Washing and Disinfecting Bathroom and Other Surfaces
Resources for Child Care Givers
Provided by All Family Resources

Bathroom surfaces , such as faucet handles and toilet seats, should be washed and disinfected several times a day, if possible, but at least once a day or when soiled.

The bleach and water solution or chlorine-containing scouring powders or other commercial bathroom surface cleaners/disinfectants can be used in these areas. Surfaces that infants and young toddlers are likely to touch or mouth, such as crib rails, should be washed with soap and water and disinfected with a nontoxic disinfectant, such as bleach solution, at least once every day, more often if visibly soiled.

After the surface has been drenched or soaked with the disinfectant for at least 10 minutes, surfaces likely to be mouthed should be thoroughly wiped with a fresh towel moistened with tap water.

Be sure not to use a toxic cleaner on surfaces likely to be mouthed. Floors, low shelves, door knobs, and other surfaces often touched by children wearing diapers should be washed and disinfected at least once a day and whenever soiled.