Nursery Cleaning Checklist (2026 Edition)
Jan 03, 2026
A Practical Guide for Nursery Managers & Early Years Staff
Nurseries have the most demanding cleaning requirements of any educational environment.
Young children explore with their hands, mouths, and senses — meaning hygiene must be consistent, controlled, and methodical.
This nursery cleaning checklist follows:
β BICS standards
β EYFS hygiene requirements
β safeguarding best practice
β toy sanitation guidelines
β high-traffic nursery analysis
Use daily to ensure a safe, clean, development-focused environment.
1. Play Areas & Learning Zones
Daily Tasks
- Wipe down all tables, mats and hard surfaces
- Sanitise high-touch toys
- Clean sensory stations
- Wipe plastic toys that children have mouthed
- Vacuum carpets & mats
- Mop hard floors
- Empty bins
- Clean doors and handles
- Sanitise storage units, cupboards & plastic trays
Weekly Rotation
- Deep clean all toys
- Carpet spot treatments
- Clean soft-play items with appropriate cleaner
- Wall wiping around high-contact areas
2. Toys & Equipment
Toys are the biggest germ carriers.
Daily Tasks
- Clean hard-plastic toys
- Remove mouthed toys for disinfection
- Sanitise shared equipment (puzzles, blocks)
- Wipe down role-play toys (kitchen sets etc.)
Weekly Rotation
- Deep disinfection of all toys
- Clean sensory materials & containers
- Wash soft toys (if used) — or rotate them out
3. Toilets, Nappy Change Areas & Bathrooms
These areas must be exceptionally clean and odour-free.
Daily Tasks
- Sanitise baby change mats
- Clean sinks, taps, splash zones
- Disinfect toilets & potties
- Replace consumables
- Empty nappy and sanitary bins
- Mop floors with disinfectant
- Wipe cubicle doors & handles
- Clean mirrors
- Sanitise hand dryers & soap dispensers
Weekly Rotation
- Descale taps
- Wash nappy bins fully
- Deep clean walls & tiles
- Clean around base of toilets
4. Sleep Rooms & Rest Areas
Cleanliness supports safety & rest quality.
Daily Tasks
- Sanitise cot frames
- Wipe sleep mats
- Vacuum floors
- Reset bedding (according to site policy)
- Clean door handles and touchpoints
Weekly Rotation
- Wash or sanitise mattresses (depending on style)
- Deep dusting
- Clean cupboards and storage
5. Staff Rooms & Admin Areas
Essential for staff well-being.
Daily Tasks
- Clean worktops
- Wipe appliances
- Empty bins
- Mop/vacuum floors
- Sanitise tables
Weekly Rotation
- Fridge clean
- Microwave interior
6. Kitchens / Food Prep Areas (Non-Catering)
Where staff prepare snacks, bottles or quick meals.
Daily Tasks
- Sanitise work surfaces
- Clean kettle, microwave, and fridge handle
- Empty bins
- Mop floors
- Wipe cupboard doors
- Sanitise preparation tables
Weekly Rotation
- Clean fridge shelf interiors
- Deep clean microwave
7. Entrances & Halls
The first impression for parents and safeguarding officers.
Daily Tasks
- Mop floors
- Clean push plates & handles
- Remove marks from walls
- Wipe pram areas
- Sanitise sign-in stations
8. Outdoor Play Areas (Optional)
- Wipe play equipment
- Clean outdoor toys
- Sweep pavements
- Clean entrance mats
9. Compliance & Hygiene Reporting
For nurseries, this is essential.
Providers should offer:
β DBS-checked staff
β photo evidence
β cleaning logs
β supervisor visits
β COSHH compliance
β product safety
β rotation schedule tracking
If you don’t receive this — standards are at risk.
Download the Full Nursery Audit Checklist
Perfect for EYFS managers & nursery owners.
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