How to Reduce Germs in Kids' Public Play Areas

Playgrounds and public play spaces are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Studies on public play equipment such as swings, slides, jungle gyms and monkey bars turned up evidence of human feces and other germ carriers. Half the samples contained E. coli. Follow these steps to reduce germs in kids' public play areas.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Remind kids to wash their hands more often. They should use warm water and soap. Have them rub their hands together for 20 seconds. That's about how long it takes sing "Happy Birthday" twice.
2. Wipe down surfaces in the play area with disinfecting wipes. This small step can reduce bacteria by up to 99 percent.
3. Throw stuffed animals in the washer once a week during the cold and flu season.
4. Wash plastic toys like toy trucks and plastic blocks with soap and water. Wipe down board games with disinfecting wipes.
5. Know that playground equipment in shady parts of the park will more likely have more germs. That's because UV rays from the sun kill bacteria.
6. Talk to the Parks Department that runs the playground. Ask them about their cleaning schedule. If the area isn't cleaned often enough to suit you, ask if you can form a volunteer group to help.

Tips & Warnings

• Raise money to put hand sanitizing equipment in your public play area.
• Remind your kids not to rub their eyes or nose, or put their fingers in their mouth while they're playing in a public place.