Bleach solutions of differing concentrations can be used for sanitizing and disinfecting. You can prepare your own bleach solutions by mixing specified amounts of household bleach and water, or you can purchase commercially prepared bleach-containing products. Make sure the bleach solution is appropriate for the type of item to be sanitized or disinfected.

Bleach is safe when used as directed, is effective against germs when used at the proper concentration, is inexpensive if you make your own solutions, and is readily available. However, bleach is corrosive to metals and can strip floor wax, is ineffective in the presence of body fluids and soil (you must always clean first), is unstable when mixed with water (needs to be made fresh daily), and can be dangerous if mixed with other products.

• Bleach solution 1 - disinfectant 
  This solution contains approximately 800 parts per million (ppm) of sodium hypochlorite. Only surfaces with blood or heavy fecal contamination need to be disinfected.
  
  

• Bleach solution 2 - sanitizer 
  This solution contains 50 to 200 parts per million (ppm) of sodium hypochlorite. For equipment that is washed/rinsed/sanitized in sinks (immersion), a solution of 50 to 100 ppm should be used. For surfaces that are cleaned-in-place such as high chairs and other eating surfaces, a solution of 100 to 200 ppm should be used.
  
  The Missouri Food Code states that the range of the sanitizing solution must be from 50 to 200 ppm. It must not exceed 200 ppm. Chlorine test kits are available for purchase to check the concentration of your solution. Licensed facilities are required to use a test kit to measure the strength of the sanitizing solution.

---

Always STORE OUT OF CHILDREN’S REACH – undiluted quats can be fatal if ingested.

---

There are many types of quaternary ammonia products, and they are not all the same. However, a common chemical name of the active ingredient is dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. It is important to read the label and to follow the instructions carefully to make sure you are using a product that is appropriate for the type of item to be sanitized or disinfected.

If using for disinfection after a blood spill or splatter, it must meet OSHA requirements for the bloodborne pathogen exposure plan, that is, be EPA-registered as tuberculocidal, or list that HIV and hepatitis B viruses are killed by the product.

Use test kit daily to monitor the correct concentration of the product used in the food areas (200 to 400 ppm). A separate test kit is needed to measure the concentration of the quat solution. Obtain test kits from your chemical supplier.

Use separate bottles and label each clearly with its intended use with the name of product, date mixed, food/mouthed contact use, or general disinfection.

Remember when using QUATS:

Read the label and follow the manufacturer's directions exactly for:

• how to mix product.
• how to apply the solution.
• how long to leave on the surface.
• whether to rinse after exposure time.
• safety concerns when used around children.

The solution for use on food contact surfaces may differ from that used for general disinfection. Read the label and follow the directions exactly. For more information about a specific product call the distributor or the company.

1. Wear a disposable medical glove for any blood and body fluid cleanup.*
2. Use disposable towels to ALWAYS clean objects and surfaces contaminated with blood and body fluids (stool, urine, vomit) and discard in a plastic-lined, covered waste container.
3. Scrub the area with soap or detergent and water to remove blood or body fluids and discard paper towels. Rinse the area with clean water.
4. Disinfect immediately using bleach solution 1 or another appropriate disinfecting product on any items and surfaces contaminated with blood and body fluids (stool, urine, vomit).
5. Allow surface to air dry.
6. Discard disposable gloves. If using utility gloves, follow cleaning/disinfecting procedure.
7. Wash hands immediately.

 

*Medical gloves (e.g., surgical glove, examination glove)

• Used for exposure-related tasks where there is contact with blood and body fluids. For example, when handling blood (e.g., nosebleeds, cuts) or items, surfaces, or clothing soiled by blood or bloody body fluids. Follow procedures outlined in the childcare or school’s Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Plan.
• Used when changing the diaper of a child with diarrhea or with an infection that is spread through stool, or if the child has open areas on the skin.
• Worn by staff if they have open cuts, sores, or cracked skin.
• Must be approved by the FDA.

1. Clean first with soap or detergent and water.
2. Rinse.
3. Spray the area thoroughly with bleach solution 2 or another appropriate sanitizing product.
4. Wipe the area to evenly distribute the sanitizer using single-service, disposable paper towels.
5. Discard paper towels in a plastic-lined container.
6. Allow to air dry.
7. Wash hands.

1. Before any new group of children begins an activity at a water play table or water basin, the water play table or basin is washed, rinsed, and sanitized.
2. Chlorine is maintained at 10 to 50 ppm (parts per million).
3. Any child participating in an activity at a water play table or basin washes his or her hands before the activity.
4. The water table or basin is emptied as soon as the water play activity is over.

1. Use hot water in a washing machine. This is acceptable for soaking, cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting washable articles.
2. Read the label on the laundry detergent.
3. Read the label and follow directions exactly if using bleach.
4. Dry items in a dryer on high heat.

Three separate sinks (or basins) method

1. Sink/Basin #1: wash items in hot water using detergent (bottle brushes as needed).
2. Sink/Basin #2: rinse in clear water.
3. Sink/Basin #3: soak items in bleach solution 2 for at least one minute.
4. Remove items, DO NOT rinse, and place on rack to air dry.

To be acceptable a dual process for cleaning with the detergent and agitation and sanitizing with heat or chemicals must be provided.

Two types are available, commercial and household:

• National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) approved commercial dishwashers are required in commercial childcare or school food service. The NSF standards require that the water temperature reach 180o F, or that there is 50 to 100 ppm chlorine in the final rinse of the dishwasher.
• Household dishwashers must have a heat sanitizing setting. If at the end of the cycle when the machine is opened the dishes are too hot to touch, then the items are sanitized. It is strongly recommended that household dishwashers carry the NSF mark of approval.

There has been an increased interest in using “green” cleaning products in childcare settings, schools, and homes. This interest is twofold: first is due to reports about increased allergies, sensitivities, and illness in children associated with chemical toxins in the environment and second, these products tend to cause less damage to the environment.

Children are more vulnerable to chemical toxins because of their immature immune systems, rapidly developing bodies, and their natural behaviors. They play on the floor, are very tactile having much body contact with the tables, desks, or play equipment, and have oral behaviors of mouthing toys and surfaces and putting their hands in their mouths.

Green cleaning products can be used in childcare and school settings. Green sanitizers or disinfectants must be approved by your local public health agency or your childcare consultant.