Hi folks,
In Youth Services we've identified a need to sanitize our toys and puppets. This isn't in an effort to provide a sterile play environment, that is impossible! But this is in an effort to maintain some sense of cleanliness with which we are more comfortable.
Gigi has researched what other libraries do and provided this information to us. Also included is a video. We are sharing it in case you have an area of your location that could benefit from a similar routine.
Cleaning Schedule:
Our toys and spaces are used by many patrons. Young children explore and learn about their environment using their senses, including touch and taste. Germs are easily spread because children touch everything within their reach and share toys. One of the best ways to stop the spread of communicable disease is by sanitizing our shared and most loved places. Following this sanitizing schedule should be easy to do. It is best to do cleaning at night, when items can dry. Simply mist items and areas. Do not wipe down after spraying. This video from KDL is a great demonstration: http://youtu.be/WHBu-6ptqO4
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Daily at closing time:
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Mist bleach solution on all table tops, chairs, pillows, board book shelves, puppets, puzzles, and toys.
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Quarterly:
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Hand wash: All porous toys (wooden blocks and toys, soft sided books, soft baby toys, etc)
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Dishwasher: All hard plastic toys
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Storytime Toys:
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Weekly:
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Mist vinegar solution on all toys and clorox wipe down the baby mat
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Quarterly:
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Hand wash or washing machine: all soft toys
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Dishwasher: hard plastic toys
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Solutions:
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Bleach Solution:
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1 Gal water to 1 Tbsp Bleach
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Must allow to dry for at least 10 minutes
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Vinegar Solution: Undiluted White Distilled Vinegar
- Must allow to dry for at least 10 minutes