Guide to Keeping Schools Clean Throughout the School Year

Keeping schools clean is crucial for providing a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors. A well-maintained school not only helps prevent the spread of illness but also contributes to a positive learning atmosphere. However, maintaining a clean school is no easy task, especially with hundreds of students and staff coming and going every day. At Pollock Orora, we understand the unique challenges of school cleaning and are here to offer some tips and strategies to help you keep your educational facilities spotless year-round.

Daily Cleaning During the School Year

When school is in session, daily cleaning is essential to keep germs at bay and maintain a tidy environment. Here’s a breakdown of what to focus on:

1. Classrooms and Common Areas:

○ Disinfect high-touch surfaces such as desks, chairs, door handles, and light switches. These are hotspots for germs and need to be cleaned frequently.
○ Empty trash cans daily and replace liners as needed to prevent overflow and odors.
○ Vacuum or sweep floors and spot-clean any visible stains to keep classrooms looking neat.

2. Restrooms:

○ Sanitize toilets, sinks, and countertops with disinfectant to ensure they are clean and safe to use.
○ Refill soap dispensers and paper towel holders regularly to encourage proper hand hygiene.
○ Check and restock supplies like toilet paper to avoid any inconvenient shortages.

3. Hallways and Entrances:

○ Sweep and mop floors to prevent dirt and debris from spreading throughout the building.
○ Wipe down entrance doors and handles multiple times a day to reduce the spread of germs.

4. Cafeteria:

○ Sanitize tables and chairs after each meal period.
○ Clean floors thoroughly to remove food particles and spills.

Deep Cleaning During School Breaks

School breaks are the perfect time to tackle deep-cleaning tasks that aren’t possible during the busy school year. Here are some key areas to focus on:

1. Floor Care:

○ Strip and wax hard floors to restore their shine and protect them from wear and tear.
○ Deep-clean carpets to remove dirt, stains, and allergens that accumulate over time.

2. Furniture and Fixtures:

○ Wipe down lockers, cabinets, and bookshelves to remove dust and grime.
○ Clean and polish light fixtures to improve the overall brightness of the school.

3. Air Vents and Filters:

○ Clean air vents and replace filters to ensure good indoor air quality when students and staff return.

4. Exterior Cleaning:

○ Pressure wash walkways and building exteriors to remove dirt, mold, and mildew.

Sustainable Cleaning Practices

At Pollock Orora, we believe in cleaning smarter, not harder. That’s why we offer eco-friendly cleaning products and equipment that are tough on dirt but gentle on the environment. Using green cleaning solutions can reduce the chemical exposure for students and staff, creating a healthier school environment.

By following these guidelines and using the right tools and products, you can keep your school clean, safe, and inviting throughout the year. Remember, with Pollock Orora, you’ve got cleaning SOLVED!