Free checklist template · Childcare

Childcare center cleaning checklist

A childcare center cleaning checklist lists what is cleaned, and how, every day and every week: tables before meals, mouthed toys, bathrooms, the diaper area, bedding and outdoor equipment. Young children share everything, so cleaning on a set schedule is one of the most effective ways to stop illness spreading through a service.

Updated October 2026 · PDF, Word and CSV · Free to use, don’t resell

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Checklist template

Check this template against your local regulations and your own policies before you use it.

Business
Location
Date

Daily checklist

Through the day and after children leave

Done	Task	Time	Initials
Rooms
	Clean and sanitize tables before and after every meal and snack
	Put mouthed toys in a “to be cleaned” tub, and wash them before they’re used again
	Wipe door handles, light switches, gate latches and taps
	Clean up spills, vomit and body fluids straight awayWear gloves, clean, then disinfect, and keep children away until it’s dry.
	Vacuum carpets and rugs, and mop hard floors
Eating areas
	Clean high chairs, trays and booster seats after each use
	Wash and sanitize plates, cups, bottles and utensils
	Clean the kitchen benches, sink and fridge handles
Bathrooms and diaper area
	Clean and disinfect toilets, potties, sinks and taps
	Clean and disinfect the change mat after every change
	Refill soap, paper towels, gloves and wipes
	Empty the diaper bins and replace their liners
	Mop the bathroom floors
Sleep area
	Air the sleep room
	Check each child has their own clean bedding, and change anything soiled
End of day
	Empty all bins and replace their liners
	Wash cloths, bibs, mop heads and aprons
	Lock away cleaning products, out of children’s reach
	Initial and date the cleaning record

Completed by
Checked by (manager)
Date
Notes

Weekly checklist

Once a week, after children leave

Done	Task	Time	Initials
Toys and resources
	Wash all hard toys and play equipment in detergent and water, then dry them
	Machine-wash soft toys, dress-up clothes and puppets
	Clean the art, sensory and water-play equipment
	Throw out playdough and anything that can’t be cleaned
Bedding and soft furnishings
	Wash every child’s bedding, and more often if it’s soiled
	Clean the cot and mat mattresses
	Wash cushion covers, rugs and curtains on a rotating schedule
Kitchen and storage
	Clean the fridge inside, and throw out food past its date
	Wipe shelves, cupboards and storage tubs
Rooms and outdoor areas
	Clean walls, doors and windows up to children’s height
	Vacuum under and behind furniture
	Clean outdoor tables, chairs and play equipment
	Clean and disinfect the bins
	Check cleaning supplies and order more

Completed by
Checked by (manager)
Date
Notes

Common questions

How often should toys be cleaned in childcare?

Mouthed toys are set aside and cleaned before another child uses them. Other toys are cleaned at least weekly, and more often during an illness outbreak. Your local health guidance may set its own schedule.

What’s the difference between cleaning and sanitizing in childcare?

Cleaning removes dirt and most germs with detergent and water. Sanitizing or disinfecting kills the germs left behind, and only works on a surface that’s already clean. Food areas and the diaper area need both.

Which cleaning products are safe to use in a childcare center?

Detergent and water for most cleaning, and a disinfectant suitable for childcare, such as a diluted bleach solution or a product your health authority approves, for the diaper area and body fluids. Follow the label’s dilution and contact time, and store every product locked away.

Who should do the cleaning in a childcare center?

Educators usually do the cleaning that happens during the day, such as tables and the change mat, and a cleaner or the closing team does the end-of-day and weekly cleaning. Name the role for each part on the checklist.

Childcare center cleaning checklist

Daily checklist

Weekly checklist

How to use this template

Use it in Wikidoc

Import the CSV

Assign and schedule

Keep the record

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Common questions

How often should toys be cleaned in childcare?

What’s the difference between cleaning and sanitizing in childcare?

Which cleaning products are safe to use in a childcare center?

Who should do the cleaning in a childcare center?

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