Sterilization 101

[Fun&care]

I have totally given up disinfecting almost altogether. The only things that get disinfected these days are the bathroom sink and toilet and the change pad and it's done daily. I haven't cleaned toys in a long, long time and coincidentally, we have had the best winter so far in my career. Only one cold so far! I clean for "cleanliness" not sterilization if that makes sense. There was one winter when I reopened where I would spend every naptime spraying all the major surfaces down with bleach and I don't know if it's just coincidence but we were so, so sick that winter, I mean it was NONSTOP.

I'm also almost a little embarrassed to admit that ive totally cut back on handwashing too. I mostly wash after meals, no longer before. I just find it such a waste of time. They are constantly mouthing everything (even the older ones sometimes) and doing things that totally negate the handwashing anyways so I just don't bother anymore. Like I said though - we actually seem better off.

I have also never actually been able to keep the stomach bug from spreading through the whole daycare despite cleaning and disinfecting like a maniac so don't stress out too much! It sounds like what you are doing is fine...whatever can't be submerged should be sprayed down with bleach and let air dry (it's diluted bleach, I can't remember the ratio but you can find it online). I find letting them air dry on a towel works best than in the tub.

I have no idea what should be done with books, and I often wonder about crayons too!