Cleaning Checklist for Daycare

A thorough cleaning checklist for daycare isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. Children’s immune systems are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to germs, bacteria, and viruses that can spread quickly in group settings. In a busy daycare environment, where toys are shared, hands are sticky, and surfaces see constant use, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness is critical.

Keeping your center clean helps reduce the risk of illness outbreaks, reassures parents that their children are safe, and ensures you’re prepared to pass every health inspection with flying colors. Parents notice the difference between a place that looks clean and a place that truly is clean—and the latter earns their trust and loyalty.

This guide goes beyond the surface-level advice you’ll find elsewhere. You’ll get detailed daily, weekly, and monthly checklists, expert cleaning best practices, product recommendations, and pro tips for keeping your daycare consistently safe, fresh, and welcoming.

The Health & Safety Impact of a Clean Daycare

Protecting Children’s Health

A clean daycare is a healthier daycare. Regular cleaning and sanitizing help reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses that can lead to colds, flu, stomach bugs, and other illnesses. Because young children touch everything—and often put objects in their mouths—high-touch surfaces like toys, doorknobs, and tables need extra attention to keep germs from spreading.

Safety Benefits

Cleanliness isn’t only about germ control—it’s also about preventing accidents. Cluttered floors can lead to trips and falls, while spills left unattended can cause slips. A well-maintained space ensures children can move around freely and safely, whether they’re in the playroom, nap area, or outdoor playground.

Compliance with Regulations

State licensing and local health departments have clear requirements for cleanliness in childcare facilities. These rules often dictate how and when certain areas must be cleaned, the types of products that can be used, and how supplies should be stored to keep them out of children’s reach. Following a clear checklist ensures your daycare stays compliant and inspection-ready at all times.

Boosting Reputation

Parents talk—and they notice when a daycare smells fresh, looks organized, and feels safe. A spotless facility makes a positive first impression during tours and reinforces your professionalism for existing families. Cleanliness can directly influence a parent’s decision to enroll or keep their child in your care.

Preparing for Effective Daycare Cleaning

Staff Roles & Responsibilities

Cleaning shouldn’t be an afterthought or left to chance—it should be part of your team’s daily responsibilities. Assign specific cleaning tasks to individual staff members so nothing gets overlooked. For example, one person might handle sanitizing toys and tables, while another focuses on the kitchen or restrooms. Rotating roles occasionally can also help ensure all areas get equal attention.

Training & Checklists

Even the most experienced staff can forget a step without a clear plan. Providing a standardized cleaning checklist ensures everyone follows the same process and meets the same hygiene standards. Training sessions—especially for new hires—should cover how to properly sanitize surfaces, handle cleaning products safely, and understand which tasks are daily, weekly, or monthly.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Products

In a daycare, not all cleaning products are created equal. Choose non-toxic, child-safe cleaners that meet EPA safety guidelines. Look for labels that say “non-toxic” or “safe for children,” and avoid products with harsh chemical warnings like “corrosive” or “irritant.” Keep in mind that even safe products should be stored securely and out of children’s reach.

Scheduling Strategy

Timing is everything in a busy childcare center. Schedule certain cleaning tasks around nap times to avoid disrupting children’s routines. Quick wipe-downs can happen throughout the day during transitions, while deep-cleaning tasks may be best scheduled after hours or during low-traffic times. A well-thought-out schedule helps maintain cleanliness without interfering with play or learning activities.

A thorough cleaning checklist for daycare works best when it’s organized by how often each task needs to be done. Breaking it down into daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal jobs keeps your team on track and ensures every corner of your childcare center gets the attention it needs.

Daily Daycare Cleaning Tasks

Daily cleaning keeps germs from building up and prevents messes from getting out of hand. These are your non-negotiables—the tasks that keep your daycare running safely and smoothly every single day.

Classroom & Play Areas

• Sanitize toys that have been used during the day.
• Wipe down tables, chairs, and shelves.
• Sweep or vacuum floors to pick up crumbs, dirt, and small debris.
• Disinfect high-touch points like doorknobs, light switches, and cubby handles.

Nap Areas

• Change bedding and sanitize cribs or cots.
• Air out sleeping mats to prevent odors and bacteria buildup.

Kitchen & Eating Areas

• Wipe and sanitize all tables after meals.
• Clean food prep areas after each use.
• Wash dishes, utensils, and cups.
• Sweep and mop floors to remove food residue.

Restrooms & Diaper Changing Areas

• Disinfect toilets, sinks, potty chairs, and changing tables.
• Refill soap, paper towels, and toilet paper.
• Empty trash bins to avoid odors and bacteria.

General

• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent slips and stains.
• Open windows or use ventilation systems to keep air fresh.

Weekly Daycare Cleaning Tasks

Weekly tasks are those that don’t need daily attention but still play a big role in maintaining a clean, inviting space.

• Dust and disinfect shelves, cubbies, and storage bins.
• Wash dress-up clothes, linens, and washable toys.
• Deep-clean carpets and rugs in play areas to remove hidden dirt.
• Clean art and craft areas, including tables, easels, and paintbrushes.
• Sanitize larger play equipment that’s too big for daily cleaning.

Monthly Daycare Cleaning Tasks

Monthly cleaning focuses on areas that are less likely to get dirty quickly but can accumulate dust, grime, and germs over time.

• Wash curtains, blinds, and window screens.
• Disinfect and reorganize all toys, books, and learning materials.
• Clean inside refrigerators and microwaves to prevent food odors.
• Polish wood furniture and sanitize storage units.
• Inspect the facility for signs of mold, pests, or water damage.

Quarterly / Seasonal Deep Cleaning

Few competitors mention this, but seasonal deep cleaning makes a noticeable difference in both cleanliness and air quality.

• Replace HVAC filters and schedule duct cleaning.
• Power-wash outdoor play equipment and sanitize playground surfaces.
• Move and clean behind or under all furniture and appliances.
• Shampoo carpets and upholstery to remove allergens and stains.
• Wash walls and ceilings to get rid of dust and cobwebs.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Procedures for Childcare Settings

Even with a solid checklist, knowing how to clean is just as important as knowing what to clean. Here’s the process to follow for every area in your daycare:

Debris Removal → Cleaning → Sanitizing → Disinfecting → Final Inspection

1. Debris Removal – Pick up toys, papers, crumbs, and any visible mess.
2. Cleaning – Use soap and water or a mild cleaner to remove dirt and grime from surfaces.
3. Sanitizing – Apply a food-safe sanitizer to reduce germs to safe levels.
4. Disinfecting – Use an appropriate disinfectant for high-risk areas to kill bacteria and viruses.
5. Final Inspection – Check the space to make sure nothing has been missed.

When and How to Sanitize vs. Disinfect

• Sanitize after general use—tables after snack time, toys at the end of the day.
• Disinfect when illness is present or for high-risk surfaces like changing tables, toilets, and sinks.

How to Handle Mouthed Toys Immediately

• Remove the toy from circulation as soon as it’s been mouthed.
• Wash it with soap and water, then sanitize before giving it back to the children.

Special Care for Sensory Tables, Water Tables, and Sand Play Areas

• Empty and clean these areas at the end of each day.
• Use a safe disinfectant for the basin or container.
• Replace water or sand regularly to prevent bacterial growth.

Daycare Cleaning Supplies Checklist (Complete & Child-Safe Recommendations)

Keeping your cleaning checklist for daycare running smoothly depends on having the right supplies on hand—and making sure they’re safe for little ones. Here’s what every daycare should keep stocked.

Daily Use Supplies

• Non-toxic disinfectants – Choose EPA-approved, child-safe products that kill germs without harsh fumes.
• Sanitizing wipes – Perfect for quick clean-ups on tables, toys, and high-touch surfaces.
• Paper towels – Keep plenty available for spills, drying hands, and wiping down surfaces.
• Gloves – Disposable gloves for diaper changes, bathroom cleaning, and handling chemicals.
• Soap – Gentle, effective hand soap for both children and staff.

Deep-Clean Tools

• HEPA-filter vacuums – Trap allergens and dust that regular vacuums miss.
• Steam cleaners – Great for sanitizing carpets, rugs, and soft toys without chemicals.
• Microfiber cloths – Reusable and effective at grabbing dust, dirt, and bacteria.

Safety Gear

• Gloves – Heavy-duty reusable gloves for deep cleaning tasks.
• Masks – Helpful during dust-heavy or chemical cleaning.
• Aprons – Keep staff clothing protected during messier cleaning jobs.

Storage Tips

• Always store cleaning products in locked cabinets or on high shelves out of children’s reach.
• Label containers clearly to avoid misuse.
• Keep flammable products away from heat sources.

Pro Tips to Maintain a Consistently Clean Daycare

A cleaning checklist is great—but smart habits make it even more effective.

Color-Coded Cleaning Cloths by Room

Assign one color to each room or area so cloths aren’t accidentally used in both bathrooms and play areas.

Rotating Cleaning Duties

Switch staff tasks every couple of weeks to prevent “blind spots” and keep everyone alert to details.

Setting Up Cleaning Supply Restock Schedules

Don’t wait until you’re out of wipes or soap—set a weekly or monthly restock reminder.

Creating Quick Clean-Up Kits

Keep a basket or caddy stocked with wipes, gloves, paper towels, and spray in each main area for fast response to messes.

Using Child-Safe Air Purifiers

Reduce airborne germs and allergens with HEPA-filter purifiers placed in high-traffic rooms.

The Role of Professional Cleaning Services in Daycare Hygiene

Even with a solid daily routine, professional help can take your cleanliness to the next level.

Benefits of Outsourcing Periodic Deep Cleans

• Reaches areas your staff may miss or can’t easily clean.
• Keeps carpets, upholstery, and large play structures in top condition.
• Frees up staff to focus on child care instead of heavy cleaning tasks.

What to Expect from a Commercial Daycare Cleaning Company

• A detailed cleaning plan tailored to your space.
• Use of child-safe, industry-approved products.
• Professional-grade tools and equipment for deep sanitizing.

How to Vet a Cleaning Provider

• Ask about experience specifically with childcare facilities.
• Request proof of background checks for cleaning staff.
• Verify that they follow all safety and compliance standards for daycare environments.

FAQs About Daycare Cleaning

A clean, organized daycare isn’t just nice to look at—it’s essential for the health, safety, and happiness of both children and staff. By following a thorough cleaning checklist and stocking the right supplies, you can keep germs at bay, meet compliance requirements, and make a great impression on parents.

Consistency is key—small daily habits add up to a healthier environment year-round. For deep cleaning, tougher jobs, or seasonal sanitizing, partner with FDCNJ, a trusted commercial cleaning company that understands the unique needs of childcare facilities. We’ll help you maintain a spotless, safe space so you can focus on what matters most—caring for the children in your care.