When it comes to finding the right school, parents don’t just consider the quality of education programs, faculties, and community support. They also look for the hygiene and cleanliness of the school environment. Did you know that more than 22 million school days are lost every year due to the common cold or flu? Schools are breeding grounds for viruses and germs, accumulating dirt from shoes, spilled drinks and food, papers, plastics, and other waste. If schools are not cleaned regularly, kids tend to get sick often, resulting in higher absenteeism. The COVID-19 pandemic has made us more aware of maintaining hygiene in school buildings. Given the large size of school buildings and the number of students and staff, it is necessary to clean and disinfect every corner properly. However, keeping schools clean is not just the job of janitors. While they can do basic tasks like mopping floors and dusting benches, a professional school cleaning service provider is necessary to deeply and optimally clean every area of your school and ensure a hygienic environment for students. If you are the owner of a school and need valuable guidance on keeping the school buildings and premises clean, this guide is for you! Here are 19 tips on how to keep your school clean with the help of your students and teachers. 1. Create a Regular School Cleaning Checklist A comprehensive cleaning checklist is crucial to ensure no area is overlooked. The checklist should cover all parts of the school, including classrooms, restrooms, hallways, cafeterias, libraries, playgrounds, and administrative offices. Additionally, it should specify the cleaning frequency for each area, such as daily, weekly, or monthly tasks. Modern cleaning innovations, like robotic vacuums, can be included in the checklist to streamline the process. 2. Build a Regular Cleaning Habit Educate students and staff about the importance of cleanliness and encourage them to adopt regular cleaning habits. Simple practices like throwing waste in trash cans, wiping feet on mats before entering classrooms, and organizing personal items can significantly reduce the workload of janitors and keep the school environment tidy. 3. Communicate the Importance of Cleanliness Establish a cleanliness policy and communicate it to students, staff, and parents. Regularly update them about new cleaning practices and the importance of maintaining hygiene, especially in light of health concerns such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Conduct cleanliness awareness programs to reinforce the significance of hygiene practices. 4. Start with the Basics Begin the cleaning process with the most frequently used areas, such as classrooms and restrooms. Set aside time each week for teachers and students to tidy up their spaces. Teachers can wash their mugs, and students can organize their desks and lockers. This not only keeps the environment clean but also instills a sense of responsibility. 5. Understand Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing It’s important to differentiate between cleaning (removing visible dirt), disinfecting (killing germs on surfaces with chemicals), and sanitizing (lowering the number of germs to a safe level using alcohol-based solutions). Each process serves a specific purpose in maintaining a healthy school environment. 6. Section Off the School Divide the school into sections and create specific cleaning plans for each. Prioritize areas with high foot traffic and more frequent use, such as classrooms, libraries, and restrooms. Assign different cleaning tasks to each section to ensure comprehensive coverage. 7. Clean and Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, desks, chairs, switches, and learning equipment. This practice is essential for preventing the spread of infections, especially during flu season. 8. Keep the Lunch Table Clean Encourage students to clean up after themselves in the cafeteria. They should dispose of food waste and packaging properly and wipe down tables before leaving. This helps maintain a clean and hygienic eating area. 9. Avoid Damaging Displays Handle display items, such as artwork and scientific models, with care. Regularly dust and clean them gently to prevent damage and maintain their appearance. Clean trophies and mementos with a soft cloth to preserve their shine. 10. Use Cleaning Products Safely Ensure that janitors and staff use cleaning products safely by following the instructions on labels. Provide protective gear, such as gloves and masks, to prevent exposure to toxic chemicals. Proper training on the use of these products is essential for safety. 11. Provide Recycling Bins Place recycling bins in accessible locations throughout the school. Educate students and staff about recycling practices and encourage them to separate recyclable materials, such as paper, plastic, and glass. Regularly empty the bins to maintain their effectiveness. 12. Install Door Mats Place door mats at the entrances of classrooms and common areas to reduce the amount of dirt tracked in from outside. Clean the mats regularly to prevent them from becoming a source of dirt themselves. 13. Encourage Organization Promote the habit of keeping items organized in classrooms, libraries, and activity rooms. Organized spaces are easier to clean and reduce the likelihood of lost or misplaced items. This practice also fosters a sense of responsibility among students and staff. 14. Promote Recycling Implement a recycling program to reduce waste and educate students about the importance of environmental responsibility. Provide clear guidelines on what can be recycled and encourage participation from the entire school community. 15. Regular Disinfection Regularly disinfect surfaces in classrooms, restrooms, and common areas to minimize the spread of germs. Break the task into manageable parts by assigning specific areas to different staff members. Ensure that fresh cleaning supplies are used each time to maintain hygiene standards. 16. Organize Cleaning Day Events Organize school-wide cleaning events to involve everyone in maintaining the school’s cleanliness. Assign specific tasks to groups of students, teachers, and parents. Provide cleaning supplies and guidelines to ensure the event is productive and educational. 17. Hire Professional Cleaning Services Consider hiring a professional cleaning company to supplement the efforts of janitors. Professional cleaners can provide deep cleaning services and use specialized equipment and techniques to ensure a thorough cleaning of the entire