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Nurseries Need Tough But Gentle Cleaning

By: Maids Home Service, The |  5 Shares     81 Reads

May 25, 2012 - Cleaning a newborn’s room requires a tough yet gentle approach. Because the immune systems of infants are not fully developed, little ones have a harder time fighting off disease-causing germs. At the same time, babies are more susceptible to allergens and the detrimental effects of chemicals found in many household cleaners.

Experts at The Maids (www.maids.com), the only franchised residential cleaning service to clean for health using environmentally preferable products, understand the importance of keeping the nursery a safe, nurturing place for the family’s new addition. They also know that new parents don’t have a lot of extra time to devote to cleaning. Here are a few ways to keep the room spic-and-span without increasing stress levels.

How many diapers?

It doesn’t take long for parents to realize that diapers will dominate their lives for the next few years. There will be frequent changes, leaks and other assorted accidents. A diaper changing station should be cleaned with a non-toxic disinfectant after each use. Sheets and mattress pads will need to be changed often – sometimes daily – so keep several spares handy. Wash the bedding in hot water and a mild detergent immediately after any accidents. If the mattress is waterproof or protected by a mattress cover, disinfect them each time you change the bedding to eliminate germs.

Empty and disinfect the inside of the diaper pail daily to prevent pathogen growth in the warm, moist environment. Even if the pail has a foot pedal that opens the lid, disinfect the outside and lid, too, to ensure disease-causing germs and fecal toxins do not spread. Commercial odor eliminators are available to keep odors away, and a few minutes outdoors also will help air out the container.

Devilish dust

Dust the room once a week but stay away from feather dusters or dust wands that only send particles flying. Use a damp cloth to wipe away dust, and replace cloths often to avoid spreading dirt around. Before baby comes home and every few months thereafter, replace heating/air conditioning unit filters and ensure vents are clean.

Another weekly chore is to vacuum floors thoroughly, preferably with a HEPA-filter vacuum that removes 99.97 percent of all particles greater than 0.3 micrometer from the air that passes through it. Don’t forget to vacuum baseboards, high ledges, upholstery and ceiling fans.

Good doggy

At least initially, keep Fido and any feline friends out of baby’s room. Baby might be allergic to animals, but even if that isn’t the case, there’s no need to introduce additional germs or unwanted hair into the nursery.

Wash me

Launder baby blankets, afghans and other cloth articles in the room frequently. Cloth decorations such as Teddy bears, mobiles or quilted wall hangings should also be cleaned regularly. If they can’t be placed in a washing machine, take them outside and shake them well to remove dust.

Toys, especially those used during bath time, should be cleaned regularly with non-toxic disinfectant. Also wipe down crib railings and anything else baby touches with disinfectant to kill germs.

About The Maids:

Known for its 22-Step Healthy Touch® Deep Cleaning System, The Maids is the only franchised residential cleaning service to clean for health, combining environmentally preferable cleaning supplies and state-of-the-art equipment with a methodical process to maintain the healthiest living environment possible for families. The Maids enjoys a 96 percent customer referral rate, distinguishing them as the residential cleaning service of choice. Visit The Maids (www.maids.com) for more information.

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