Nursery Cleaning - Should You Do It Yourself Or Hire A Cleaning Company?
Nurseries must comply with strict guidelines that state the environment must be fit for purpose. Cleanliness is important, but do you really need professionals to help with your nursery cleaning?
Well, with regulations in place to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone’s little ones, nursery cleaning is definitely not a task to be taken lightly.
Let’s weigh the pros and cons of the DIY approach versus hiring a cleaning company, and we’ll explain how to vet nursery cleaning companies and make an informed decision before you hire.
Why Nursery Cleaning Is Important
It goes without saying that a nursery environment requires regular cleaning. However, it's more than just wiping surfaces and running a mop or vacuum around. There are strict guidelines surrounding nursery childcare settings.
With so many nooks and crannies where sticky little fingers can reach, attention must be paid to every corner of the setting.
Areas that involve food, in particular, demand extra care. Proper cleaning not only keeps the space tidy but also reduces the risk of spreading viruses, infections, and other harmful bacteria among staff and children.
Nursery Cleaning: The DIY Choice
One option is to take on the cleaning yourself. As a busy nursery owner, it’s unlikely that you’d have the time to add this task to your to-do list!
The problem is - doing it all yourself to the right standard entails working after everyone has left or before everyone arrives, which can make your day significantly longer. Before you decide to take on the job alone, think of what’s required.
DIY nursery cleaning involves thoroughly cleaning all surfaces, including toys, and paying close attention to cleaning under objects and furniture. Doorways, windows, skirting and toilets also require meticulous cleaning since children still learning to use the toilet may occasionally miss their mark - which is normal but needs cleaning up properly!
The DIY option also comes with a degree of risk. If not done correctly, an outbreak of a virus could occur. This can affect the little ones you care for and your employees, costing you money while they’re off sick.
When it comes to cleaning, it's important to consider the quality of the cleaning solutions you purchase. While supermarket supplies are an option, they don't compare to the effectiveness of professional solutions. Keep in mind that professional solutions may be bulky and require a locked storage cupboard. However, you do have the advantage of choosing eco-conscious cleaning products if that is your preference.
DIY does have some benefits, however. It’s cheaper, and you know the setting very well yourself. For example, if someone had an accident earlier that day, you’ll know exactly which areas need extra attention.
Nursery Cleaning: Using The Pros
Hiring a professional cleaning team for your nursery cleaning brings with it plenty of benefits you’ll be glad of when the kiddos are running around making lots more mess. With their years of experience, professional cleaners can efficiently handle even the largest nursery settings and know exactly what to look for.
Most importantly, they understand the guidelines you have to operate under, so you don’t need to worry about complying with safety and hygiene standards. They’ll be able to stay on top of everything that is required to be clean and safe - and they’ll usually go the extra mile, too, as they know the extra touches you’ll appreciate.
You can schedule professional cleaning services at a convenient time for your nursery, ensuring minimal disruption to your usual daily routine and keeping little ones - and parents - happy not to have their care interrupted. Plus, a contract cleaner will always have you covered, even if your regular cleaner is absent, so no absences or holiday periods to worry about.
Professionals use top-grade equipment and bring their own high-quality cleaning solutions, eliminating the need for you to store hazardous liquids. It can be a hassle, not to mention dangerous, ensuring all your cleaning products are in an out-of-reach place, but it can also be just as inconvenient retrieving all of your products and cleaning gear when the time rolls around yet again.
Professional cleaners’ extensive training enables them to understand cleaning to a much greater degree than your average Joe. By relying on experts, you can focus on providing a safe and nurturing environment for the children without having to become a cleaning expert in the process. Let the professionals take care of the cleaning, allowing you to dedicate your time and energy to caring for little humans.
On the downside, you do have to factor in the cost, and without due diligence, you can end up with a cleaning company that doesn't do the outstanding job you were hoping for.
How To Vet Nursery Cleaning Companies
If you do decide that using a professional company is the right route to go, you want to make sure you find one that will work with you to make your setting hygienic and safe.
Of course, there are considerations to keep in mind when choosing a nursery cleaning company. The cost of the service is an important factor, and thorough vetting is necessary to ensure you hire a company that meets your specific requirements.
Checking reviews and recommendations, enquiring about insurance coverage, evaluating the size of the cleaning team, and understanding their training and policies regarding cleaning solutions are all crucial steps in finding the right cleaning contractor for your nursery.
And last but not least, enquire about any background checks carried out on staff, especially if they will be working in your setting unsupervised.
Are You In Need Of Nursery Cleaning Help From A Professional Team?
Cleaning your nursery isn’t a quick job; it’s arduous and time-intensive, with a risk to your reputation if you miss something. But it’s not impossible - just create a checklist that you can work through each day, week and month.
And if all of that sounds like it's too much to take on, a professional team will allow you the downtime you need. Get in touch with LNC to
request a quote today.
