How does the Discovery Center maintain a clean, safe environment for visitors?

The cleaning and infection control procedures in place at the Discovery Center are based on our strict internal guidelines as well as the safety guidelines and requirements issued by local health experts and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This information is subject to change.

What tools are used to clean the Discovery Center?

At the Discovery Center, we love using science to beat the microbes that can make us sick! Here are the primary tools we use to clean the museum in addition to safe, quality commercial cleaning products.

• Soap and water: The very best way to prevent illness is handwashing with soap and water! Staff wash hands upon arrival and regularly throughout the day, and visitors are encouraged to do the same.
• Hand sanitizer: Dispensers are located next to the front desk for guests to use upon arrival and as they leave the building. They are also located next to the doors that lead to our outdoor classroom.
• Disinfectant Spray: CleanSmart disinfectant is used on most of our toys, exhibits, and multi-surfaces. This cleaner is made with hypochlorous, a powerful, yet gentle solution created from water and salt through a special electrolyzing process. Once it dries, it naturally returns to saline water.
• Clorox Wipes: Wipes are used to disinfect high touch areas and surfaces such as door handles, tables, countertops, and furniture.
• Dry Hydrogen Peroxide: Some exhibits are sanitized by Dry Hydrogen Peroxide (DHP) systems. DHP works using a clever disguise! The DHP molecule has a structure similar to a water molecule. Since all microbes (like viruses and bacteria) require water to live, they meet the DHP molecule in the air and on surfaces and attach themselves. Once attached, DHP breaks down the microbe’s outer cell membrane leading to its destruction.
• Dishwasher: Many of our toys are cleaned and sanitized using a dishwasher. This high temperature process helps ensure toys are thoroughly disinfected for play.
• Rotation: Frequently-mouthed toys are removed multiple times throughout the day for cleaning to keep our spaces sanitary and ready.
• Oxivir is used for our Infant exhibit. The product’s active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, is known to effectively disinfect and kill various viruses.
• UV Light Sanitizing Bags: When you see staff putting small toys, like play food and books, into something that looks like a lunch bag, they’re not packing a meal! Special UV light sanitizing bags are used to destroy the outer protein of microbes, leaving toys sanitized and ready for play.

What information does the Discovery Center use to make decisions about policies?

You can count on us to follow recommendations from experts in public health and child development. We are in regular communication with or carefully studying recommendations from:

• The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
• The Shawnee County Health Department
• State and local officials
• Other children’s museums from around the country and the world
• Surveys of our visitors and members