Wendy Haner, the Director of Product Sourcing & Design for Kaplan Early Learning Company, answers frequently asked questions regarding disinfecting and sanitizing items for classrooms.

What is a disinfecting solution?

 

A disinfecting solution may be a self-made solution or a commercial product that meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standards for “hospital grade” germicides (solutions that kill germs).  A self-made solution must be prepared daily and placed in a closed or labeled container.  To disinfect items such as toys and eating utensils, use a solution of one tablespoon of liquid household bleach to each gallon of water.  To disinfect surfaces such as bathrooms, crib rails, and diaper-changing tables, use one-fourth cup of regular strength liquid household bleach to each gallon of water. Use a commercial product that meets the EPA’s standards for hospital grade germicides according to label directions. Commercial products must not be toxic on surfaces likely to be mouthed by children, like crib rails and toys.

 

 

May I use a dishwasher or washer machine to sanitize items at my child-care center?

 

Items that may be washed in a dishwasher or the hot cycle of a washing machine do not need additional disinfecting, provided the machine runs at a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for five or more minutes.