Every year 22 million school days are lost to the common cold. Students miss up to 38 million school days due to the flu. These numbers are not surprising considering that schools are a breeding ground for germs.
Practical and Easy School Cleaning Tips
Our school cleaning tips could go a long way in improving hygiene and minimizing absences.
· One classroom at a time
School cleaning tips start inside the classroom – eliminate clutter, wash cups and glasses, and wipe off any spillage.
· Divide and conquer
Make a cleaning plan for each section of the school building. Assign tasks for the hallways, restrooms, teachers’ lounge, and entryways. This way, you’ll be able to estimate cost and hire appropriate staff.
· Encourage handwashing habits
The best way to keep germs from spreading is to maintain clean hands. Wash hands with water and plain soap before eating, after recess, and after using the bathroom. Wash between the fingers thoroughly to keep germs out.
· Clean, sanitize, disinfect
Each of these three processes has an appropriate product for the task.
- Cleaning removes dirt. Clean with soap and water or green cleaners certified by Green Seal or EPA Safer Choice.
- Sanitizing keeps germs to a safe level. It is vital to sanitize when there is food around, such as the cafeteria or kitchen. Sanitize shared objects in the classroom, such as keyboards and writing instruments.
- Disinfecting kills most germs in high-risk areas. These include bathrooms, drinking fountains, nurse’s office, gym facilities, and doorknobs. Because disinfectants contain harsh chemicals, this process is done when students are not present.
During flu season, disinfection can help reduce the number of sick people and sick days. Cleaning staff should disinfect their assigned areas several times a day. Make sure each classroom has its own cleaning supplies on hand.
Train school custodial staff to apply disinfectants in a safe and effective manner. They will be in charge of cleaning up infectious materials such as vomit, blood, urine, and feces.
· Get the kids involved
Our school cleaning tips are not just for teachers. Here are four important reminders for students who may be helping out.
- Never use disinfectant wipes to clean hands
- Students must only use soap and water
- Fragrance-free baby wipes are safe for quick cleaning
- Avoid store-bought cleaning products as these may not be safe for children
Why School Cleaning Tips are Essential
Kids are exposed to bacteria, viruses, and allergens when they are at school. Keeping their environment clean can help:
- Reduce absences
- Increase productivity
- Control asthma triggers
- Improve indoor air quality
Hand washing vs. hand sanitizers
Cleaning with soap and water breaks down oils and allows easier removal of dirt, contaminants, and germs. Hand sanitizers DO NOT remove dirt completely.
If you want to install hand sanitizer pumps in your school, choose an alcohol-based variant. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least 60% alcohol.
What you need to know about disinfecting wipes
- Applying disinfecting wipes for general cleaning is a little overkill. Plain soap or an all-purpose cleaner should suffice.
- Disinfecting wipes such as Lysol and Clorox may contain chemicals that can trigger adverse health effects.
- Disinfecting wipes require cleaning the surface first and then remain visibly wet for 4-10 minutes. If not used properly, they can be ineffective.
No to fragrance
Fragrant products are a no-no in school. Fragrance can easily trigger allergies, cause headaches, and worsen asthma.
Wipe with a microfiber cloth
Microfiber cloths are great at picking up dust when they are damp. They can also remove most germs when used with soap and water. Best of all, they are washable and reusable.
Replace school furniture
One way to maintain a cleaner and healthier school is to get rid of germ-magnets. Carpets and couches can trap germs within their fibers. Consider replacing them with easy-to-clean options such as vinyl beanbags.
Recycle bins must be accessible
Kids are more likely to dispose of trash properly if trash cans are within their reach. Make sure the recycle bins in hallways, entrances and exits, gyms, and the schoolyard are big enough. Smaller trash cans should be available in classrooms, faculty offices, and bathroom cubicles.
Organize a cleaning schedule
A detailed cleaning plan can keep your school premises spic and span at all times. Make a list of tasks for each section of the school. Assign a number of cleaners, cleaning time, as well as supplies needed.
If you decide to hire a professional cleaning company, find a schedule that works for both sides.
Hire a Professional Cleaner for Your School Today
School administrators often have to deal with a high turnover rate of custodial staff. Instead of hiring and training new people, many schools now simply hire a professional cleaning company.
Prestige Property Services offers school cleaning to help create a healthier and safer learning environment for kids. We can clean your premises for the entire school year, or on a monthly or weekly basis. If you have an upcoming school event, our trained cleaners can get the job done.
