It's a given fact that kids love playgrounds, whether at school or in the park.
The trouble is that kids also seem to attract dirt and germs, and playgrounds tend to become breeding places for bacteria. Aside from this, other factors affect the cleanliness of our playgrounds, including litter, dogs, algae, moss, and other organic matter.
Wet-pour rubber is typically used these days to protect children from injury, but this attracts moss and weeds that can become slippery and present a hazard.
All of this means that the places where our children play may not be safe or hygienic.
That's why respected and reputable companies like Uniwash Team offer professional playground cleaning services to ensure that they are cleaned to a high standard and are safe for our kids.
At Uniwash Team playground cleaning services, we use a selection of cleaning methods for optimum results, including the following:
Although developed for cleaning stone and masonry, the DOFF machine is gentle enough to clean playground surfaces without causing damage. The superheated steam sterilises the surface, killing germs and viruses and shifting stubborn stains.
This method also destroys moss and algae spores, reducing the chance of further regrowth.
Designed by the same company that brought us the DOFF machine, TORC systems use a mixture of water, diluted bleach, and fine granules that are forced through a specially-designed nozzle. This creates a swirling effect that removes dirt and grime without damaging the surface.
The bleach solution is perfectly safe for use on the equipment and has been cleared by the Health & Safety Executive.
This method uses a series of hoses that spray a mixture of cleaning chemicals onto the surfaces at very low pressure before being rinsed off. The solution is powerful enough to shift stains, kill bacteria, and deep clean the area but is safe once it is completely dry. There is no danger to wildlife, humans, or plants as the solution is biodegradable.
Even so, access to the playground is restricted during the operation and for a short while afterward until the surfaces are dry.
Although it lacks the finesse of the others, pressure washing has power on its side. A pressure washer will blast away dirt and debris without any problems, provided it is in experienced hands. While it's great for washing down a large area, such as parks, other methods may be used to ensure that it is free from germs.
However, wet-pour rubber surfaces can be damaged by high-pressure water jets, so great care is required when using a pressure washer.
Thankfully, the Uniwash Team team is trained in the proper use of all the cleaning equipment, including pressure washers.
All of these cleaning methods are ideal for playground cleaning, although soft washing and the DOFF/TORC systems are better at disinfecting surfaces. We will decide which cleaning process is more effective once we know what we are dealing with.
As a provider of playground equipment or a recreation area, you are legally obliged to ensure that it receives regular cleaning and maintenance. This subject is covered by at least twelve different acts of law, including the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (full details can be found on the RoSPA website).
So, whether it's a small playground in a private nursery or a play area in a park established by the local authorities, it must be kept clean and in good working condition, by law.
Uniwash Team is here to make sure that you can fulfil your legal duty by having your playground equipment cleaned regularly without any hassle and for a reasonable cost.
Call Uniwash Team playground cleaning service today to discuss costs and to get a free quote on getting your playground surfaces spotless and safe for children to use.
Our highly-skilled team will carry out work for schools, nurseries, local councils, and private enterprises, giving playgrounds a thoroughly good clean, whether inside buildings or outdoors in parks.
Regular cleaning is essential, but a deep clean can be performed periodically. Equipment should be sanitised frequently (daily, if possible) with an appropriate disinfectant. Our services will help remove ingrained grime and a build-up of organic matter that presents a hazard.
Soft washing is an excellent option, although any of those mentioned above are suitable. For daily cleaning, simply wipe all surfaces down with a mild, non-toxic detergent.
Opinions differ as to the best approach, but generally speaking, it's recommended that professional playground cleaning is undertaken at least once a year if the playground is based outdoors. Wet-pour surfaces must be checked for any organic matter and cleaned regularly. We would suggest that this is increased to twice a year to ensure the best outcome.
As with outdoor playgrounds, soft play areas should ideally be cleaned professionally a couple of times a year. These face a different set of challenges than outdoor playgrounds, as bacteria can survive for longer.
