Cleaning Policies at Daycare & Preschool
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Cleaning Policies at Daycare & Preschool
August 2008
Currently our preschool uses 10% bleach solution to clean and
disinfect kitchen and tables for snacktime. Concerns are
inhaling the bleach in the air, especially for kids prone to
asthma. Any ideas for a safer cleaning process that is hygienic
as well? Maybe soap and water then hydrogen peroxide? Any other
ideas for ''greening and cleaning'' a preschool appreciated also.
THANK YOU for your input!
Green Mom
licensing strongly recommends the bleach solution for child care.
that said, i am a child care provider and I use bio-kleen's
all-purpose cleaner diluted and poured in a spray bottle.
occasionally on weekends I'll douse the tables with something
stronger, but I trust the bio kleen for everyday cleaning, and it
doesn't bother anyone.
stephanie
Don't despair -- there are better, safer alternatives to bleach!
Peroxide-based bleach (sold at Wal-Mart, Target, Safeway,
natural stores, etc.) is still a bleach, but is peroxide-based
instead of chlorine-based, and is easier on the lungs (and the
environment!). You can find this type of bleach by looking
for 'oxi' on the bottles. I personally use the Biokleen line.
Also, as far as greening preschools go, you should really check
out the Eco-Healthy Childcare Program. It started in Oregon and
has just recently gone national. There are tips on how to make
preschools more eco-healthy and eco-healthy fact sheets will be
posted sometime soon. Check it out here:
http://www.oeconline.org/our-work/kidshealth/ehcc/index_html
anon
Vinegar & water solution. Easy. Baking soda if needed to scrub.
I would like to second the post about vinegar + water solution. Also,
microwave your
sponges daily for 1-2 minutes (depending on microwave strength). This
sterilizes
them.
Also CLOROX GREENWORKS products. Non toxic, plant-based cleaners.
Endorsed by
The Sierra Club.
:-)
A great product is CleanWell - www.cleanwelltoday.com - they
have wipes, hand soap, and spray. It's antibacterial, and the
only truly green product that actually disinfects. No nasty
chemicals, no alcohol. I've seen it at Target, Whole Foods, and
amazon.com.
:)
Jan 2006
Our preschool is interested in alternatives to the standard
cleaning products such as 409 and Windex. Are there any
preschools which have switched to using less-toxic cleaners and
found particular products that are appropriate for use in a
preschool setting?
anon.
This may seem incredibly low-tech, but it's also non-toxic (good
for you!!) and inexpensive: Straight vinegar. Yes, that's right.
It kills germs and can also be used on windows. I use it full
strength in a spray bottle - I'm not sure if you'd dilute with
water for windows, but at any rate, things will get clean and the
yucky germs will die.
FYI - spray your sponges with vinegar after use. It prevents the
mold buildup and that horrible fungus smell that sponges tend to
get. I sometimes also spray dishcloths in the winter because they
can't dry out quick enough between usage and otherwise take on
that bad smell.
~Annika's old nanny
try listerine in a spray bottle. Waterdown if you want it will
help clean off tables and toys. No need to rinse off
mom
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