Keeping a child care classroom clean and inviting is no small task, but it’s essential for providing a safe and healthy environment for children. From toys and books to play equipment and surfaces, every corner of the classroom deserves a bit of TLC. If you’re a preschool teacher or caregiver seeking some innovative and lesser-known cleaning hacks, you’re in for a treat! We’ve gathered a collection of clever and creative child care cleaning hacks that will not only make your cleaning routine more efficient but will also add a touch of fun to the process. Get ready to discover a world of unique solutions for maintaining a sparkling and hygienic child care space that children will love to explore!
Toothpaste Crayon Remover: You can easily remove crayon marks from walls by dabbing a bit of gel-free toothpaste on them. Gently rub the toothpaste around then rinse with warm water.
Baking Soda & Water for Soft Toys: Use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean and freshen up stuffed animals and soft toys. Just rub the paste gently, rinse with water, and let them air dry.
Tennis Ball Scuff Remover: Use a tennis ball to remove scuff marks from plastic toys or walls. Simply rub the scuff with the ball, and the marks will disappear.
Cornstarch for Greasy Fingerprints: Mix cornstarch with water to make a paste. Apply it to surfaces with greasy fingerprints (e.g., walls, toys) and wipe them away.
Steam Cleaning for Blocks: Use a handheld steam cleaner to sanitize and clean wooden blocks effectively without using chemicals.
Vinegar Soak for Plastic Toys: Create a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Soak plastic toys for an hour, then rinse and air-dry them to remove grime and bacteria.
Freezer for Stuffed Animal Cleaning: Place stuffed animals in a sealed plastic bag and freeze them overnight. The cold will kill dust mites, and they can be gently shaken or vacuumed afterward.
Fabric Softener for Sticky Residue: Mix fabric softener and warm water to remove sticky residue from toys and surfaces.
Alka-Seltzer Bath for Play Kitchen Items: Soak play kitchen items like dishes and utensils in warm water with Alka-Seltzer tablets to remove grease and grime.
Dental Floss for Tight Spaces: Dental floss can be used to clean between toy parts, like the wheels of toy cars or the keys of a toy piano.
Salt Paste for Stain Removal: Create a paste with salt and water and use it to lift stubborn stains from plastic toys or surfaces.
Baby Wipes for Board Books: Use baby wipes to clean board books and their pages gently.
Sandpaper for Art Supplies: Use fine-grit sandpaper to clean and refresh art supplies like paintbrushes and modeling clay tools.
Waterproof Sealant for Outdoor Toys: Apply waterproof sealant to outdoor toys, like plastic slides or playhouses, to make cleaning and maintenance easier.
Rice Shake for Sand Removal: For sand-filled toys, like sand art bottles, place them in a container with rice and shake to remove the sand particles.
Remember, safety and age-appropriateness should always be considered when using any cleaning method on toys and materials in a preschool classroom. Happy cleaning!