What disinfectants should be used in child care facilities?
In diapering areas require disinfection after each use, a solution of 1/4 cup of household chlorine bleach per gallon of water is an approved disinfectant. Any US Environmental Protection Agency registered hospital grade disinfectant equivalent to this is also approved, however the solution must be used in accordance with the manufactures instructions, labeled and made fresh daily or tested with a test kit to verify the proper concentration, 600-1000 ppm chlorine. Kitchen and dining area surfaces and toys should be sanitized with a solution of 1 Tablespoon of household chlorine bleach per gallon of water or 50 – 200 ppm chlorine bleach. Approved sanitizers must be equivalent in strength, registered with the US EPA and approved for use on food contact surfaces without a rinse step. Once again, a test kit should be used to confirm the sanitizers strength. Determining whether a product is approved can be challenging. Refer to the Guidelines for the Use of Sanitizers and Disinfectants in C
