Why Are Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Ideal for Nurseries?
In nurseries and similar environments where young children spend most of their time, a clean appearance does not mean that the place is free from germs, pollusion and hazards. Maintaining high cleaning & hygiene standards is vital for the health and safety, as well as learning and development of children.
Children, especially at early years, are always in direct contact with floors, shared toys and various surfaces. Therefore, any contamination, germs or bacteria is dangerous for them. But it’s not the only hazard for nurseries. As much as viruses and bacteria, any cleaning chemical residue is dangerous for children as well.
In this article, we’ll explore why cleaners should use eco-friendly cleaning materials when cleaning nurseries, early years centres and similar educational facilities.
Preventing Cleaning Chemical Residues in Nurseries
To alleviate the issue of cleaning chemical residues while maintaining the cleanliness levels in nurseries, there has been a lot of attention paid to the use of eco-friendly and fragrance-free cleaning products. These cleaning materials are not only effective in providing a clean and sanitised space but also reduce environmental pollution.
Cleaning materials that are safe for the environment are also safer for children’s sensitive skin and respiratory system. Many schools and nurseries in the UK now prefer to use green solutions. Therefore, most commercial cleaning companies that provide school and nursery cleaning services use plant-based, non-toxic cleaning supplies to provide a healthier and safer environment for children.
What are Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products?
Eco-friendly products are those that are formulated with natural or low-harmful ingredients. Unlike harsh chemicals, these products do not contain ingredients such as ammonia, chlorine and phosphates. Instead, they use natural ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon or plant extracts, which are both effective cleaners and do not harm children’s health or negatively impact the environment.
In the UK, many reputable eco-friendly or consumer cleaning product brands are certified with labels such as EcoCert or Ecolabel, which indicate that the product, its production processes and ingredients comply with environmental standards and are safe to be used in sensitive settings, like nurseries and schools.
Why Are Eco-Friendly Products Ideal For Nurseries?
Nurseries and early years centres are places that always need to be cleaned regularly, but the daily use of harsh cleaning chemicals in such spaces has serious negative effects on children’s health.
These substances usually produce fumes or leave residues on surfaces that harm the respiratory tract or cause allergies and skin irritation. Children are more susceptible to such substances and get sick faster than adults because they have weaker immune systems.
On the other hand, green and natural substances such as herbal detergents or vinegar-based sprays kill both bacteria and viruses and are not harmful to the skin and lungs. In fact, the use of non-toxic products in nurseries reduces the number of allergic cases and frequent coughs in children.
The use of green solutions also creates an environment with a neutral or pleasant odour. Unlike harsh chemicals that have a strong and irritating smell, eco-friendly cleaning materials have a mild herbal or citrus scent that makes the atmosphere more pleasant.
From the parents’ point of view, they tend to trust nurseries more in keeping their children safe when they know the nursery uses eco-friendly materials. Many nurseries in the UK have gained a more positive image in the community, gained trust and even attracted more customers.
How Often Should Nurseries Be Cleaned?
While UK Health and Safety regulations do not mandate a specific cleaning frequency, they require schools and nurseries to maintain reasonably practicable levels of cleanliness based on risk assessments.
The recommended minimum cleaning frequency for any premises, including nurseries, is shown in the table below:
| Target Areas or Items | Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| Spills of blood, faeces, saliva or vomit | Immediate |
| High-touch points like door handles, light switches, toilet flushes and taps | Twice per day |
| Toilets and washrooms, kitchens/food prep areas, bins and classroom floors | Daily |
| Dusting high surfaces, deep-cleaning whiteboards/screens and cleaning toys used by older children | Weekly |
| Deep cleaning of all facilities, including carpets, upholstery and sports equipment | Termly (During closures or mid-terms) |
There are special requirements for nurseries and early years centres as well. This is due to higher transmission risks and to maintaining the stricter hygiene standards:
- Toys for Babies/Toddlers: Must be cleaned and disinfected with safe cleaning materials at the end of each session or day, especially if they are frequently put in mouths.
- Nappy Changing Areas: Must be cleaned with eco-friendly detergent and disinfected after every single use.
- Sandpits: Indoor sandpits should have the sand changed at least every four weeks.
- Water Play: Receptacles must be emptied, washed with hot soapy water and dried after every use.
It is also recommended for cleaners in nurseries to receive proper training for COSHH and to use Colour Coding Systems for Cleaning to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Daily Cleaning Services for Nurseries in London
At MN Support Services, we prioritise the safety and health of those present in the premises we provide cleaning services in. We pay special attention to our nursery cleaning service clients and ensure sensitive spaces like those are cleaned and maintained to the highest cleanliness and safety standards.
If you own or manage a nursery, daycare or early years centre in London, we are confident that with our cleaning services, you’ll experience a transformation of cleanliness and safety standards in your premises to protect children and staff.
We offer a free, tailored quote and a free site survey for nurseries in London. Get your free quote today, compare it with other cleaning contractors and make the right decision. Our quotes are valid for up to 12 months without any obligation or hidden fees.
Conclusion
Maintaining high hygiene standards in nurseries requires more than a visibly clean environment. It demands the safe and responsible use of eco-friendly cleaning products. Children in early years settings are particularly vulnerable to germs, chemical residues and airborne irritants, making non-toxic, fragrance-free solutions essential.
By adopting green cleaning practices, nurseries can reduce health risks, prevent allergies and create a safer learning environment. Alongside appropriate cleaning frequencies and strict hygiene procedures, eco-friendly nursery cleaning supports regulatory compliance, strengthens parental trust and enhances reputation. For UK nurseries, sustainable cleaning is a vital investment in children’s health, safety and long-term wellbeing.
