Choosing the right cleaning products for a childcare centre is not just a best practice — it is a regulatory requirement under the National Quality Standard (NQS) and ACECQA guidelines. This guide breaks down what child-safe cleaning products actually means, what regulations apply in NSW, and what to look for when engaging a childcare cleaning provider.
Why Standard Commercial Cleaning Products Are Not Suitable
Many standard commercial cleaning products — particularly heavy-duty degreasers, solvent-based cleaners, and industrial disinfectants — contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), harsh chemicals, and fragrances that are safe for adult-occupied spaces but pose risks to young children. Children's respiratory systems, skin, and developing nervous systems are more sensitive to chemical exposure than adults.
Children in daycare and early learning environments also put toys and surfaces in their mouths, crawl on floors, and spend long hours in close contact with cleaned surfaces — making residue safety a significant concern that does not apply in the same way to office cleaning.
What ACECQA and the NQS Require
Under Quality Area 2 of the National Quality Standard (Children's Health and Safety), childcare centres must:
- Maintain hygienic environments that prevent the spread of infectious diseases
- Ensure cleaning products used on premises are appropriate for use in environments accessed by children
- Follow documented hygiene and infection control procedures
- Apply particular rigour to nappy change areas, food preparation areas, sleep rooms, and bathrooms
The NQS does not prescribe specific product brands, but it does require that cleaning products do not pose a risk to children. In practice, this means products must be non-toxic after drying, low-VOC or VOC-free, and free of known endocrine disruptors.
TGA-Listed Disinfectants: What They Are and Why They Matter
For areas requiring disinfection — nappy change tables, bathroom surfaces, high-touch points, and toys — the standard is TGA-listed (Therapeutic Goods Administration) hospital-grade disinfectants. These products are registered with the Australian government and proven effective against a defined range of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
The key is selecting TGA-listed disinfectants that are also formulated for safety in child-contact environments — meaning low residual toxicity and appropriate dwell times. A quality childcare cleaning company will use disinfectants that are both TGA-listed and confirmed safe for use in childcare settings.
Key Areas Requiring Special Attention
Nappy Change Rooms
Nappy change tables must be sanitised to hospital-grade standards after each clean. The table surface, mat, surrounding bench area, and disposal bin should all be treated with a TGA-listed disinfectant with full dwell time applied. This is one of the highest infection-risk areas in any childcare centre.
Toy Disinfection
Shared toys — particularly hard plastic and rubber toys used by infants and toddlers — should be disinfected using non-toxic, alcohol-free, child-safe solutions. Soft toys require a different approach: either machine washing or steam disinfection. Any solution used on toys should be confirmed safe for mouthing contact after drying.
Sleep Rooms
Cot frames, mattress covers, sleep mats, and surrounding floor areas should be cleaned and sanitised at each visit. The focus is on surfaces that come into direct prolonged contact with children's skin and faces. Low-allergen, fragrance-free products are recommended for sleep areas.
Food Preparation Areas
Kitchen and food prep areas must be cleaned with food-safe, food-grade sanitisers. Products must be appropriate for food contact surfaces — that is, safe to use on benchtops where food will be prepared without requiring a separate rinse step.
Questions to Ask Your Childcare Cleaning Provider
- Can you provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all products used?
- Are your disinfectants TGA-listed? What is the registration number?
- Are products confirmed safe for direct child contact after drying?
- Do all staff hold current Working With Children checks?
- Are they police cleared?
- Can you provide a documented cleaning schedule that supports our ACECQA compliance?
Pro Clean Corp's Approach to Childcare Cleaning
Pro Clean Corp uses only non-toxic, TGA-listed disinfectants in all childcare environments. All staff working in childcare settings hold current Working With Children checks and are police cleared. We provide documented cleaning records that support your centre's ACECQA compliance obligations.
We service childcare centres across North Sydney, Artarmon, Chatswood, Lane Cove, Mosman, Willoughby, and the broader North Shore. Call 1300 494 983 or get a free quote for your centre.