If you want to learn about maintaining a clean school, we can help. It may be a bit overwhelming to think about tackling a project of this scale. However, stick with us for some expert advice. We’ll point out the key areas to focus on so you can feel confident knowing your students get the chance to learn in a sparkling environment.
Classrooms
Maintaining a clean school starts with the classrooms, whether the kids are coming back from summer break or it’s midterm. You want this area in tiptop shape because kids — and adults — spread germs to others as we touch and share various items. Having a tidy place where children can absorb information is an important step that will help set your students up for a successful year.
We recommend that you start sanitizing a week or so before students return to class if this is your first time jumping in on this task. You’ll need several absorbent microfiber cloths, a glass cleaner, and an all-purpose cleanser that’s effective against both bacteria and viruses. While a diluted bleach solution is a standard product, there are others that may be more suitable for all surfaces, like classic soap and water.
If you’re not sure where to begin your classroom cleanup project, start by disinfecting surfaces like desks, tables, and chairs. You can also wipe down other visibly dirty areas like cabinets, handles, and bookshelves. During the school year, teachers can stock a can of sanitizing wipes and enlist the help of the kids to wipe their desks at the end of the day.
Main Office
The importance of back-to-school cleaning doesn’t stop when you step into the hallway. Welcome your students — and your staff — to a new year and new opportunities with a deep cleaning of the main office. Keeping your workspace tidy is as beneficial for the office team as it is for children. Start with a clean sweep of paper to clear away clutter. Next, bring the trash out to the dumpster, then put extra supplies away in the cabinet.
Now, it’s time to tackle electronics. Sanitizing your school’s technology can be tricky. You definitely want to avoid spraying devices with a liquid cleanser. Instead, we suggest you use 70% alcohol wipes to dissolve grime from computer screens, keyboards, and each mouse. It’s a safe way to ensure your instruments are germ-free while protecting their delicate digital systems. Gently swab only the hard, nonporous exterior surfaces and use a soft, lint-free cloth to make quick work of any smudges.
Nurse’s Office
Of course, there are many rules and regulations about how to properly clean and sanitize your school’s nurse’s office. From a bloody knee fresh off the playground to the loss of today’s lunch, there are many biohazards in this particular area of the building. That doesn’t mean that you and your staff can’t go the extra mile and up your required maintenance levels.
Identify high-touch areas and clean them at least once a day, like the doorknob and the pen at the check-in station. If it’s a particularly busy day, wipe these areas more often. Remember to leave doors open or crack a window to increase ventilation for students with asthma while you’re cleaning.
Restroom Facilities
Restrooms are hot spots for germs and mess. There’s no getting around it. So be prepared for a few additional steps when faced with maintaining this area of your school. You may want to consider wearing some personal protection gear, like gloves and a mask, to safeguard yourself from the smell of strong chemicals.
The kids will appreciate a sanitary washroom on the first day of school and beyond, so pay close attention to this room. Confirm that the stalls are empty, and use this checklist to help get you started:
- Disinfect sinks, countertops, faucets, and fixtures
- Clean and disinfect toilets and urinals, including flush handle, seat, and outer bowl
- Wipe any spots off the mirror
- Empty and sanitize trash cans
- Sweep any debris off the floor
- Carefully wet mop, paying attention to spills and spots
- Restock items like toilet paper, paper towels, and hand soap
High-Touch Surfaces
Another vital factor to consider when maintaining a clean school is the vast number of high-touch surfaces. We put together this list of areas to guide you down the path to less dust and germs. Ensure a healthy environment for staff and students and wipe these surfaces down daily:
- Water fountains
- Snack machines
- Interior and exterior door handles
- Lockers
- Light switches
If maintaining a clean school is too big of a project for your staff, leave it to the professionals. We’ll give you a hand ensuring your facility is sparkling clean and ready for the new year. All you have to do is give us a call and schedule today. Then you can focus on planning fun and educational activities with your student in your freshly sanitized educational center.
