School Cleaning Guide: Tips for Creating a Cleaning Program That Works for Your School

According to the World Health Organization, 22 million school days are lost each year due to illness, and 38 million people are infected with the flu annually. These statistics are alarming, but unfortunately, not surprising. Schools are a breeding ground for germs, bacteria, dust, and dirt. Poor sanitation leads to absenteeism among students, teachers, and staff, costing schools millions of dollars each year.

Considering the amount of money lost due to unsafe conditions, hiring a professional cleaning or janitorial company can be a smart investment. Not only does it save money, but it also helps ensure that your school remains clean and safe for everyone.

Check out these school cleaning tips to maintain a clean environment for students, staff, and visitors:

1. Start with the Basics

A clean school begins with clean classrooms. Start by working with teachers to establish cleaning routines that promote a tidy environment. For example, teachers can set aside an hour each week to discuss ways to maintain cleanliness in the classroom. Simple tasks, such as wiping down coffee cups, glasses, and floors, can go a long way in keeping the space organized.

Establishing simple rules like these can make a significant impact on daily cleanliness. A clean work environment boosts productivity, enhances morale, and reduces absenteeism among both students and staff.

2. Departmentalize the Cleaning Process

One of the most effective ways to keep a school clean is to divide the facility into sections and plan maintenance for each area. For example, common areas like hallways and bathrooms may need daily cleaning, while classrooms and staff rooms might only need to be cleaned once or twice a week. Playrooms, which are used more frequently, should be cleaned thoroughly after each use.

This structured approach helps you calculate cleaning costs, plan for staffing needs, and streamline the process. If certain areas need more attention, you can allocate more resources, such as additional staff or cleaning supplies.

3. Regular Disinfection and Cleaning

Cleaning every room, large and small, is crucial for the health and safety of students and staff. During cold and flu season, schools become hotspots for germs and illness. Regular sanitation practices can help reduce absenteeism and the spread of disease.

Teachers and custodial staff should prioritize cleaning high-touch surfaces in classrooms, such as doorknobs, desks, chairs, toys, computers, and light switches. Additionally, bathrooms, kitchens, and other shared spaces should be cleaned multiple times a day. Ensure that each room has a supply of daily cleaning essentials, such as disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and gloves.

4. Waste Management

Make waste disposal easy by providing ample trash cans throughout the school. Large bins should be placed in hallways, bathrooms, entrances, and other common areas, while smaller bins can be placed in classrooms and offices.

When trash cans are easy to access, students and staff are more likely to use them, reducing litter and keeping the school environment cleaner. Regularly empty trash cans to avoid overflow and unpleasant odors.

5. Hire a Professional Cleaning Company

If maintaining cleanliness with in-house staff proves difficult, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. While this requires an investment, a cleaning company can handle the heavy lifting and provide consistent, high-quality service. This will free up your staff to focus on teaching and other important tasks.

6. Establish a System for Success

A well-organized cleaning system is essential. Set up a schedule for weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly checks to ensure that all areas of the school are covered. Some schools form cleaning teams or assign specific tasks to staff members to ensure that no area is overlooked.

7. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces

High-touch areas, such as door handles, light switches, desks, keyboards, and bathroom faucets, are often breeding grounds for bacteria. Make disinfecting these surfaces a priority to reduce the spread of germs.

A two-step cleaning process—first cleaning, then disinfecting—will help ensure that these areas are as germ-free as possible. This process is especially important during cold and flu season.

8. Maintain Cleaning Supplies

Make sure that cleaning supplies are well-stocked and properly maintained. Regularly vacuum or clean the floors and change the vacuum filters as needed. Mop heads should be cleaned after each use to prevent the spread of dirt and germs.

Set up a storage system that makes it easy for staff to access and organize cleaning supplies. This will help ensure that cleaning tasks are completed efficiently and consistently.

9. Recruit Student and Staff Assistants

Cleaning doesn’t have to be a solitary task. Recruit student volunteers or staff assistants to help maintain the school’s cleanliness. Encouraging teamwork can make cleaning a shared responsibility and help create a sense of ownership among students and staff.

Additionally, provide students with clear guidelines to avoid creating messes in classrooms, such as prohibiting food and drinks during lessons.

Conclusion

School cleaning is an ongoing task that requires careful planning, regular attention, and collaboration between staff, teachers, and students. By implementing these cleaning tips, you can create a safer, healthier, and more productive learning environment for everyone at your school.

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