Daycare cleaning checklist, daily to monthly
Pick daily, weekly, monthly, bathroom or kitchen tasks. Mark what is done, add your own tasks, and download a checklist for each room.
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Pick a list, mark tasks as done, and add your own. Download it for each room or print a blank one for the week.
What to clean, and how often
Cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting are not the same thing. Cleaning removes dirt with soap and water. Sanitizing lowers germs on surfaces like food tables and mouthed toys. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces like diaper tables, toilets and door handles. Always clean first, then sanitize or disinfect.
After every use
- Diaper changing tables: clean, then disinfect
- Mouthed toys: put aside, then wash and sanitize
- Food tables and high chair trays: clean and sanitize before and after meals
- Potty chairs: empty, clean and disinfect
Every day
- Toilets, sinks and faucets
- Floors, rugs and trash cans
- Door handles, light switches and shared surfaces
- Cribs and cots if a child is ill
Every week
- Sheets and nap blankets (more often if soiled)
- Cribs, cots and cubbies
- Dress-up clothes and soft toys
- Fridge and outdoor toys
Tips for a cleaner, safer center
- Use EPA-registered products and follow the label for contact time.
- Store all chemicals locked and out of children's reach.
- Never use sprays near children. Clean when children are out of the room.
- Post a checklist in each room and have staff initial each task.
- Check your state licensing rules for required cleaning steps.
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Common questions
What should be on a daycare cleaning checklist?
Tasks for after each use (diaper tables, mouthed toys, food tables), daily tasks (toilets, sinks, floors, door handles, trash), weekly tasks (sheets, cribs and cots, soft toys, fridge) and monthly deep cleaning (carpets, vents, storage).
What is the difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting?
Cleaning removes dirt with soap and water. Sanitizing lowers germs to safer levels and is used for food surfaces and toys. Disinfecting kills more germs and is used for diaper tables, toilets and high-touch surfaces. Clean first, then sanitize or disinfect.
How often should daycare toys be sanitized?
Mouthed toys should be set aside and sanitized before another child uses them. Other toys are usually cleaned weekly, or more often during illness.
How often should crib sheets be washed in daycare?
At least weekly, and whenever they are soiled or before another child uses the crib. Check your state's licensing rules.
Is this cleaning checklist free?
Yes. It is free and runs in your browser. Pick a list, edit it, and download a printable checklist, or a blank one to post in each room.