Green Cleaning Leaders Release Disinfecting Guidelines for Schools

Facility cleaning and disinfection guidelines have never been more important than during a pandemic to help ensure the health of building occupants. As the new academic year begins, a lot of focus is directed on cleaning and disinfecting schools.

Healthy Green Schools & Colleges released Guidelines for Safer COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfection for custodians and building service contractors dedicated to using green cleaning methods. The guidelines were developed by global nonprofit eco-certifier Green Seal® and pioneering advocacy nonprofit Healthy Schools Campaign, along with leaders in green cleaning and facility management at schools and universities across the United States.

Many schools avoid excessive chemical use to protect students with asthma and other respiratory conditions that can be triggered by chemical exposure. The new guidelines identify green cleaning solutions included on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list N of disinfectants identified as effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The guidelines also clarify when and how to safely use technologies such as electrostatic sprayers and ultraviolet (UV-C) light.