Download information as a document: Table Washing Procedures Information Sheet().

1. To remove gross soil, spray the table (or highchair tray) with a soap-water solution and wipe dry with a disposable paper towel.
2. To sanitize the eating surface, spray the table/tray with a bleach/water solution and wait for at least 2 minutes before wiping with a disposable paper towel or allowing to air dry. The surface cannot be sprayed and immediately wiped.

Additional Precautions

• Sponges should not be used for sanitizing tables because they soak bacteria away from the surface of the sponge, which then cannot be easily reached in the interior of the sponge by the sanitizing agent.
• If wet cloths are used, a separate cloth is required for each table/tray, and cloths cannot be returned to soak in a bleach-water solution.
• Food should not be put directly on the table or highchair tray because eating surfaces are more likely to be contaminated than disposable plates or washed and sanitized dishes.
• If highchair trays are used as eating surfaces, the trays should be washed and sanitized in the same way as plates and other food service utensils.
• In case different children rotate through snack time, each place must be cleaned and sanitized between use by different children. Sanitizing solution should not be sprayed while children are seated at the table.
• If you are using a sanitizer/disinfectant other than a bleach/water solution you must use an EPA registered/approved product, keep the product in a container that includes manufacturer’s instructions for use, and follow manufacturer’s instructions exactly. Please see attached CFOC National Standard entitled “Selecting an Appropriate Sanitizer or Disinfectant.”

Source: All About the ITERS-R (2004), Cryer, Harms, and Riley, Pact House Publishing (a Kaplan Learning Co.)