Criterion HS202#

Linen used by children or adults is hygienically laundered off-site or on-site.

Guidance#

How to show you are complying#

Any linen used at the educator’s home must be properly laundered (cleaned).

Hygienic laundering

Linen is hygienically laundered when it has been cleaned in a way that removes dirt, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. 

In the context of home-based services, we consider linen includes:

• children’s bedding
• kitchen laundry (dish cloths, tea towels, hand towels, oven mitts, etc.)
• bibs
• dress-up clothes
• fabric play items
• towels
• furniture coverings
• art and messy play cloths
• cloth nappies (if used).

To make sure linen is hygienically laundered:

• wash items separately from household laundry, separate different types of laundry to prevent cross-contamination (for example kitchen and bathroom linen should be kept separate from bedding)
• use hot water and adequate laundry detergent for all washing followed by effective drying and handling to prevent recontamination
• you can use a commercial laundry service if on-site laundry facilities are not available.

Soiled clothing

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) recommends that soiled clothing should not be rinsed. Instead, remove any solid material, place the clothing in a double bag, and store it in an area that children cannot access—such as the laundry. Soiled clothing should be sent home with whānau.

Drying considerations

Any drying racks used should not block exits, or entryways, or interfere with children’s play areas.