Germ Illustration

Child Care Environmental Disinfection Table

There are several disinfection chemicals which can be used in child care daily cleaning and disinfecting practices. Be sure to use the right concentration of the chemical based on the purpose of cleaning and the manufacturer instructions.

Important: Based on the Ontario Food Premise Regulation 562, the chemicals used in food service areas are different and require different concentrations and contact times. Please refer to Food Preparation – Sanitizer Concentrations.

Child Care Environmental Disinfection

ChemicalUses/CommentsDilution of Disinfectant
Chlorines

(Household Bleach)

5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite		USAGE

  • Disinfection of the environmental surfaces, counters, toilets, sinks, tables, diaper change tables, floors, walls, toys
  • Used for home, child care and health care
  • Blood spills

  • Soaking of items, toys, dishes

ADVANTAGES

  • Rapid action
  • Readily available in non hospital settings
  • Sporicidal
  • Low cost


DISADVANTAGES

  • Corrosive to metals
  • Inactivated by organic material; for blood spills, blood must be removed prior to disinfection
  • Irritant to skin and mucous membranes
  • Should be used immediately once diluted


PRECAUTIONS

  • Use in well-ventilated areas
  • Must be stored in closed containers
  • Away from ultraviolet light and heat to prevent deterioration
  • Stains clothing and carpets
NOTE

Cleaning of the area with soap and water must be done before disinfection. Mix fresh bleach solutions daily. Use the Chlorine test paper to make sure you get the right concentration.


LOW LEVEL

  • Utensils sanitization: 100 ppm for 45 seconds (2.5 ml or ½ tsp of bleach to 1000 ml or 4 cups of water)

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

  • For daily environmental cleaning: 200 ppm for 1 minute (5 ml or 1 tsp of bleach to 1000 ml or 4 cups of water)

HIGH LEVEL

  • Blood spills – major: 5000 ppm for 10 minutes (250 ml or 1 cup of bleach to 2 L or 9 cups of water)
Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide


IMPORTANT

Chemical is also available in 0.5% and 7% dilution stored.		USAGE

  • Disinfection of the environmental surfaces, counters, toilets, sinks, tables, diaper change tables, floors, walls, toys
  • Used for home, child care and health care

ADVANTAGES

  • Rapid action
  • Safe for the environment
  • Non toxic
  • Test papers are not required

DISADVANTAGES

  • Contraindicated for use on copper, zinc, brass, aluminum


PRECAUTIONS

  • Store in cool places
  • Protect from light

NOTE

Check the percentage of the solution you have; there is a shorter contact time for a higher percentage of the chemical. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.


LOW LEVEL

  • For daily environmental cleaning: 0.5% solution follow manufacturer’s instructions.

HIGH LEVEL

  • Blood spills – major and during an outbreak situation: 7% solution follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATs)USAGE

  • Daily environmental cleaning agent
  • Disinfection of the environmental surfaces, counters, toilets, sinks, tables, diaper change tables, floors, walls, toys
  • Used for home, child care and health care
  • Blood spills prior to disinfection

ADVANTAGES

  • Non-corrosive, non-toxic, low irritant
  • Good cleaning ability
  • May be used on food surfaces


DISADVANTAGES

  • Limited use as disinfectant because it is not effective for a number of microbes. Switch to Chlorine or Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxides if an outbreak happens in the child care centre.
NOTE

Use the QUAT test paper to make sure you get the right concentration.


LOW LEVEL

  • Utensils sanitization: 200 ppm for 45 seconds

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

  • For daily environmental cleaning: 400 ppm follow manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Rinse the mouthing toys under the running water.

References: PIDAC Best Practices for Environmental Cleaning for Prevention and Control of Infections, December 2009.

Note: Any child care, including Best Start and Before and After Care programs operating on Avon-Maitland Board of Education property, have specific chemical use guidelines that may include refraining from using chlorine. Ensure all child care centre staff are aware of those guidelines.

All other child care centres may use any of the listed chemicals provided the appropriate contact times and concentrations are used.

  • Always make sure chemicals are labelled appropriately and in a locked room or cupboard out of reach of children.
  • NEVER mix bleach with anything but fresh tap water. Other chemicals (e.g. toilet bowl cleaner, vinegar) may react with bleach and create and release a toxic chlorine gas.  Post a “do not mix” warning on cupboards where bleach and other cleaning products are stored.

Last modified: February 19, 2020