Understanding Cleaning Practices in Schools and Daycare Centers: Key Strategies for 2025

Summary

Understanding cleaning practices in schools and daycare centers is essential for safeguarding the health and wellbeing of children and staff in educational and childcare environments. These settings, characterized by close contact and shared spaces, are particularly vulnerable to the spread of infectious diseases caused by a variety of pathogens, including enteric viruses, respiratory viruses, and bacteria. Maintaining rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols helps reduce illness-related absenteeism, supports consistent participation in learning activities, and creates safer environments conducive to child development.
The importance of effective cleaning is underscored by evolving regulatory standards and public health guidelines. In 2025, updates such as Colorado’s revised health and sanitation regulations for child care facilities reflect a broader trend toward enhanced infection control measures, including the adoption of EPA-registered disinfectants approved for childcare settings and increased emphasis on staff training and personal protective equipment (PPE). Federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide comprehensive guidance that informs cleaning strategies, ensuring alignment with current scientific understanding and safety standards.
Despite clear benefits, implementing and sustaining high-quality cleaning practices face challenges including financial constraints, staff turnover, and the need to balance chemical efficacy with safety concerns in sensitive environments. Emerging trends in green cleaning and innovative technologies aim to address these issues by promoting safer, more sustainable products and improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, systematic training, monitoring, and management of cleaning personnel are critical for ensuring compliance with protocols and maintaining consistent hygiene standards across diverse facilities.
This article explores the key strategies for effective cleaning and disinfection in schools and daycare centers as they evolve in 2025. It covers pathogen transmission dynamics, regulatory frameworks, best practices for cleaning routines, challenges faced by facilities, and future directions aimed at fostering healthier, safer educational environments for children and staff alike.

Importance of Cleaning in Educational and Childcare Settings

Cleanliness in educational and childcare environments is fundamental to creating a safe and healthy space that supports children’s learning and development. Beyond routine housekeeping, maintaining a clean daycare or school facility is crucial to preventing the spread of infectious diseases, especially since young children possess developing immune systems that make them more vulnerable to germs and bacteria. A hygienic environment helps reduce illnesses among children, thereby decreasing absenteeism and ensuring consistent participation in educational activities.
The importance of cleaning extends to protecting both children and staff from visible and invisible threats, such as viruses and bacteria. Effective cleaning routines that focus on disinfecting shared areas and frequently touched surfaces can significantly limit the transmission of pathogens in these settings. The use of disinfectants approved specifically for childcare facilities further ensures that sanitation is performed safely and effectively without exposing children to harmful chemicals.
Regulatory compliance with health guidelines, including sanitation requirements such as handwashing, diapering, and toileting protocols, is essential to maintain safety standards and avoid penalties. These measures, combined with appropriate personal protective equipment and training for staff, help sustain a secure environment conducive to child health and well-being.
Environmental factors like facility size, crowding, and the mixing of different age groups influence the risk of infection transmission in schools and daycare centers. Crowding, in particular, has been linked to increased outbreaks of respiratory and enteric infections, underscoring the need for diligent cleaning and maintenance practices tailored to the physical characteristics of the facility.
Numerous studies indicate that insufficient cleaning and deferred maintenance in educational settings can lead to higher rates of student illness and absenteeism, which negatively impacts learning outcomes. Therefore, regular cleaning routines, supported by checklists and schedules, are vital components of an effective early childhood education program that prioritizes both learning and health.

Common Pathogens and Modes of Transmission

Childcare and school settings are environments where infectious agents readily propagate due to close contact among children and shared use of objects and surfaces. Enteric viruses are the predominant cause of diarrheal illnesses in group childcare, with outbreaks occurring at an average rate of three per year per center. These outbreaks are often linked to organisms that cause infection even after ingestion of a low inoculum. Common enteropathogens include Giardia, Cryptosporidium, rotavirus, Shigella, and Escherichia coli O147:H7, which frequently cause outbreaks and pose significant public health concerns in these settings.
Respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza types 1-3, and influenza A and B are also prevalent in childcare centers, where children sustain outbreaks that mirror those in the wider community. Parvovirus B19, the causative agent of erythema infectiosum (fifth disease), is endemic among young children and has caused documented outbreaks in childcare settings. This virus spreads primarily through contact with respiratory or oropharyngeal secretions and can lead to complications such as arthropathy and transient aplastic crisis in susceptible individuals.
Transmission of these pathogens commonly occurs via the fecal-oral route, especially in environments where hand-to-mouth behaviors are frequent, such as among young children. Objects contaminated with microscopic amounts of feces—including diaper changing tables, classroom floors, faucet handles, toys, and tabletops—serve as vectors for intestinal infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Additionally, foodborne outbreaks can arise in childcare centers when food is prepared and served onsite, as seen with Bacillus cereus in fried rice and norovirus in frozen strawberries.
Respiratory and skin-associated bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, and viruses including SARS-CoV-2, can persist on various surfaces such as metal, plastic, wood, and stainless steel for days, further contributing to transmission if surfaces are not adequately cleaned and disinfected. Contaminated hands following contact with such surfaces become a primary source of spread, emphasizing the critical role of hand hygiene and environmental cleaning in interrupting transmission chains.
Age mixing in childcare centers exposes children to a broader range of pathogens than they might encounter in age-segregated settings. Environmental factors such as the number and placement of sinks and toilets, ventilation quality, and cleanliness of food preparation areas also influence the spread and control of infectious agents. Preventive strategies include limiting contact with respiratory secretions, avoiding sharing utensils or glasses, and thorough cleaning and disinfection of visibly soiled surfaces, particularly when contaminated with body fluids or blood.

Regulatory Standards and Guidelines for 2025

Daycare centers and schools must comply with a complex framework of local, state, and federal regulations designed to ensure health and safety through proper cleaning and sanitation practices. Adherence to these regulations not only promotes a safe environment for children and staff but also helps facilities avoid penalties associated with non-compliance.
In Colorado, for example, the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) completed a stakeholder-driven update to the regulation 6 CCR 1010-7, which governs the health and sanitation of child care facilities. These changes were formally adopted by the Board of Health on February 19, 2025, with an effective date of April 14, 2025. The updated regulations incorporate standards such as the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education’s Standard 4.3.1.4, specifically addressing practices like feeding human milk to another mother’s child. This regulation applies across various early childhood settings including child care centers, preschools, school-age child care, and children’s resident camps.
At the federal level, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides comprehensive guidance on cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, workplaces, schools, and homes. Their protocols emphasize the use of EPA-registered disinfectants, particularly for spaces occupied by individuals diagnosed with infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The CDC’s recommendations are integrated into broader federal efforts to maintain safe in-person learning environments, including guidance released by the U.S. Department of Education to support K–12 schools.
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers additional authoritative resources, such as the publication Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools, which supplies detailed strategies for communicable disease prevention and control tailored to early care and education settings. Community-based Child Care Health Consultants often use these resources to provide localized guidance.
Child care programs are advised to follow standard precautions as the minimum infection prevention practices, in alignment with CDC hygiene and environmental safety recommendations. Facilities must also comply with specific laws regarding environmental safety devices, such as carbon monoxide detectors, which require regular testing and maintenance. Furthermore, selecting cleaning products with EPA approval for child care or school settings and labels indicating non-toxicity, low odor, and child safety is critical to protect children from harmful chemical exposure during routine cleaning.

Key Cleaning Practices and Protocols

Effective cleaning practices in schools and daycare centers are essential to minimize the spread of germs and maintain a safe environment for children and staff. Immediate cleaning of visibly soiled surfaces is a fundamental step, particularly when contaminated with body fluids or blood, requiring the use of gloves and standard precautions to avoid direct contact with infectious material. High-touch surfaces—such as doorknobs, tabletops, handles, and toys—demand frequent attention due to their elevated risk of harboring pathogens.
A well-defined cleaning system simplifies the process and ensures comprehensive coverage. A typical routine includes collecting visible debris, washing surfaces with soap and water, rinsing, and then applying disinfectants to eliminate bacteria and viruses. Cleaning products primarily remove dirt and some germs, while disinfectants are designed to kill nearly all germs on hard, non-porous surfaces like vinyl or tile. It is critical to use EPA-registered disinfectants that are safe and approved specifically for child care settings; many professionals recommend products that are non-toxic, low-odor, and free from harsh chemicals such as phosphates or chlorine.
Toys, especially those frequently mouthed or shared, require daily cleaning and disinfection to prevent germ transmission, while less frequently used toys may be sanitized weekly or bi-weekly depending on manufacturer guidance. Deep cleaning should address often-overlooked areas such as behind furniture and HVAC systems and be conducted at least twice annually or more frequently during periods of high traffic or illness outbreaks.
Given the vulnerability of child-centric environments, the CDC advises cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces at least once daily, with many experts suggesting multiple cleanings throughout the day during flu season or pandemics to reduce pathogen presence effectively. Skilled cleaning staff, supported by ongoing training in product safety, cleaning techniques, and equipment use, are vital for implementing these protocols correctly. Digital platforms can assist in task assignment and monitoring compliance to maintain high standards.
Pathogens such as viruses and bacteria can persist on various surfaces for days, increasing the risk of infection if cleaning is inadequate. Proper cleaning with soap or detergent helps reduce pathogen load and disrupts the chain of transmission, which is crucial alongside hand hygiene practices. By following these comprehensive cleaning and disinfection protocols, schools and daycare centers can create healthier environments that significantly lower the risk of disease spread among children and caregivers.

Implementation of Cleaning Protocols in Daily Routines

Effective implementation of cleaning protocols in schools and daycare centers is essential to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children, staff, and visitors. This process involves establishing regular cleaning schedules, ensuring proper sanitization and disinfection, continuous staff training, and efficient inventory management of cleaning supplies.
A defined cleaning system facilitates comprehensive coverage of all surfaces within the facility. A typical routine begins with removing visible debris and toys to prevent obstruction of cleaning equipment such as vacuums. This is followed by washing surfaces with water and soap to eliminate dirt and dust, rinsing away any residues, and finally applying chemical disinfectants to kill bacteria and germs. Prioritizing high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces for regular disinfection is critical to minimizing disease transmission without disrupting daily activities.
Training plays a vital role in ensuring cleaning staff are knowledgeable about the latest protocols and equipped with appropriate tools and agents that comply with safety and environmental standards. Regular training sessions keep the team updated on evolving best practices, while partnering with specialized cleaning services can enhance adherence to standards and operational efficiency. Additionally, adherence to safety measures, such as washing hands after cleaning and wearing gloves when handling waste, aligns with guidelines from authoritative bodies like the CDC.
Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of cleaning procedures is also integral to successful implementation. For example, research has shown that the use of disposable detergent wipes, combined with staff training, can improve compliance with cleaning protocols compared to traditional methods involving rags and buckets. Such ongoing assessment helps refine practices and ensure consistent maintenance of hygiene standards.
Incorporating these strategies enables schools and daycare centers to foster a cleaner environment that supports child wellbeing, meets regulatory requirements, and reassures parents about the safety of their children.

Training, Monitoring, and Staff Management

Effective cleaning practices in schools and daycare centers depend heavily on comprehensive staff training, rigorous monitoring, and strategic management to maintain a safe and healthy environment. Training programs typically cover essential topics such as the nature and transmission of infectious diseases, the importance of environmental cleaning, proper cleaning and disinfection techniques, and the correct use of cleaning tools and checklists.
Staff training must be thorough and ongoing to equip cleaning personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties efficiently and safely. This includes understanding personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, the appropriate use of cleaning agents, and adherence to safety and environmental standards. Given the challenges posed by frequent staff turnover common in care and service sectors, continuous education and reinforcement of protocols are critical to maintaining consistency and accountability in cleaning practices.
Monitoring cleaning operations involves both daily spot checks and weekly comprehensive assessments to promptly identify and address any shortcomings. Incorporating feedback from teachers and other staff members helps target problem areas effectively. Such monitoring ensures compliance with state and federal health guidelines and supports regulatory adherence, which is essential for avoiding penalties and ensuring the safety of children and staff alike.
From a management perspective, fostering a positive work environment is vital to staff retention and performance. Offering competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for professional development creates an appealing workplace culture where employees feel valued. This supportive atmosphere can improve staff commitment and reliability, which directly benefits the quality of cleaning and overall facility safety. Additionally, efficient inventory management of cleaning supplies and equipment is a key responsibility of cleaning managers, ensuring that staff have access to necessary resources without interruption.

Challenges and Barriers to Effective Cleaning

Effective cleaning in schools and daycare centers faces multiple challenges that impact both the quality and consistency of hygiene practices. One significant barrier is the inconsistent adherence to established cleaning protocols by staff members, which can undermine the overall effectiveness of sanitation efforts. This inconsistency may stem from insufficient training or a lack of understanding regarding the importance of following detailed cleaning procedures.
Another challenge involves the financial constraints that many childcare facilities encounter. Maintaining high cleaning standards often requires a continuous investment in quality supplies, including disinfectants, hand hygiene products, and professional cleaning services. These costs can be particularly burdensome for smaller centers operating on limited budgets. Additionally, providing staff with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensuring adequate training for its correct use are critical but resource-intensive components necessary to keep workers safe.
Occupational factors further complicate cleaning effectiveness. Childcare workers, who predominantly comprise low-wage earners, face multiple hazards such as stress, injuries, and frequent exposure to infectious diseases, which may affect their ability to perform cleaning tasks consistently and thoroughly. High turnover rates among these workers, averaging less than one and a half years in such roles, also disrupt continuity and institutional knowledge of cleaning practices.
Moreover, the use of cleaning and disinfecting products presents both safety and efficacy challenges. Many commonly used chemicals can be harmful to human health and the environment if not selected carefully. There is a growing need for professional judgment to identify and utilize EPA-registered greener cleaning products that meet safety standards while maintaining efficacy. Proper documentation of product use is essential to ensure compliance and safety. Additionally, the presence of toxic chemicals that serve no cleaning function but only mask

Commonly Used Cleaning Materials and Disinfectants

Cleaning and disinfecting in schools and daycare centers rely on various materials and products designed to remove dirt and eliminate germs while ensuring safety for children and staff. Cleaning products primarily remove dirt, debris, and some germs from surfaces through scrubbing, washing, or wiping, followed by rinsing with water. Disinfecting products, on the other hand, aim to kill nearly all germs, including bacteria and viruses, on hard, non-porous surfaces such as vinyl, stone, or tile.
Safer cleaning products are strongly recommended in childcare settings to minimize risks such as skin and eye irritation, chemical poisoning, or respiratory problems. These products often exclude harsh chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, artificial fragrances, and colors. “Green products” that meet these criteria are preferred, as EPA-approved disinfectants may sometimes contain chemicals too harsh for sensitive environments like daycares.
Bleach solutions remain an economical and effective disinfectant choice when used properly at low concentrations. They reliably sanitize and disinfect non-porous surfaces against common bacteria without the need for rinsing because bleach rapidly breaks down into harmless components. However, caution is essential when handling bleach, especially to avoid mixing it with other cleaning chemicals that could release hazardous gases.
For cleaning tools, microfiber cloths are preferred due to their efficiency and safety. If unavailable, disposable towels are an acceptable alternative. Use of cotton cloths, cotton mops, and sponges is discouraged in early childhood programs due to hygiene concerns.
Specific cleaning routines in daycare settings emphasize daily cleaning and sanitizing of toys and frequently touched surfaces such as tabletops, doorknobs, and handles to reduce germ transmission risks. Cushions, nap blankets, and other shared equipment require separate cleaning schedules using skin-friendly products to prevent allergic reactions and ensure comfort for children.
Furthermore, personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital for cleaning staff to maintain their safety, especially when dealing with soiled surfaces or body fluids. Gloves and other standard precautions must be used during these tasks.

Infection Control and Prevention Strategies

Effective infection control and prevention in schools and daycare centers rely heavily on proper cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting practices to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Routine schedules for these activities are essential and should be guided by product labels indicating required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and goggles, to ensure safe handling of cleaning agents. Additionally, hand hygiene—specifically washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after cleaning or disinfecting—is a critical step to prevent contamination.
Disinfecting involves the use of EPA-registered chemical agents that kill germs on surfaces and objects, thereby interrupting transmission pathways. Implementing thorough decontamination protocols, including the removal of shared items and fomites, plays a significant role in controlling outbreaks, especially of fungal and viral infections. In certain outbreak scenarios, exclusion of affected individuals for short periods is also recommended to limit spread.
Compliance with local, state, or national regulations is mandatory in many regions, requiring daycare centers and schools to adhere to specific hygiene and cleaning standards. However, maintaining these high standards often necessitates ongoing investment in quality disinfectants, hand hygiene products, and professional cleaning services, which can pose financial challenges, particularly for smaller facilities.
Moreover, proper waste handling procedures, including the use of gloves when managing contaminated materials, form a vital component of infection prevention protocols. Facilities should follow established guidelines to ensure safe disposal and minimize exposure risks to staff and children alike. Collectively, these strategies constitute a comprehensive approach to infection control in educational and childcare environments.

Innovative Cleaning Technologies and Tools

Innovative cleaning technologies and tools are increasingly being integrated into cleaning practices in schools and daycare centers to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. One commonly recommended tool is disinfecting wipes, which are particularly useful for electronic items frequently touched, such as phones and computers. Proper use of these wipes requires careful adherence to the manufacturer’s directions, including maintaining surface wetness for the specified contact time to ensure effective disinfection.
In addition to wipes, there is an emphasis on using chemical disinfectants that can reliably kill germs on surfaces and objects. For example, low-concentration bleach solutions are widely recognized as an economical and effective means to sanitize and disinfect non-porous surfaces from common and harmful bacteria. Bleach breaks down quickly into harmless components, which means it generally does not require rinsing after application. However, caution must be exercised when mixing bleach with other cleaning agents due to the risk of releasing hazardous gases.
A defined cleaning system that incorporates these innovative tools facilitates thorough cleaning by ensuring every surface receives proper attention. This system often involves multiple steps: removing visible debris, cleaning surfaces with water and soap, rinsing, and finally disinfecting with an appropriate chemical solution. The use of such systematic approaches is often supported by training staff to proficiently utilize modern cleaning equipment and disinfectants, while also monitoring cleaning outcomes to maintain high safety and hygiene standards.
Furthermore, some programs opt to hire specialized cleaning personnel or companies equipped with advanced cleaning technologies to perform regular cleaning routines, thereby ensuring that the facility consistently meets health and safety guidelines. The integration of these tools and technologies ultimately supports safer environments for children and staff in educational and care settings.

Case Studies and Best Practice Examples

Effective cleaning practices in schools and daycare centers are crucial for maintaining healthy environments that minimize the spread of infectious diseases and support overall wellbeing. Several case studies and best practice examples highlight the importance of comprehensive cleaning protocols, staff training, and strategic planning.
One pilot study emphasized the value of education programs combined with enhanced cleaning protocols to train staff in environmental cleaning within school settings. The study suggested that expanding such programs on a larger scale could improve cleaning effectiveness and reduce disease transmission. Non-pharmaceutical interventions like hand hygiene and environmental cleansing are strongly recommended by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the CDC to prevent infectious outbreaks in schools.
Another best practice involves regular training sessions to ensure cleaning staff remain up-to-date with the latest health and safety standards. Partnering with specialized cleaning services familiar with school environments can further enhance cleaning efficacy, allowing facility managers to focus on overall school operations. Prioritizing high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces for frequent disinfection, while scheduling cleaning to minimize disruption during school hours, is also essential.
In daycare centers, addressing management challenges such as staff retention and budget constraints through proactive measures is key to sustaining effective cleaning routines. Establishing a culture of accountability, investing in reliable cleaning resources, and consistently following best practices help meet hygiene standards, reduce illness risks, and build trust with families. These strategies collectively contribute to a safe, healthy environment that satisfies regulatory requirements and reassures parents.

Future Trends and Developments for 2025 and Beyond

In 2025, significant updates and trends are shaping cleaning practices in schools and daycare centers to enhance health and safety standards. One major development is the revision of Colorado’s health and sanitation regulations for child care facilities. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) completed a stakeholder process to update 6 CCR 1010-7, with the Board of Health adopting the changes on February 19, 2025. These updated regulations will take effect on April 14, 2025, providing new guidelines for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting practices tailored for child care environments.
A notable trend is the increasing emphasis on green cleaning practices. Beyond environmental benefits, adopting eco-certified cleaning products and equipment can also reduce health risks associated with harmful chemicals and lower operational costs. Facility managers are encouraged to use products that carry eco-certifications, such as the EPA’s Safer Choice label, which ensures safer ingredients for people and the environment. This move toward greener solutions reflects a growing awareness of the intersection between environmental sustainability and human health in facility management.
In addition to updated regulations and green cleaning, training and defined cleaning systems are becoming critical components of effective sanitation in educational settings. Structured training sessions now commonly cover infectious disease transmission, cleaning skills, proper disinfection methods, and the use and maintenance of cleaning tools. Demonstrations and checklists are used to reinforce best practices, ensuring staff can effectively reduce the spread of illness. Furthermore, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) remains essential to safeguard cleaning personnel during their duties.
To ensure consistent and thorough cleaning, many programs are opting to hire professional cleaning personnel or companies to carry out routine cleaning tasks, supporting adherence to updated standards and freeing educational staff to focus on their primary responsibilities. These developments collectively represent a comprehensive approach to maintaining safe and healthy environments in schools and daycare centers moving forward into 2025 and beyond.

The content is provided by Avery Redwood, Direct Bulletins