5 Back To School Cleaning Tips To Ensure A Healthy Learning Environment

The back to school season is fast approaching. While summer cleaning has just finished, cleaning staffs at schools must now make classrooms sparkle before students return. Students who attend dirty schools are more likely to be sick. Nearly 22 millions school days are lost every year due to common colds. Schools can improve the learning environment of students, teachers, and staff by implementing a solid cleaning program. Continue reading to learn 5 tips for cleaning your school.

1. Create a success system.

Establish a system that works for your employees. Checklists are a great way to ensure that no task is missed. Determine how many people you will need to staff your team and what their work load should be. School cleaning in auckland programs often look for ways to be more efficient, especially with the threat of budget cuts. Many schools have had success implementing team cleaning. Make sure that both returning and new cleaners are properly trained on cleaning methods and machines.

2. Disinfect high-touch surfaces and areas at risk.

There are many bacterial hotspots in schools. Every day, identify and disinfect high-risk surfaces and high touch surfaces.

• Water fountains
• Cafeteria trays, plates and trays
• Computer keyboards
• Door handles
• Locker rooms
• Restrooms
• Nurses’ offices

3. Follow the two step procedure.

In order to protect the health and safety of school users, surfaces should be cleaned twice. The CDC defines cleaning as the removal unwanted matter. Cleaning is more about removing contaminants and soil than it is about killing germs. In the first cleaning step, a sodium hydroxide solution with low toxicity is applied to the surface, which will remove soils and unwanted material. This will prepare the surface for disinfection. The second step, disinfection, is intended to kill harmful pathogens like norovirus, MRSA and influenza. After cleaning, a solution of hypochlorous acids can be used to safely and effectively remove pathogens. To prevent germs from spreading, clean and disinfect these high-risk areas.

4. Keep cleaning equipment.

Routine maintenance will extend the life of your cleaning equipment. After each cleaning machine or vacuum, inspect it and change the vacuum bag regularly. After each use, clean all mop heads and buckets. Also, wash rags. Set up a system of storage that is intuitive and easy to use for your staff, so that the equipment is stored correctly after each use. Set up equipment so that it is ready to be used the next day. This preventative maintenance not only helps protect your equipment but also saves time. It will ensure that your staff are ready for every shift.

5. Students and staff can help.

The job of a school janitor is one of the hardest and most thankless. But if you ask students and staff to help with some tasks, it can reduce their work load. Asking teachers to remove clutter will make it easier for the custodial staff navigate the classrooms. Encourage students to avoid eating or drinking in the classroom. This will reduce spills and stains. Encourage a culture that values respect between students and school staff. Encourage students to do their own cleaning in the classroom and cafeteria so that they understand how important it is to maintain a clean environment.

Make the job of school cleaners easier by involving students and staff.

Implementing a few simple protocols can help your school create a healthy, clean learning environment through out the year.