While summer break is great, now that the calendar has turned to September, that means schools will soon be—or are already—back in session. To get buildings ready for the hustle and bustle of students and staff, it’s time for custodial teams to conduct a top to bottom cleaning.
Germs 101
While most germs can only live a few hours on a surface, there are others that can survive for months or even years, including staphylococcus aureus (staph) and fungal spores (like ringworm).
Germs and viruses typically live longer on hard surfaces like stainless steel and plastic, so the first order of business is to clean and disinfect high-touch, nonporous surfaces.
The cleaning checklist should include:
- Doorknobs and door handles.
- Stairway handrails.
- Light switches.
- Remote controls and keypads.
- Restroom countertops and fixtures, including faucets, toilet flushers, and paper towel dispensers.
- Cafeteria chairs and tables.
In offices, be sure to wipe down equipment that’s used by multiple individuals, including telephones, public announcement systems, printers, copiers, coffee machines, etc.
High-traffic areas
Within any building, there are high-traffic areas that require time and attention. Not only do these areas handle a large number of students, some of the spaces are also used by visitors. Having a clean and fresh environment that delivers a good first impression when “outsiders” visit the school is a positive for everyone.
In these places, focusing on floors, baseboards, windows, walls, and any “hardware” that is touched is important.
Each school is different, but the list generally includes:
- Entryways and lobbies.
- Restrooms and locker rooms.
- Classrooms and laboratories.
Two steps
Cleaning includes two steps. First is the removal of dirt, debris, and grime with soap and water (or another type of cleaning solution) and second is disinfection to remove and kill germs.
When using a disinfectant, be sure to read the label so you know how long the product must sit on the surface to be effective. Depending on the product and situation, it might be one minute to 10 minutes or longer.
Consider using disposable towels or wipers when cleaning or disinfecting to minimize the need for laundering and allow staff to clean more efficiently.
Earth-friendly options
Most school districts are concerned about sustainability. Cleaning crews can do their part by using wipers and towels that are made with recycled fibers instead of virgin trees. Today’s environmentally friendly wipers are advanced products that deliver superior durability and can be used for everything from daily wiping and cleaning to rigorous scrubbing.
Look for cleaning products that carry the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Choice label. The EPA’s website has a list of 2,000 products with safer chemical ingredients that don’t sacrifice quality or performance. The list includes all-purpose cleaners, tile cleaners, window/glass cleaners, wood cleaners and many other types of cleaning products.
Scratch prevention
Throughout school building, specific items require low-lint wipers or towels. Traditional cleaning cloths can leave behind tiny fibers that can scratch or damage delicate surfaces like lenses, screens, or polished metals.
You can use low-lint, solvent-resistant towels to wipe down and clean labs and lab equipment, shop machines, and other delicate items.
In addition to the type of wipe you use, take care to select the appropriate cleaning solution and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. It’s also helpful to print out the instructions and post them near the equipment, so the cleaning crew has the information right in front of them.
Spill management
Schools are busy environments where all sorts of spills and leaks can occur.
There are “regular” spills like a dropped pot of sauce in the family and consumer sciences class and then there are “advanced” spills and leaks that can happen in science labs and shop rooms, where students are using chemical solutions. To efficiently and safely handle the situation, it’s important to have the appropriate products ready.
Choose mats and spill kits designed to control and absorb liquids, chemicals, and oil. Look for absorbents that are Occupational Safety and Health Administration- (OSHA) and EPA-compliant and designed for safe use and disposal in school facilities.
A team approach
School administrators and cleaning personnel don’t need to navigate an entire building on their own. Manufacturers are more than happy to work closely with jansan distributors and end-users to offer custom product recommendations and support back-to-school procurement planning.
At the end of the school day, it’s a team effort that makes a building clean and healthy for all.
