Proper cleaning and disinfection in a child care centre will help stop germs from spreading and making people sick. Cleaning with soap and water first, is as important as disinfecting. Learn more about hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting on our Preventing Infection page.
Cleaning and disinfection during an outbreak
Cleaning and disinfecting are necessary to control the spread of pathogens. It is especially important to enhance environmental cleaning during an outbreak as some pathogens can survive for hours, days, or weeks, on toys and other surfaces.
During an outbreak, it is recommended:
- All surfaces and bathrooms should be cleaned and disinfected at least daily or when soiled.
- Diaper change surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected after each use.
- Toys should be cleaned and disinfected daily (special attention is needed for infant and toddler areas).
- Suspend water table, wading pool and sensory bins for the duration of outbreak.
- Fuzzy toys should be removed during an outbreak.
- Increase disinfectant concentration during an outbreak following these instructions for mixing of chlorine bleach solution for disinfecting.