Appendix 6-2 - Appropriate Selection and Use of Sanitizer

One of the most important steps in reducing the spread of infectious diseases among children and childcare providers/caregivers is the cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces that could possibly pose a risk to children or staff. In addition to standard precautions, routine cleaning with detergent and water is the most useful method for removing bacteria from surfaces in the childcare setting. However, some items and surfaces require an additional step after cleaning to reduce the surface germs to a level that is unlikely to transmit disease. This step is called sanitizing. A household bleach and water mixture, or one of a variety of other industrial products, can be used.

Sanitizer solutions can be applied in various ways:

  • Spray bottle, for diaper changing surfaces, toilets, and potty chairs.
  • Cloths rinsed in sanitizing solution for food preparation areas, large toys, books, and activity centers.
  • Dipping the object into a container filled with the sanitizing solution, for smaller toys.

The concentration and duration of contact of the sanitizer varies with the application and bacteria. More chemical is required when a cloth or objects are dipped into the solution. Each dipping releases germs into the solution, potentially contaminating it. When you apply the sanitizing solution to a surface, follow the instructions for that solution to determine the dilution and minimum contact time.

In general, it is best not to rinse off the sanitizer or wipe the object dry right away. A sanitizer must be in contact with the bacteria long enough to kill them. For example, minimum contact time is two minutes when using a properly prepared solution of bleach water applied from a spray bottle to cleaned and rinsed surfaces. The contact time is a minimum of one minute for clean, rinsed dishes submerged in a container that is filled with properly prepared bleach solution. The label on industrial sanitizers gives instructions for using the special chemicals. Since chlorine evaporates into the air leaving no residue, surfaces sanitized with bleach may be left to air dry. Some industrial sanitizers require rinsing with fresh water before the object can be used again.

Label spray bottles and containers with the solution's name in which sanitizers have been diluted for direct application, such as bleach sanitizer, and the dilution of the mixture. Although solutions of household bleach and water are merely irritating if accidentally swallowed, some other types of sanitizer solutions are toxic. Keep all spray containers and bottles with diluted and undiluted sanitizer out of the reach of children.

Household Bleach with Water

A solution of household bleach with water is recommended. It is effective, economical, convenient, and readily available. However, it must used with caution on metal or metallic surfaces. If bleach is found to be corrosive on certain materials, a different sanitizer may be required.

When purchasing household bleach, make sure that the bleach concentration is for household use, and not for industrial application. Household bleach is typically sold at retail stores in two strengths: 5.25% hypochlorite (regular strength bleach) or 6.00% hypochlorite (ultra strength bleach) solutions.

The solution of bleach and water is easy to mix, nontoxic, safe if handled properly, and kills most infectious agents.

  • Recipe for a spray application on surfaces that have been detergent-cleaned and rinsed in bathrooms, diapering areas, countertops, tables, toys, door knobs and cabinet handles, phone receivers, hand washing sinks, floors, and surfaces contaminated by body fluids (minimum contact time = 2 minutes):
    • ¼ cup household bleach + 1 gallon of cool water
      OR
    • 1 tablespoon bleach + 1 quart of cool water
  • Recipe for weaker bleach solutions for submerging of eating utensils that have been detergent-cleaned and rinsed (minimum contact time = 1 minute):
    • 1 tablespoon bleach + 1 gallon of cool water

A solution of bleach and water loses its strength and is weakened by heat and sunlight. Therefore, mix a fresh bleach solution every day for maximum effectiveness. Any leftover bleach solution should be discarded at the end of the day.

References: Canadian Paediatric Society. Well Being: A Guide to Promote the Physical Health, Safety and Emotional Well- Being of Children in Child Care Centers and Family Day Care Homes. 2nd ed. Toronto, ON; 1996. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The ABC's of Safe and Healthy Child Care; 1996.