Maintaining a clean and hygienic school environment is essential for the health, well-being, and overall success of students, staff, and the wider school community. In this blog, we will provide you with 7 tips for keeping your school facilities clean and well-maintained, as well as discuss the benefits of a clean school environment and how to create a culture of cleanliness in your school. By following these tips and establishing a culture of cleanliness, you can help to create a healthy and pleasant learning environment for all.
1. Establish A Routine Cleaning Schedule
Establishing a routine cleaning schedule is essential for ensuring that all areas of the school are consistently kept clean. This can include sweeping and mopping floors, dusting surfaces, and sanitising high-touch areas such as doorknobs and desks.
It is important to assign specific tasks to individual staff members or cleaning contractors and to set clear expectations for the frequency and thoroughness of the cleaning.
2. Encourage Good Hygiene Habits
In addition to regular cleaning, it is essential to encourage good hygiene habits among students and staff. This can include washing hands frequently and properly, covering mouths and noses when sneezing or coughing, and disposing of rubbish properly.
Consider implementing hand sanitiser stations in high-traffic areas and reminding students and staff to wash their hands before meals and after using the bathroom.
3. Use The Right Cleaning Products And Equipment
Using the right cleaning products and equipment is crucial for effectively removing dirt and germs from surfaces. Choose products specifically designed for the task, and ensure that all staff members are trained to use them properly.
Investing in high-quality equipment, such as microfiber mops and vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, can also help improve the cleaning process’s effectiveness.
4. Pay Special Attention To High-Touch Areas
Certain areas of the school, such as doorknobs, desks, and bathrooms, are likely to be touched more frequently than others. It is important to pay special attention to these high-touch areas and clean and sanitise them regularly.
Office spaces in schools are also high-traffic areas frequented by staff, students, and visitors, necessitating a thorough and regular cleaning routine. To maintain a healthy and productive workspace, focus on frequent dusting and sanitising of surfaces, especially those that are touched often, like door handles, desks, and keyboards. Equally important is the cleanliness of floors, which should be vacuumed or mopped regularly to remove dirt and allergens. Incorporating eco-friendly cleaning products can also enhance the safety and air quality of the office space. Furthermore, encouraging staff to maintain a clutter-free and organised environment not only aids in cleaning efforts but also sets a positive example for students. Therefore, it’s better to consider professional office cleaning services for more intensive tasks like deep carpet cleaning or window washing, ensuring a comprehensive approach to office cleanliness in the school setting.
Lastly implementing a program for regularly disinfecting high-touch areas, such as once per hour during peak times.
5. Keep Outdoor Areas Clean And Well-Maintained
Don’t forget about outdoor areas when maintaining a clean school. Playgrounds, sports fields, and other outdoor spaces should be kept free of litter and debris and should be regularly inspected for hazards.
Consider implementing a program for regularly picking up litter and installing bins throughout the school grounds to encourage proper rubbish disposal.
6. Train Staff On Proper Cleaning Techniques
Proper cleaning techniques ensure that surfaces are effectively disinfected and germ-free. All staff members responsible for cleaning should be trained on proper techniques, including how to properly mix and apply cleaning solutions, use equipment, and dispose of cleaning materials properly.
7. Involve Students In The Cleaning Process
Involving students in the school cleaning process teaches them the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment and fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. Consider assigning tasks such as wiping down desks or picking up litter to small groups of students.
Benefits of Keeping School Facilities Clean
Maintaining clean and well-maintained school facilities has numerous benefits for students, staff, and the overall community. A clean school environment can:
Improve health and well-being by preventing the spread of illness and disease
One of the most significant benefits of maintaining clean and well-maintained school facilities is the improvement of health and well-being. A clean school environment can help prevent the spread of illness and disease, leading to fewer absences and a healthier student and staff population. This is especially important in the current COVID-19 pandemic, where maintaining good hygiene and regularly disinfecting surfaces is crucial for preventing the spread of the virus.
Enhance the learning environment by creating a more pleasant and comfortable atmosphere for students
Another benefit of a clean school environment is enhancing the learning environment. A cluttered and dirty classroom can be distracting, making it difficult for students to focus on their studies. A clean and organised classroom can create a positive and conducive atmosphere for learning, leading to improved academic performance and a positive school experience for students.
Increase safety by reducing the risk of accidents and injuries
In addition to the benefits for students, a clean school environment can also improve safety by reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. For example, a cluttered hallway or playground can increase the risk of falls and other accidents, while a clean and well-maintained area is less likely to have hazards. This helps create a safer and more secure environment for all students and staff.
Improve the reputation of the school and the wider community
A clean and well-maintained school can also positively impact the reputation of the school and the wider community. Parents, students, and staff are more likely to have a positive perception of a clean and well-maintained school, which can contribute to a stronger sense of pride and community. This can also be beneficial for attracting new students and staff to the school.
Save money by extending the lifespan of school facilities and equipment and preventing costly repairs or replacements
Finally, investing in regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend the lifespan of school facilities and equipment, saving money in the long run. Proper cleaning and maintenance can also help to prevent costly repairs or replacements that may be necessary if facilities are allowed to become dirty and neglected. Investing in the school’s cleanliness can help save money and ensure that the school remains in good condition for years to come.
Maintaining a clean and well-maintained school environment is essential for the health, well-being, and overall success of students, staff, and the wider school community. By following the tips outlined in this blog and establishing a culture of cleanliness, you can help to create a clean and healthy school environment that is conducive to learning, promotes safety, and fosters a sense of pride and community.
Whether you are a school administrator, teacher, or parent, you can play a role in helping to maintain a clean and well-maintained school environment. Working together and taking responsibility for cleanliness can help create a brighter and more prosperous future for our students. If you require school cleaning services, contact Perth Commercial Cleaning Services today.
