Keeping your school clean every day is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and maintain a healthy environment for everyone.
To prevent illness, focus on high-touch surfaces and areas where germs accumulate. Think restrooms, classrooms, and busy hallways. Don’t forget about things people touch all the time, like door handles, light switches, and desks.
In this article, you’ll learn which school areas need the most attention, why good hygiene matters, and how commercial cleaning services can help schools stay cleaner and safer every day.
Which School Areas Need Daily Cleaning?
Daily cleaning in schools should centre on high-touch surfaces and communal spaces. Many students and staff frequent these areas, increasing the chance of germ transmission.
High-Touch Surfaces
High-touch surfaces are areas that many people touch throughout the day, making them a common way for germs to spread. Below are specific examples.
1. Classrooms
Classrooms are full of surfaces that students and teachers touch frequently. Daily wiping and disinfecting of these areas helps reduce the risk of spreading illnesses. These include:
- Desks and Surfaces: Wipe down desks, tables, and any shared surfaces to remove dust, crumbs, and spills.
- Floors: Sweep or vacuum to remove dirt, dust, and debris.
- Trash Bins: Empty all trash cans to prevent overflow.
- Hotspots: Don’t forget about chairs, door handles, light switches, and shared supplies.
2. Restrooms
Restrooms are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. Be sure to use strong disinfectants and stick to a daily cleaning schedule for these areas:
- Toilets and Sinks: Clean and disinfect all fixtures.
- Floors: Mop and sanitise floors daily.
- Mirrors and fixtures: Clean and polish mirrors and other fixtures.
3. Specific Touchpoints
Some spots need more cleaning attention. Regular cleaning of these touchpoints helps prevent germ spread:
- Door Handles: Disinfect throughout the school.
- Switches: Clean and disinfect in all areas.
- Water Fountains: Clean and disinfect drinking fountains.
- Elevator Buttons: Clean and disinfect elevator buttons.
- Computer Mouse and Keyboard: Disinfect shared computer equipment.
Communal Areas
Students and school staff often gather in communal areas. High foot traffic leads to fast germ build-up, making daily cleaning important for everyone’s health and safety. Here are some examples.
1. Cafeterias and Dining Areas
Clean food areas properly to prevent food-borne illnesses and the spread of germs. Your cleaning checklist should include:
- Tables and Counters: Wipe down after every meal service.
- Floors: Sweep and mop to remove crumbs, spills, and sticky spots.
- Trash Removal: Empty bins regularly to avoid mess and odours.
- Other Touchpoints: Clean trays, cutlery, and high-touch surfaces after each use.
2. Libraries
Libraries have a mix of shared items and gadgets that require gentle but effective cleaning. Be sure to do the following daily:
- Disinfect desks, computers, and shared equipment.
- Use safe cleaners on books and delicate materials.
3. School Gyms
Many people engage in physical activity and share equipment at the gym. Keep them clean for all users by:
- Wiping down gym equipment and benches.
- Cleaning mats, floors, and locker rooms to reduce bacteria and sweat buildup.
4. Hallways
Daily cleaning should focus on these high-traffic zones:
- Floors: Sweep and mop to avoid slips and grime.
- High-Touch Surfaces: Disinfect doorknobs, railings, and switches.
- Waste Disposal: Empty bins and pick up litter regularly.
What Extra Steps Can Schools Take to Stay Clean?
While daily cleaning is important, extra steps can significantly enhance school hygiene. These small habits and routines prevent the spread of germs, promoting everyone’s well-being.
Cleaning Schedule
- Create a straightforward chart of cleaning tasks and their frequencies.
- Keep track to make sure nothing gets missed.
Dusting and Decluttering
- Wipe dust off shelves, furniture, and surfaces regularly.
- Clean windows and glass doors to remove smudges and dirt.
- Keep hallways and classrooms free from clutter.
Ventilation and Restocking
- Keep windows open when possible or use ventilation systems.
- Always restock soap and paper towels in restrooms.
Hand Hygiene
- Ensure soap and water are always available.
- Encourage handwashing before eating and after using the restroom.
- Add hand sanitizer stations in classrooms, hallways, and near cafeteria entrances.
Students and Staff Orientation
- Teach everyone about good hygiene practices and proper handwashing.
- Offer regular reminders and training sessions.
Clean Desk Policy
- Ask students to clear off desks daily and avoid leaving food overnight.
Is Hiring Professional Cleaning Services Better for Schools?
Hiring commercial cleaning services for your school is a smart, practical choice to keep it healthy and ready for learning.
With professional cleaners, you get a team trained to handle everything, from deep-cleaning restrooms to sanitising desks, gym equipment, and shared surfaces.
For example, instead of asking your staff to mop hallways after a busy day, a commercial cleaning team can handle it efficiently. Using specialised tools and disinfectants, they clean faster and more thoroughly. They also follow strict cleaning schedules.
Cost-wise, it is more efficient because you don’t have to worry about:
- Buying industrial-grade cleaning supplies
- Training in-house staff
- Covering sick days or absences
A clean school means fewer student and staff sick days, fewer disruptions, and better learning outcomes. It also leaves a good impression on parents and visitors, showing that your school values hygiene and student health.
Ultimately, hiring professional cleaners gives you peace of mind, healthier students, and more time for teachers to focus on teaching, not cleaning.
Keep Your School Healthy with Daily Cleaning
Keeping your school clean every day is an effective way to stop the spread of illness.
By focusing on high-touch areas and shared spaces, like classrooms, restrooms, and cafeterias, you help protect students and staff. A solid cleaning schedule and good hygiene habits also make your school a healthier, safer place to learn.
If you are a school administrator or facility manager, now’s a great time to review your cleaning routines. Share this article with educators and parents to spread the word. Then, consider hiring professional cleaners to ensure every area is thoroughly clean.
For Melbourne schools, contact PPSG at 1300 867 872. Our team will help design a cleaning schedule that works for you.