Grime Doesn’t Pay

Maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness is a non-negotiable responsibility within the Australian childcare industry. Young children are particularly vulnerable to infection and illness due to developing immune systems and frequent close contact with peers, surfaces, and shared objects. This makes effective cleaning not only a matter of best practice, but also a core requirement under Australia’s National Quality Framework(NQF), which governs early childhood education and care services throughout Australia. 

The National Quality Standards (NQS), a key element of the NQF, provide a benchmark for what quality childcare looks like across seven key areas. Of particular relevance is Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety, which directly addresses hygiene practices, infection control, and cleanliness of the environment. Under this quality area, providers are expected to ensure that the premises, furniture, and equipment are safe, clean, and well-maintained, reducing the risk of illness, and creating a supportive space for learning and development.

The responsibility for meeting these standards falls on multiple levels within a childcare service (See Figure 1). Centre directors are ultimately accountable for ensuring that cleaning protocols align with both regulatory expectations and best practice guidelines. Educators, support staff, and cleaners also play critical roles in day-to-day implementation, with specific duties often outlined in staff job descriptions and service policies. These roles might include sanitising nappy change areas after each use, washing toys and play equipment weekly, and maintaining hygienic kitchen and bathroom areas. In many Australian childcare centres, cleaning is outsourced to professional cleaning contractors who must also meet the same high standards under service agreements.

Figure 1.

The regulatory oversight for ensuring compliance is shared between state and territory regulatory authorities, which assess services against the NQS through regular site visits, audits, and the quality rating process. Services that fail to meet cleanliness and hygiene expectations may receive lower ratings, affecting their reputation, and even their ongoing approval to operate. In terms of what needs to be cleaned and how often, Australian childcare services are guided by various documents including the Staying Healthy in Childcare publication from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Safe Work Australia’s infection control guidelines, and relevant Australian Standards. Surfaces that are frequently touched such as door handles, tabletops, and shared toys must be cleaned at least daily, and more often during outbreaks of illness such as gastroenteritis or influenza. Kitchens must be cleaned in accordance with food safety regulations, while bathrooms and nappy changing stations must be cleaned between each use.

Where cleaning takes place is just as important as how it is done. Childcare environments are complex, and include indoor learning areas, outdoor playgrounds, sleep and rest rooms, art and sensory spaces, food preparation areas, and bathrooms. Each area requires specific cleaning techniques and equipment. For instance, carpeted areas may require steam cleaning in line with AS/NZS 3733, while food prep areas demand disinfectants approved for use in food-handling zones. In Childcare Centres, cross-contamination is a key concern, and staff must be trained to avoid using the same cleaning cloth or mop in multiple areas without proper disinfection.

When implementing these standards, timing is critical. Cleaning must be integrated into the daily routine of the centre without disrupting educational programs. Some tasks, such as wiping down high chairs and changing mats, must occur immediately after each use. Others, like deep cleaning of storage units or carpeted areas, may be scheduled weekly or monthly, ideally outside operating hours. Centres often use cleaning logs and checklists to ensure accountability and consistency across staff shifts.

Despite the structured nature of these obligations, challenges remain. Many childcare centres operate with limited budgets, and may struggle to maintain the staff resources or time required for rigorous cleaning regimes. Furthermore, the rise of new health threats, such as COVID-19, has added further complexity to existing guidelines. During the pandemic, additional measures, such as the use of hospital-grade disinfectants and increased ventilation became common, and these practices are still encouraged to this day. 

The use of appropriate cleaning chemicals is another critical consideration. Young children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of certain cleaning products, therefore centres must use only non-toxic, child-safe products that comply with WHS regulations. Safety Data Sheets must be available on-site for all products used, and staff must be trained in safe handling and storage procedures to reduce the risk of chemical exposure.



Cleanliness in childcare is not just a regulatory requirement, it is a reflection of the centre’s commitment to child well being. Parents and carers trust that when they leave their child at a childcare centre, the environment will be not only nurturing and educational, but also safe and hygienic. By aligning daily cleaning operations, childcare services protect the health of the children in their care, support their own staff’s safety, and contribute to a broader public health effort. For further information on how the Advanced Group can assist with your Australian childcare centre cleaning, click here.