Cleanliness in nurseries is about more than tidy playrooms – it’s about protecting young children and staff from germs and maintaining compliance with UK health guidance. In a busy preschool, little hands explore everything, toys travel from mouth to mouth and there’s always the risk of spills or accidents. If your setting is in Bristol or the surrounding area, you already understand the challenge: damp winters and bursts of seasonal illness make infection prevention a priority. This article explains why professional nursery cleaning in Bristol matters, outlines the key areas to focus on and offers 7 essential steps to effective nursery cleaning in Bristol. You’ll also see why partnering with a specialist commercial cleaner like Magic Broom can ensure your setting remains compliant, welcoming and reassuring to parents.
Why professional nursery cleaning in Bristol matters
Health and safety risks
Children are particularly susceptible to infections because their immune systems are still developing and they share toys, books and surfaces. UK guidance warns that bacteria and viruses can spread quickly in early years settings; regular handwashing and cleaning of frequently touched surfaces are therefore essential. Failure to address mould and damp can also trigger respiratory problems and allergies. Inadequate cleaning not only makes children ill but can also lead to staff absences and reputational damage. Using a professional nursery cleaning service means high‑touch points, toilets, kitchens and play equipment are cleaned and disinfected correctly every time.
Legal obligations and inspection readiness
All UK nurseries must meet the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) welfare requirements, which include keeping premises in a clean and safe condition. Employers have duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations to keep furniture, furnishings and surfaces clean and to clear up spillages immediately. Ofsted and local Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) expect to see structured cleaning schedules detailing daily, weekly and periodic tasks, as well as records of staff training and hazard management. Non‑compliance can result in poor inspection reports and enforcement action. A specialist cleaning provider understands these obligations and can help ensure your documentation, procedures and standards stand up to scrutiny.
What makes nursery cleaning unique
High‑touch surfaces and toys
Toys, books, door handles, light switches and table tops are handled by multiple children every day. The Early Years Alliance advises cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces more often using standard cleaning products. Soft toys and dressing‑up clothes should be machine‑washed on a hot cycle, while hard toys should be washed with detergent, rinsed and dried thoroughly. Maintaining a rota for toy cleaning ensures nothing is missed.
Bodily fluids and toileting areas
Accidents happen, whether it’s spilt milk, vomit or nappy changes. UKHSA guidance recommends using gloves and aprons when cleaning bodily fluids, washing potties and changing mats with hot soapy water before storing them upside down. Separate equipment should be used for toilets, kitchens and classroom surfaces to avoid cross-contamination. Disposing of waste promptly in sealed containers reduces odours and prevents pests.
Air quality and ventilation
Good ventilation reduces the risk of airborne infection and damp. Early years guidance emphasises improving airflow by opening windows or using mechanical ventilation systems and identifying poorly ventilated areas for improvement. Maintaining comfortable relative humidity (between 40% and 70%) also helps prevent mould and dust mites. A professional nursery cleaning plan should include opening windows, checking trickle vents and collaborating with building managers to ensure HVAC systems are clean and functioning.
7 essential steps to effective nursery cleaning in Bristol
1. Promote hand hygiene and use personal protective equipment
Hands are the main vehicle for germs in nurseries. Provide liquid soap, warm water and paper towels at sinks and teach children to wash for at least 20 seconds before eating, after using the toilet and after play. Alcohol gel is less effective against norovirus, so soap and water should be prioritised. Staff should also model good hand hygiene and wear appropriate gloves and aprons when cleaning, changing nappies or preparing snacks.
2. Clean and disinfect surfaces daily with a two‑stage method
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and UKHSA agree that effective cleaning has two stages: first remove dirt and grease using warm soapy water, then apply a disinfectant approved for use on food contact surfaces and leave it for the manufacturer’s recommended contact time. Disinfectants only work on clean surfaces, so it’s important not to skip the first stage. Focus on tables, chairs, door handles, taps, toilet seats, changing mats, keyboards, craft tables and play equipment. Colour‑coded cloths and mops should be used for different areas (e.g. blue for general surfaces, red for toilets) to prevent cross-contamination.
3. Sanitise toys and equipment regularly
Hard toys should be washed with detergent and hot water, rinsed and dried before being returned to use. Soft toys should be washed in a machine on a hot cycle and dried completely. Toys that cannot be thoroughly cleaned should be removed or replaced. Schedule regular toy‑cleaning sessions and increase frequency during illness outbreaks. Play dough and art supplies that have become contaminated should be discarded.
4. Deep clean toilets, washrooms and nappy areas
Clean nappy‑changing areas after each use, washing potties and mats with hot soapy water and storing them upside down to dry. Toilets, sinks and taps should be cleaned with detergent and disinfectant at least once per day, with extra attention to flush handles and door locks – high‑touch points for tiny hands. Provide separate cleaning kits for washrooms to avoid spreading germs to play areas. Sanitary bins and nappy waste should be removed daily to prevent odours and pests.
5. Manage floors and waste safely
Children spend a lot of time on the floor, so regular sweeping, vacuuming and mopping are crucial. Spills should be cleaned up immediately to prevent slip hazards and bacterial growth. Use the correct amount of detergent and allow time for it to work before rinsing; follow with a dry mop or squeegee to reduce drying time. Waste bins should be lined, lidded and emptied daily; outside bins must be kept clean and secure to deter pests.
6. Improve air quality and ventilation
Ventilation reduces airborne pathogens and controls humidity. Open windows and doors daily to exchange stale indoor air for fresh air. Ensure extractor fans in toilets and kitchens are functioning and cleaned regularly. For nurseries located in modern buildings with mechanical ventilation, coordinate with your facilities manager to change filters and clean ducts on schedule. Consider using portable HEPA air purifiers in rooms where natural ventilation is limited, especially during cold winters when windows are closed.
7. Schedule regular deep cleans and professional inspections
Daily tasks keep your nursery running, but the nursery’s regular deep cleans are essential. These involve moving furniture to clean underneath, washing walls, light fittings and high‑level surfaces, descaling taps and kettles and steam cleaning carpets. The Croner‑i guidance suggests constructing daily, weekly and monthly cleaning schedules and increasing cleaning during outbreaks. Engage professional cleaners who specialise in nurseries to handle deep cleaning, sanitising playrooms and ensuring compliance with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations. Professionals can also spot maintenance issues like damp, mould or broken flooring that need attention.
Why choose Magic Broom for nursery cleaning in Bristol
There are many reasons to trust an experienced nursery cleaning company. Magic Broom operates exclusively in the Bristol area, providing services to schools, day nurseries and workplaces. Here’s how we make a difference:
- Child‑safe products: We use detergents and disinfectants tested to BS EN standards, safe for food contact surfaces and toys. Our colour‑coded cloths and mops prevent cross-contamination.
- Trained and vetted operatives: All our cleaners complete infection‑control training covering two‑stage cleaning, toy sanitisation, PPE, COSHH and hazard reporting. They understand the unique needs of early years settings and are DBS-checked.
- Structured schedules: We develop bespoke daily, weekly and monthly cleaning plans aligned with EYFS requirements and Ofsted expectations. We also provide digital checklists and logs so you can demonstrate compliance.
- Deep cleaning and maintenance: In addition to routine cleaning, we offer scheduled deep cleans, damp inspections and coordination with landlords or contractors for repairs. If you’re concerned about damp issues, see our separate guide on protecting offices from damp – many of the ventilation and humidity tips apply in nurseries too.
- Reliable local support: We are based in Bristol, so you benefit from quick response times and a team that understands the challenges of our local climate.
Reliable nursery cleaning company in Bristol
A clean, hygienic nursery is essential for children’s health, staff wellbeing and inspection success. Following the 7 essential steps to effective nursery cleaning in Bristol will help you maintain high standards day to day, but partnering with a dedicated nursery cleaning service in Bristol like Magic Broom brings professional expertise, compliance and peace of mind.
Get in touch today to book your free site survey and ensure your early years setting is always ready for little learners.
