Cleaning

Difference between cleaning and disinfecting

Cleaning

Cleaning is to remove the dirt, debris and grease and we often use a detergent for example washing up liquid or floor cleaner to help us remove this dirt and grease.

Disinfection

Disinfection removes bacteria to a safe level and will stop infection spreading. We can use chemicals eg sterilising solution such as Milton, antibacterial sprays/wipes or we can use hot water (above 82^oC - near boiling) or steam.

Things that need to be cleaned and disinfected

Cleaning cloths

Use different cloths for cleaning the toilet area - it is good practice to have disposable or colour coded cloths for example J cloths so that you do not get mixed up.

Changing mats for nappy changing

Diarrhoea is a common infection problem in children under five years old. Nappy changing is an ideal opportunity for germs to be transmitted especially when having to use public facilities.

Parents are encouraged to take their own changing mat and to use an antibacterial wipe (or a baby wipe) to clean the mat after each use. If they do not have the wipes with them, then it is important to clean the mat regularly, at least once a week with a Milton solution or antibacterial spray. If the mat gets soiled then it should be washed in detergent and hot water and then dried. The mats should be discarded if they become torn or cracked.

Toilets/potty training

Toilets should be cleaned and disinfected everyday. If someone in the family is ill with sickness or diarrhoea then the toilet must be cleaned and disinfected after each use. If the household has more than one toilet then it is recommended that the person who is ill uses a designated toilet to minimise cross contamination amongst the household.

Regular hand washing

Reinforce the hand-washing message and the importance of wiping/washing babies hands after changing nappies or using the potty. It is important to get children into a good habit to wash their hands before eating food to reduce the likelihood of getting food poisoning. It is important for parents to wash hands after any cleaning activity and before preparing food.

Feeding equipment

Infant feeding utensils (bottles and teats) must be cleaned between uses. If the child is 12 months or less, or susceptible to infection, bottles and teats must be cleaned in detergent and hot water and then disinfected. Squirt water through the teats and use a baby bottle brush to clean the bottles thoroughly. You must ensure you regularly disinfect the bottle brushes - these can usually be cleaned in the top rack of the dishwasher.

Alternatively you can disinfect them in very hot soapy water or in sterilising solution. Take care and ensure you immerse the items in sterilising solution for the recommended time and also the correct dilution rates. Do not guess.

Dummies

Until babies are weaned onto solids, dummies should be sterilised in the same way as you sterilise the bottles. After this time, thorough cleaning in hot water and detergent is enough to ensure the dummy is safe to use. Inadequate cleaning of dummies can lead to infections. Using a dummy clip which attaches the dummy to your baby’s clothes can help avoid repeated drops on the floor.

When out with your baby, keep spare dummies in a clean sealed container so you have spares. It is also important for parents not to put the dummies into their mouth and then put into the babies mouth as bacteria can transfer. It is good practice to limit dummy use during the day and aim to discard the use of the dummy before they are 12 months old to reduce the likelihood of speech problems.

Toys and play equipment

Toys should be cleaned and disinfected once a week if they are shared with other children as they tend to put them in their mouths. If any toys are soiled, then they must be cleaned and disinfected immediately. Plastic toys can be wiped easily using a sterilising solution or a food safe antibacterial spray. Soft toys can usually be cleaned in the washing machine.

Toys that are shared within the community group must be cleaned and disinfected weekly and immediately if they become soiled. If any child is sick or has diarrhoea in the play area then the whole area should be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected and any toys cleaned and disinfected. It is good practice to keep several boxes of toys so that you can use a different box of toys each day and clean toys after each use.

What to do if your child has sickness and diarrhoea

Ensure you do not let your child in contact with other children outside of your household for 48 hours after all symptoms have ceased. If your child is taking medication to treat the illness, then you must wait 48 hours after they have finished taking the medication. Please do not take your child to nursery or mix with other children before this time as they are likely to spread this to other children. Take care within the household as cross contamination can easily occur for example on toys and in the toilet area.

See our resources page for posters, leaflets and activity sheets.

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