Surface Washing Procedures

Disinfecting: 

To remove dirt, dust and general grossness from surfaces (tables, highchairs, counters etc.) spray the surface with a soap-water solution and then wipe it dry with a disposable paper towel.  If you decide to use a cloth instead make sure it's used only once then washed before you use it again, this prevents contamination and the spread of germs.

 

Sanitizing:

To sanitize eating and food preparation surfaces, follow the steps above then follow it with spraying the surface with a bleach/water solution.  Wait at least 2 minutes before wiping dry with a disposable towel or allow it to air dry.  The solution needs to stay on the surface for at least 2 minutes in order to kill the germs.  Do not spray it and immediately wipe it dry. 

 

Make a fresh batch of bleach solution every day. 

• 1 tablespoon of bleach in 1 quart of water -OR-
• 1/4 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water

 

Precautions:

• DO NOT mix bleach with any other cleaner as it could be extremely toxic.  For example, combining the bleach in the bleach/water solution and the ammonia in a glass cleaner can create a toxic yet undetectable gas which is poisonous.
• Sponges shouldn't be used for cleaning because they absorb germs deep into itself which makes it extremely difficult to get rid of them.  Using a sponge on another surface then spreads these germs.  It is more hygienic to use one-time-use materials like paper towels.
• If cloths are used then a separate cloth is required for each table, tray, surface etc. and washed before using them again.  They cannot simply be soaked in a bleach/water solution before being used again.
• Food should not be placed directly onto a surface because the food has a larger chance of being contaminated versus placing it onto a reusable or disposable plate.
• If food is placed onto highchair trays directly without using a plate then the trays must be washed and sanitized after each use just as you would a plate or food utensil.
• Sanitizing solution must not be used while children are present and can come in contact with the solution.