Childcare and educational facilities require some of the deepest cleanings of any facilities in the world - not just because they get so dirty with so many children (and adults) coming and going, but because student health is of utmost importance. It’s important to prevent even minor infections and illnesses so that kids don’t miss time away from the classroom.
Keeping facilities clean during the bustle of the school year is a challenge, but it begins with making sure you start out with a clean slate - literally! Summer is the ideal time to do a deep clean.
Here are 8 expert tips on how to effectively clean and disinfect your school or daycare center:
Create a cleaning checklist: Start by creating a comprehensive checklist of all the areas that need to be cleaned. Categorize the tasks by rooms or areas to ensure you cover everything. Organization and planning is half the battle when cleaning anything larger than a small apartment.
Gather the necessary cleaning supplies (e.g. Sterifab!): Make sure you have all the cleaning supplies and equipment required for the job. This may include mops, brooms, vacuum cleaners, disinfectants, cleaning solutions, gloves, trash bags and microfiber cloths. Why Sterifab? It’s an EPA-registered, professional-grade disinfectant that also kills all kinds of insects and pests, including dormant bed bug eggs, louse eggs and more. Plus it’s non-residual. People and pets can go back into the room after Sterifab dries and the room is ventilated (a vacancy time of usually 15 minutes or so), making it an ideal solution for educational facilities.
Declutter and organize: Begin by decluttering and organizing each room. Remove any unnecessary items, old paperwork, and broken or unused equipment. This step will make the cleaning process more efficient, help clear away dust and uncover hiding spots for mites, spiders and other undesirable guests.
Dust and wipe surfaces: Dust furniture, shelves, windowsills, light fixtures and all other surfaces. Use a microfiber cloth or a duster to capture the dust effectively. Next, wipe down with appropriate cleaning solutions and a disinfectant like Sterifab, paying attention to high-touch areas like doorknobs, switches, and railings.
Clean and disinfect restrooms: Pay special attention to cleaning restrooms. Use an effective disinfectant to clean all surfaces, including toilets, sinks, faucets, mirrors, and counters. Restock toiletries such as toilet paper, hand soap and paper towels so that students are well-prepared to stay hygienic and healthy for the year ahead.
Clean windows and blinds: Clean the windows inside and out to allow natural light to brighten up the rooms. Dust and wipe down blinds or curtains to remove any accumulated dirt or dust, which may harbor mites. Read more about types of mites and potential risks.
Clean kitchen areas: If your facility has a kitchen, you’ll definitely want to give it a thorough cleaning. Clean all appliances, including ovens, refrigerators, microwaves and countertops. Remove and clean or replace filters in exhaust hoods and change water filters if necessary.
Pay attention to outdoor areas: Don't forget about outdoor spaces, which can also harbor germs. Clean playground equipment, wash outdoor furniture and sweep walkways. Remove any litter or debris from the premises.
Cleaning a school or daycare facility during the summer break is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy environment all year long. To ensure efficiency and thoroughness, create a cleaning checklist, gather appropriate supplies, declutter and organize spaces, and pay special attention to high-touch areas and restrooms. Properly clean windows, kitchen areas, and outdoor spaces. Dispose of waste responsibly and prioritize safety throughout the cleaning process by following guidelines and using protective gear. A well-executed summer cleaning will contribute to a clean and welcoming environment for students and staff in the upcoming school year.
Want to start this year off on the right foot? Get your cleaning done with Sterifab and give your students the clean environment they deserve to succeed.
