Joel Ikushime Osakwe

Ideas on How to Clean Outdoor Playground Equipment. As caregivers, whether at an educational institution, park, or any other outdoor play area, it is important that we know the best way to clean playground equipment. This is because playground sets are often contaminated with potentially illness-inducing germs and bacteria. Most of these bacteria have been as a result of other children urine, blood, and mucus who may have previously used the equipment. Therefore, playground equipment may even pose twice the risk of biohazard as a public restroom. That is to say: If you must avoid the risk of having your playground equipment becoming a breeding host for bacteria and germs that are responsible for causing mild to serious health issues like Norovirus, E. coli, salmonella and hepatitis A, you must learn how to clean outdoor playground equipment properly. Aside, the health importance of cleaning your playground sets, regular cleaning also helps you maintain them to ensure that they serve you for a very long time. Tips on Cleaning your Playground Equipment The make, type, and design of your outdoor playground set will always determine what you ought to use for cleaning, and how you should clean them. This is because some cleaning solutions may damage your equipment rather than caring for it. Nevertheless, it is very important to always contact manufacturers to see what they recommend for cleaning the equipment – as some cleaning detergents may void existing warranties on your equipment. However, whether it's dirt, scuff marks, mildew and mould, the following are some of the proven tips on how to clean playground equipment. BY SIMPLY WASHING THE EQUIPMENT The first step to cleaning, no matter its condition is by washing it. Washing is an important routine to practice at least once a month to ensure that you keep the maintenance of your equipment in a top-notch condition. To wash your playground equipment, you may follow these common steps: Rinse the equipment that you want to clean with a water hose or buckets of clean water (if you don’t have a water hose Mix your liquid dish soap into a bucket of water to create a nice foamy and soapy water. Then add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar. This should help kill the bacteria and germs that must have been attached. Now, soak the rag in soapy water and wipe the surface of the item. Soak it down like you are washing a car. Then, reach out to your brush, and begin to scrub, and rinse as you go on scrubbing to effectively wash off the dirt. STAIN/SPOT CLEANING For an identified spot stain, general washing may not be enough to remove such stains. Hence, it is recommended that the following approach be taken. Mix water and white vinegar in an equal ratio into a bucket or spray bottle. Soak the spot area with the solution using a rag or spray bottle. Wait for about 5 minutes, and keep the area soaked as you wait by adding more. Vigorously scrub the spot with a brush to try and remove the stain. Rinse completely with clean water and let it dry. SANDING Sanding is required to remove scuff marks. Hence, the below steps highlight how you can properly use sandpaper. Ensure the surface of your equipment is clean Wet the sandpaper by either dipping it into the water or simply wet it with a water hose. Vigorously rub the sandpaper against the target surface – focusing on a small area at a time. Rub until the scuffs are completely removed and you have a smooth surface. Conclusively, as you strive to keep your outdoor playground equipment all shining and hygienic for the children, also do well to observe the below safety precautions: You must ALWAYS put on protective wear every time you mix or apply cleansers. You must NEVER mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaning agent to avoid the risk of being exposed to toxic gases. You must always remember to store and keep your cleaning products away from the reach of children to avoid child incidents. Ensure your cleaning products are within the expiration date to keep them active and effective.