Commercial Cleaning for Childcare Centres: What You Need to Know

How do you ensure your Childcare Centre stays safe, spotless, and inviting? 

As a child care centre operator, you're not just running a business – you're shaping the future.

Every day, you create a world where little explorers learn, grow, and play. But in this magical realm, there's an invisible threat lurking: germs. In child care, germs are public enemy number one. So how do you ensure your childcare centre, whether based in Sydney, Melbourne, or anywhere across Australia, stays safe, spotless, and inviting? 

Here’s how to find the perfect cleaning partner who will help your child care centre shine - both in cleanliness and in the eyes of parents.

Why Your Choice of Cleaning Partner Matters

Before we dive into the specifics, let's address the elephant in the room: Why is professional cleaning so crucial for child care centres?

• Health and Safety: Children are more susceptible to illnesses. A great cleaning routine is your first line of defense against the spread of germs.
• Parent Confidence: A visibly clean environment reassures parents that their children are in good hands.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting (and exceeding) health and safety standards is non-negotiable in child care.
• Staff Productivity: When your team isn't bogged down with cleaning tasks, they can focus on what they do best – nurturing children.

The Essential Qualities of an Exceptional Cleaning Partner

1. The Health Guardian

Your ideal cleaning partner should be equipped with:

• Hospital-grade disinfectants that effectively eliminate bacteria and viruses
• Advanced techniques targeting germ hotspots like toys and doorknobs
• A hygiene-focused approach that goes beyond the visible

2. The Eco-Warrior

Harsh chemicals have no place in a child care setting. Look for a partner that:

• Uses non-toxic, eco-friendly products
• Prioritises child safety in all cleaning practices
• Demonstrates a commitment to sustainability

Cleancorp Innovation Spotlight: Some leading cleaning companies now use ozone systems like Tersano. Their technology turns tap water into an all-in-one cleaner, sanitiser and deodoriser. Which is why we love it – it provides outstanding results without any chemical side effects.

Sustainable Practices: Consider companies that use environmentally safe, 100% recycled plastic bags. For instance, some providers source their bags from companies like Who Gives a Crap, which turns discarded plastic into new products, giving it a second life.

3. The Atmosphere Architect

A clean centre sets the stage for learning and comfort. Seek a partner who:

• Understands the importance of a welcoming environment
• Creates spaces that feel safe and nurturing
• Contributes to an atmosphere where children and staff can thrive

4. The Custom Cleaner

Your centre is unique, and your cleaning plan should reflect that. Look for a provider that:

• Takes time to understand your specific requirements
• Crafts a cleaning plan tailored to your centre's layout and activities
• Offers flexible scheduling to match your operational needs

Customisation in Action: One of Cleancor's client's, a centre with a large outdoor play area, benefited from a cleaning plan that included specialised sanitisation of outdoor equipment, resulting in fewer skin infections among children.

5. The Time Saver

A professional cleaning service should free up your staff's time. Consider how:

• Your team can focus more on child care and less on cleaning tasks
• Staff no longer need to stay late for cleaning duties
• More energy can be devoted to planning activities and engaging with families

6. The Budget-Friendly Choice

While professional cleaning may seem like an added expense, it's an investment that pays off:

• Reduced absenteeism for both staff and children due to fewer illnesses
• Extended lifespan of equipment and facilities through proper maintenance
• Potential savings on cleaning supplies and equipment

7. The Compliance Champion

In the world of child care, meeting standards isn't enough – exceeding them is essential. Your cleaning partner should:

• Be well-versed in health and safety regulations
• Be ISO Certified for Quality, Safety and Environmental Management
• Ensure your centre not only meets but surpasses compliance requirements
• Provide peace of mind through thorough documentation and reporting

8. The Quality Assurance Expert

A top-tier cleaning partner should have robust quality control measures in place:

• Regular Site Inspections: Look for a provider that conducts quality site inspection visits every 30 days. These inspections ensure consistent cleaning standards and allow for timely adjustments to the cleaning plan if needed.
• Site Management System: Your cleaning partner should use a comprehensive site management system that logs and tracks all cleaning activities at your centre. This system should:
  • Record daily cleaning tasks completed
  • Track periodical cleaning activities
  • Ensure all items on the cleaning specification are addressed
• Monthly Detailed Reports: Expect your cleaning provider to furnish you with a detailed site report in writing each month. This report should outline:
  • All cleaning activities performed
  • Any issues identified and addressed
  • Confirmation that all specified cleaning tasks were completed

9. The Ethical Employer: B Corp Certification

When choosing a cleaning partner, consider companies with B Corp Certification. This certification is a mark of excellence in social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Here's why it matters:

• Sustainability: B Corp certified companies are committed to reducing their environmental impact.
• Employee Wellbeing: These companies prioritise fair wages, benefits, and good working conditions.
• Quality Service: Happy employees tend to provide better service. B Corp certification often correlates with higher employee satisfaction and lower turnover rates, so you’re not getting a different cleaner each week.

Cleancorp Expert Opinion: Companies with B Corp Certification have undergone stringent measures to prove they are good corporate citizens. This commitment often translates to more reliable and conscientious service.

Making the Right Choice: Your Action Plan

1. Assess Your Needs: Take stock of your centre's specific cleaning requirements.
2. Research Potential Partners: Look for companies with experience in child care settings and B Corp Certification.
3. Ask the Right Questions: Inquire about their cleaning products, techniques, and staff training.
4. Check References: Speak with other child care centres they've worked with.
5. Consider a Trial Period: Many services offer a trial to ensure it's a good fit.

FAQs on Commercial Cleaning for Childcare Centres

1. How often should play equipment be sanitised?

At Cleancorp, we believe play equipment in childcare centres should be sanitised daily at a minimum, and immediately after any visible contamination such as spills, food, or illness-related incidents. High-touch toys like building blocks, puzzles, or ride-on toys are hotspots for bacteria and viruses, so they should be disinfected multiple times a day. Outdoor play equipment should also be regularly pressure-cleaned or wiped down depending on weather and usage. By implementing a structured cleaning schedule that includes both daily sanitisation and deeper weekly disinfecting, centres can significantly reduce the risk of illness spreading among children and staff.

2. Are green cleaning products safe for children?

Yes. Eco-friendly cleaning products are often the preferred choice in childcare environments because they are non-toxic, biodegradable, and free from harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin, trigger asthma, or cause allergic reactions. Many professional cleaning providers like Cleancorp use certified green products that meet Australian standards for safety in education and care settings. These products not only protect children and staff but also support sustainability goals by reducing chemical waste and environmental impact. For peace of mind, providers can supply Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all products used so centres know exactly what’s being applied. Read more about Cleancorp's commitment to sustainability.

3. Can cleaning be done during operating hours?

Yes, cleaning can be scheduled during or after operating hours depending on the needs of the centre. Many professional services like Cleancorp provide discreet daytime cleaning for touch-ups, such as sanitising bathrooms, wiping down high-touch surfaces, or refreshing classrooms between activities, without disrupting the children’s routine. After-hours cleaning is ideal for deeper sanitisation, including mopping floors, disinfecting toys, and thorough kitchen or bathroom cleaning. This dual approach ensures children are always in a clean, safe environment without compromising learning and playtime.

4. What areas in childcare centres need the most attention?

Childcare centres require strict cleaning across a range of spaces, but the most critical areas include:

• Bathrooms and nappy change stations - require frequent disinfecting to prevent cross-contamination.

• Food preparation areas and kitchens - must meet food safety standards with daily deep cleaning.

• Sleeping areas and cots - require sanitisation of bedding and surfaces to protect vulnerable immune systems.

• Play areas and classrooms - need constant attention to manage toys, furniture, and high-touch points.

Professional cleaning providers build site-specific plans to ensure these high-risk areas are prioritised every day.

5. How do professional cleaners help childcare centres meet compliance?

Childcare centres in Australia must meet National Quality Standards (NQS), which include strict hygiene and safety requirements. Professional cleaners trained in childcare compliance help centres by:

• Following industry best practices for infection control.

• Documenting cleaning schedules for audits and inspections.

• Using approved child-safe products.

• Ensuring hygiene practices align with public health guidelines.

This support gives centre managers confidence during audits and reassurance that children are in a safe, compliant environment.

6. How can professional cleaning reduce illness in childcare centres?

Childcare centres are naturally high-risk environments for germs, with children sharing toys, equipment, and spaces daily. Professional cleaning reduces illness by:

• Disinfecting high-touch surfaces like door handles, tables, and toys.

• Preventing the spread of viruses like colds, flu, and gastro through thorough sanitisation.

• Maintaining air quality with dusting, vacuuming, and safe disinfection methods.

• Reducing bacteria in bathrooms, kitchens, and food prep areas.

This lowers absenteeism among children and staff, creating a healthier, more reliable childcare environment.

The Bottom Line: Investing in a Cleaner, Safer Future

Choosing the right cleaning partner is more than a business decision – it's a commitment to the wellbeing of every child in your care. It's about creating a space where:

• Families feel confident leaving their precious ones
• Children are free to explore without hidden dangers
• Your staff can focus on nurturing young minds

Remember, in the world of child care, germs may be public enemy number one, but with the right cleaning partner, you'll have a powerful ally in keeping your centre safe, clean, and thriving.

Ready to transform your child care centre into a beacon of cleanliness, health, and happiness? Take the first step today by requesting a quote. Your little explorers deserve nothing less than the cleanest, safest space to discover their world.