Safer Cleaning, Sanitizing, & Disinfecting

Green cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting is the practice of using safer products and tools to avoid harming human health, especially the health of children, childcare or school staff and the health of the environment.

No products used to clean, sanitize, or disinfect are completely safe. The best products are safer. Green cleaning means always using safer products and always following the instructions on the label.

Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Toolkit for Early Care and Education

The original Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Toolkit for Early Care and Education was developed by the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing’s Institute for Health & Aging, University of California, Berkeley’s Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health, and Informed Green Solutions, with support from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. This *Second Edition was created by the Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (Region 9 PEHSU) and funded by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

The toolkit presents practical information on how to keep early care and education (ECE) environments clean and safe using practices and products that are less hazardous and that protect young children and staff from infectious diseases.

*View more about the partners who contributed to the Second Edition at the bottom of this page.

Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Toolkit for Early Care and Education (Second Edition)

View the Toolkit

Resources in the Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, & Disinfecting Toolkit

What is Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting?

Understand what is green cleaning and learn how it protects health and the environment with safer products and practices.

Region 9

Cleaning and Sanitizing| Healthy Schools

Tips for Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting in Early Care and Education

Explore essential tips for green cleaning at school. Make your cleaning routine eco-friendly and effective for healthy environments.

Region 9

Cleaning and Sanitizing| Healthy Schools

The Healthy Schools Act (California)

Learn about the requirements and recommendations under the Healthy Schools Act (California) to ensure a safer environment for children.

Region 9

Cleaning and Sanitizing| Healthy Homes| Healthy Schools| Pesticides & Pests

How to Read a Cleaning/Disinfecting Product Label

Learn how to read a cleaning product label to ensure safe use in your home and community. Get informed and stay healthy.

Region 9

Cleaning and Sanitizing| Healthy Schools

What’s the Problem With Bleach?

Understand the potential problem with bleach in schools and homes. Learn safe cleaning practices for healthy environments.

Region 9

Cleaning and Sanitizing| Healthy Schools

What’s So Great About Microfiber?

Discover what’s so great about microfiber for cleaning. Learn how it can help maintain healthy homes and schools.

Region 9

Cleaning and Sanitizing| Healthy Schools

Ten Reasons to Have a Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Program in Your ECE Facility

A green cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting program in ECE reduces germs, allergens, toxic chemicals and pests.

Region 9

Cleaning and Sanitizing| Healthy Schools

Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting: A Checklist for Early Care and Education

Get your green cleaning checklist ready to promote healthy homes and schools with eco-friendly cleaning practices.

Region 9

Cleaning and Sanitizing| Healthy Schools

Breaking the Chain of Infection in Early Care and Education

Explore strategies to prevent infection early in child care settings for healthier families and communities.

Region 9

Cleaning and Sanitizing| Healthy Schools

Additional Resources from WSPEHSU

Healthier Cleaning Supplies and Practices to Protect Children’s Health

Explore healthier cleaning supplies and practices to protect children’s health and ensure safer environments at home and school.

Region 9

Cleaning and Sanitizing| Healthy Schools

Breaking the Chain of Infection to Protect Children’s Health

Learn effective strategies for breaking the chain of infection in schools and communities with proper cleaning practices.

Region 9

Cleaning and Sanitizing| Healthy Schools

Healthier Cleaning Product Selection to Protect Children’s Health

Explore the healthier cleaning product selection that promotes a safer environment for families and communities.

Region 9

Cleaning and Sanitizing| Healthy Schools

Healthier Indoor Air, Ventilation and Filtration to Improve Children’s Health

Explore how healthier indoor air contributes to children’s health and well-being in schools and homes.

Region 9

Air Quality| Cleaning and Sanitizing| Healthy Schools

*The Second Edition of the Green Toolkit was developed in partnership with:

This project was led by: Vickie Leonard, RN (retired), PhD, Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, University of San Francisco (UCSF); Carol Westinghouse, Informed Green Solutions, Vermont

Additional reviewers: 

Mark Miller, MD, MPH, Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, UCSF
Stephanie Holm, MD, MPH, Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, UCSF
Jennifer Flattery, MPH, Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health
Justine Weinberg, MSEHS, Certified Industrial Hygienist, Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health
Dion Lerman, Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management, Penn State University
Lynn Rose, Environmental Health and Safety & Pollution Prevention Consulting
Graphic Design: Robin Brandes Design, www.robinbrandes.com; Stephen Burdick Design
Illustrations: Noa P. Kaplan, www.noapkaplan.com
Photography: Vickie Leonard, www.vickieleonardphotography.com
Copy Editing: Joanna Green, www.joannagreeneditor.com

Supported by: This material was supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and funded (in part) by the cooperative agreement award number 6 NU61TS000296-02-01 from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). ATSDR does not endorse the purchase of any commercial products or services mentioned in PEHSU publications. ©2021 Regents of the University of California