For most cleaning in childcare centres, detergent and warm water is the right product. It removes the dirt and germs that matter on floors, tables, toys and most surfaces. Disinfectant is an extra step for specific situations, such as blood, vomit or faeces, or during an outbreak, and it only works on a surface that has been cleaned with detergent first. That is the approach in the NHMRC's Staying Healthy guidelines, now in their sixth edition (released August 2024).
Dirt, grease and body fluids shield germs from disinfectant, so wiping a dirty surface with disinfectant mostly moves the dirt around. Cleaning with detergent and water physically removes most germs, and drying removes many more. When a surface does need disinfecting, clean it first, then disinfect, then leave it wet for the contact time on the label.
Using strong chemicals everywhere has costs in a childcare setting: more residue on surfaces children touch and mouth, more fumes in small rooms and more chemicals to lock away, with no extra benefit where cleaning was enough.
| Task | Usual product | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Floors, tables, benches, shelves | Neutral detergent and warm water | Daily. Dry surfaces after cleaning. |
| Mouthed toys | Detergent and warm water, rinse and dry | Remove from play until cleaned. A dishwasher suits some hard toys. |
| Nappy change mats | Detergent after each change; disinfect if soiled with faeces, urine or blood | Follow your centre's nappy change procedure. |
| Blood, vomit, faeces or urine spills | Clean with detergent, then disinfect | Gloves and a spill kit; follow the contact time. |
| Outbreaks such as gastro | Detergent clean, then disinfectant on high-touch surfaces and toilets | Follow your local public health unit's advice. |
| Glass and mirrors | Detergent or glass cleaner with microfibre | Avoid aerosol sprays near children. |
For definitions, see our guide to the difference between cleaning, sanitising and disinfecting.
Searches for childcare cleaning supplies mostly lead to online shops. Before you order, it helps to know what a centre actually needs on hand:
Keep the list short. Fewer products means fewer dilution mistakes and less to lock away.
Whether the centre buys a product or your cleaner brings it in, check four things before it is used:
"Eco-friendly" and "non-toxic" labels don't replace these checks. Our guide to eco-friendly cleaning products for workplaces explains how to test those claims.
The National Quality Standard doesn't list approved products. It expects effective hygiene practices and clean, well-maintained premises. The two most relevant elements are 2.1.2 (health practices and procedures) and 3.1.2 (premises, furniture and equipment are safe, clean and well maintained). At assessment, services should be able to show that cleaning follows recognised guidance such as Staying Healthy, and that everyone who cleans follows the service's procedures.
Childcare forums and sector articles regularly ask which cleaning tasks are part of an educator's day and which belong to a cleaner. A written split avoids arguments and gaps:
| Educators during the day | Contract cleaner after hours | Periodic, scheduled separately |
|---|---|---|
| Spills and accidents as they happen | Full clean of floors, toilets, kitchens and bathrooms | Carpet extraction and hard-floor machine scrubbing |
| Nappy change area after each change | Deep clean of nappy change areas | Grout and shower recess scrubbing |
| Meal tables before and after meals | Kitchen and food prep areas to scope | High dusting, vents and exhaust fans |
| Mouthed toys removed and cleaned | Door handles, light switches, taps and gates | Washing large mats and outdoor equipment |
Give your cleaner a copy of your hygiene procedures and product list, ask for an SDS for anything they bring on site, and agree in advance what changes during an outbreak. Our childcare cleaning checklist lists daily, weekly and periodic tasks in detail.
B&K Services cleans childcare centres across Sydney, Wollongong and Nowra after the last family has left, working to each centre's own procedures and approved products. To quote accurately, we need your licensed places, room layout, nappy change and kitchen areas, current product list and the time cleaning must finish before opening. See childcare cleaning in Sydney, Wollongong or Nowra, or request a quote.