still learning good toilet habits.
To preserve hygiene and stop the transmission of germs, these locations must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Your cleaning service could require more time to adequately maintain these areas due to the added mess and the requirement for meticulous sanitation. Talk to your provider about this so they can allot the appropriate time and resources to maintain your restrooms’ cleanliness, freshness, and kid-safeness.
Is the Kitchen Included in the Cleaning Service?
It’s crucial to find out if and to what degree cleaning the kitchen or food prep area at your daycare is covered by your service agreement. Does the cleaning crew take care of disinfecting sinks, wiping off countertops, and washing the surfaces of appliances? Equally essential, who is in charge of keeping the kitchen floor clean?
Daycare facilities’ kitchen floors frequently have to handle sticky spills like milk or dried-on Cheerios, which call for extra care. To ensure that no area is missed and that everyone is aware of their specific responsibilities for each cleanup task, make sure that expectations are well-defined.
Who’s Responsible for What? Be Clear About Cleaning Duties
Certain housekeeping duties, such wiping down tables or cleaning up after meals, are delegated to teachers or staff in some daycare facilities. However, these chores might not always be finished as intended due to hectic schedules and the demands of child care.
It’s essential to specify exactly who is responsible for what cleaning tasks in order to prevent misunderstandings or neglected obligations. If a cleaning service is supposed to conduct duties that are normally performed by employees, it should be specified in detail and covered in the contract.
Balancing Cleanliness and Budget in Challenging Times
In today’s uncertain economy, many daycare centers are feeling the financial strain. With some parents out of work and choosing to keep their children at home, enrollment has decreased in many facilities. As a result, budgets are tighter, and staffing costs—including cleaning—are more carefully managed.
Despite these financial pressures, maintaining a clean and sanitary environment remains essential—not just for the well-being of children and staff, but also to meet strict state inspection and health requirements. This creates a difficult balance: keeping costs low while upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.
The Value of Working with a Cleaning Company That Specializes in Childcare
Unlike other establishments, childcare centers need to provide a higher standard of care, pay close attention to details, and strictly adhere to health and safety regulations. For this reason, picking a cleaning service that specializes in childcare settings is crucial.
These providers are aware of the particular difficulties in keeping a space clean for young children, such as cleaning toys with non-toxic materials and carefully addressing frequent spills. Their employees have received specialized training to adhere to the cleaning procedures and health rules needed in this delicate environment.
