Schools are highly-populated, dense areas. Therefore, it is quite important to maintain a proper level of cleanliness. With the pandemic still looming, sanitation should be a school’s top priority. Routine cleaning can ensure the elimination of harmful bacteria and can keep students and staff safe. In this article, we will discuss the various procedures of how to deep clean schools and why it is important.
What is Deep Cleaning?
Similar to regular cleaning, deep cleaning involves removing dust, dirt, and bacteria from surfaces. However, there is a primary difference. Deep cleaning is far more detailed and thorough. For example, this can include machine scrubbing floors and dusting areas that are hard to reach. Understandably, one might ask, “Isn’t that what the school custodians do?” While school custodians do great work, deep cleaning isn’t their primary responsibility. Specialized deep cleaning services will solely focus on deep cleaning.
The Importance of Routine Cleaning for Schools
It is essential for schools to maintain regular cleaning schedules. With routine cleaning, schools can keep students and staff safe. By removing harmful bacteria, they can prevent individuals from illnesses and infections. This can significantly improve overall morale and can improve a school’s reputation. In addition to indoor spaces, a clean school bus is also quite important.
A company like Dallas Janitorial Services can help you achieve proper cleanliness and sanitation. Our cleaning staff can assist in the maintenance of a safe and healthy environment.
Areas to Address When Deep Cleaning Schools
When deep cleaning, it is important to focus on areas that receive the highest levels of human interaction. More than likely, these are the surfaces that are filled with the most germs. Due to the size of a school and the number of rooms, this can seem overwhelming. However, it should not be, because a professional cleaning company can address all rooms and surfaces.
Classrooms and Hallways
The primary locations individuals should focus on when deep cleaning a school are classrooms and hallways. Since teachers and students spend the majority of their day in a classroom, it is the most prevalent location for germs, viruses, and bacteria. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to learn how to clean and disinfect schools and their classrooms. High-touch surfaces like desks, whiteboards, and light switches should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Restrooms
A school’s restroom facilities should be routinely cleaned as toilet areas can hold an excessive amount of germs and bacteria. You might be wondering how to keep school bathrooms clean due to the high bacterial content. In fact, a majority of sanitation issues in public places stem from improper maintenance of restroom areas. Furthermore, deep cleaning restrooms can vastly increase overall morale. Individuals should not feel hesitant or repelled about going to the restroom.
School Entries
School entries such as main entrances and hallways are riddled with germs. These are high-traffic areas where a majority of students and staff will walk through. In addition, individuals visiting the school can bring harmful bacteria as well. Places like this are hotspots for germ spreading, so routine cleaning can prevent people from getting themselves or others sick.
School Gyms
These are highly-dense places with a variety of high-touch surfaces. Therefore, it is one of the primary locations for germs and bacteria.
Cafeteria
Along with classrooms, cafeterias are one of the primary focuses of deep cleaning. Any place with food and produce should be deep cleaned to eliminate bacteria and cross-contamination. In addition, these are highly-populated areas, as a majority of students will be there at various times of the day. Furthermore, these are places with higher chances of germ and infection spreading.
School Vans
Vehicles such as vans and buses can be infested with germs and bacteria. Understandably, it is important to have a clean school bus and to learn how to clean old school vans. Similar to places inside the school, Dallas Janitorial Services can properly deep clean any vehicles.
How to Deep Clean School Classrooms and Other Common Areas
As it pertains to deep cleaning, it is important to focus on high-traffic areas like classrooms and high-touch surfaces like light switches. These types of locations have the highest number of germs and the greatest possibilities for illnesses and infections. Some may be concerned about the time and work needed to properly deep clean these places. While it may take time, it is worth it. Schools that are thoroughly cleaned and well-maintained will experience increased safety and morale.
Address High-Traffic Areas and High-Touch Surfaces First
To begin, high-traffic areas such as classrooms and cafeterias should be of primary focus. Furthermore, high-touch surfaces like desks, light switches, and tables should be addressed first.
Dust and Sweep Every Surface
It is important to dust and sweeps hard-to-reach areas. This includes tops of shelves and areas behind large objects. Generally, these places are ignored during regular cleaning and accumulate large amounts of dust and dirt.
Wipe and Disinfect All Areas
Afterward, it is essential to disinfect all areas, especially high-touch surfaces. In particular, desks, door handles, and flushes will be disinfected. By doing so, germs and bacteria will be eliminated. This will reduce the possibility of infections.
Scrub and Wax the Floors
During this process, floors will be scrubbed and waxed with a cleaning machine. This will make the floor look brand-new. Tiles will also be taken off to remove any dirt or old wax.
Vacuum and Shampoo Carpets
Water and detergent will be applied to the carpet. Doing so helps remove a greater amount of dirt and debris from the carpet. This will provide stronger long-term results when compared to regular vacuuming.
Empty Out Trash Bins
It is important to throw away cleaning equipment as soon as they are done being used. Also, you may want to consider wearing gloves when disposing of trash as it can prevent you from touching germs. Lastly, you should thoroughly wash your hands afterward. This can significantly decrease the potential spread of germs.
Frequency of Deep Cleaning Schools Matters
Depending on the size and population, certain schools may need more frequent deep cleaning. However, all schools should have regular cleaning schedules. Typically, deep cleaning will occur during summer vacations and holiday breaks.
Why Professionals Should Handle Deep Cleaning in Schools
A professional deep cleaning company, like Dallas Janitorial Services, can ensure a properly detailed and thorough cleaning service. These types of companies have the cleaning equipment and the skills needed to complete these tasks. It is essential to disinfect surfaces like desks and light switches properly, and professionals have the materials to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean a school floor?
School floors should be scrubbed and waxed. This will clean all surface areas and leave the floor looking bright, new, and shiny.
What do you need to clean a school?
School deep cleaning requires plenty of time and the proper equipment. Dallas Janitorial Services meet both of these requirements and can ensure a thoroughly cleaned school.
How long does it take to clean a school?
This will depend on the size of the school and the cleaning staff. It can take one man-hour to clean 4,000 square feet of a frequently cleaned area.
How do you maintain your school ground?
It is important to deep clean school grounds to ensure a more effectively cleaned location.
Is a school custodian the same as a janitor?
It is the custodian’s responsibility to maintain the building. This means that they have a variety of duties. The sole focus of a janitor is cleaning and sanitation.
Want to Learn More? Give Us a Call!
If you are interested in school deep cleaning services, contact us at 214-778-3689. School deep cleaning is important and our team of experienced professionals can help keep your students and staff safe.
