Summertime is here for the moment, but as every teacher knows, it will fly by in what can feel like the blink of an eye. With school not in session and classrooms left empty, take advantage of the opportunity to ensure that the physical spaces in your school are as clean as possible.
Classrooms, while wonderful places for learning and growth, are also dirty and germ-ridden, thanks to the high level of human traffic and shared space. Transcend FMC works with clients and schools from all aspects of the education sector, partnering with administrators in the summer months to build a comprehensive cleaning and safety plan to gear up for the new school year. Making efficient use of the summer months will help minimize the maintenance and cleaning necessary when everyone returns to the classroom.
Here is a checklist you can reference to keep your educational institution clean and safe this summer so it’s ready for the new academic year in the fall!
Disinfect desks and other surfaces
Empty desks and cubbies and clear off countertops and other classroom surfaces so they can all be properly disinfected. Students spend the most time at desks and using shared surfaces, so tackling the dirt there is crucial.
Disinfect keyboards
Technology is a gift to educators and learners alike, and it is a gift that needs to be cleaned thoroughly. Keyboards alone have been shown to harbor approximately 20,000 times more bacteria than (drumroll please) a public toilet seat. Keyboards need to be unplugged and sprayed with compressed air to dislodge any crumbs and dirt that have collected. To effectively clean the individual keys, try using a cotton swab or cloth with rubbing alcohol.
Dust cabinetry and shelves
If your classroom has bookshelves and cabinets anywhere, it’s possible they’ve been collecting dust all year long without any cleaning. Teachers are swamped – we get that – so it’s completely understandable.
This summer, dust from top to bottom with microfiber cloths to remove the dust rather than spread it around with old-school feather dusters. If you have a quality vacuum, try using the duster attachment to get rid of any dust – again, working from the top down.
Vacuum any rugs or carpeted areas
You’ve likely heard that carpet, though plush and comfortable, is notoriously dirty even when it appears presentable. Carpet can hide one pound of dirt per yard while still looking visibly clean. On average, carpet contains approximately 200,000 bacteria per square inch, which makes it about 4,000 times germier than a public toilet seat. Vacuum away!
Sweep and mop hard floors
Hard floors should be swept and mopped on a weekly basis in classrooms – ideally by a professional cleaning service. Once the floors have dried, look for areas where stubborn stains may remain. Tackle those spots with vinegar and water or whatever specialty floor cleaner you prefer.
Disinfect door knobs and other hotspots
Door knobs and handles can harbor germs, making it a place where viruses thrive. Be sure to disinfect those along with other high-touch areas like light switches, faucet handles, community school supplies, and so on. Use prepackaged wipes or a non-toxic disinfectant spray.
Attend to any other miscellaneous tasks
Every classroom is unique, so you no doubt have other important tasks to tackle that we haven’t touched on. Here are a few more ideas that may or may not apply to your classroom:
- Erase dry erase boards and chalkboards and clean with proper solution
- Empty trash cans and recycling bins
- Use electronic wipes to clean tablets and any other shared technology
- Wash windows and mirrors
- Spot clean walls
- Dust light fixtures
- Empty pencil sharpeners
- Clean and dry any sinks. Replenish supplies like soap and paper towels
- Disinfect toys in any play areas
Use a Professional Cleaning Service
Teachers have more than enough on their proverbial plates, which is why cleaning should ultimately be designated to a trustworthy janitorial services agency like Transcend FMC based in Chester County, PA.
Cleaning left up to an individual is good, but the thoroughness provided by regular professional cleaning services performed by highly trained and experienced individuals is matchless. Deep cleaning by a professional janitorial services agency in Chester County, PA will give you peace of mind and results with a WOW factor.
If you are looking for one of the top janitorial companies to help your educational institution clean and maintain classrooms, cafeterias, gymnasiums, restrooms, and other areas, reach out to Transcend to schedule a consultation or call us at (484)369-6950.
Transcend implements proven strategies and innovative solutions to transform educational spaces. We will establish checkpoint meetings to evaluate what is working well and see how we can continue improving our service quality to you as our client. Our team of professionals is adept at guarding against health risks so the learners and staff at your educational institution remain safe.
