Cleaning and Sanitizing
Cleaning gets rid of the dirt you can see.
A good cleaning program begins by washing your hands. A good cleaning solution is soap and water.
Sanitizing gets rid of most of the germs you can't see.
A good sanitizing solution is bleach and water. Here are a few things to remember for making an effective sanitizer:
- Sanitizer in spray bottles should be changed daily
- Bleach is ineffective when mixed with soapy water
- Too little bleach will not kill germs
- Too much bleach is toxic and a skin irritant
- Mix approximately: ½ teaspoon of bleach with 16 ounces of water
These things require frequent cleaning and sanitizing:
- Changing tables
- Mouthed toys
- Isolation cots
- Lunch tables
- Food equipment and preparation surfaces
Sanitizers alone don't remove dirt. It takes cleaning and sanitizing to stop the spread of germs.
Contact your Health Department representative for ways you can improve your cleaning program.