A Guide to School Cleaning: How to Prepare Your Institution for a Healthy Year

As students and staff prepare to return to the classroom, school administrators and facility managers have a unique opportunity to reset the environment with a thorough, strategic approach to school cleaning. Clean, hygienic spaces aren’t just about appearances. A clean school environment protects health, supports academic success, and gives parents and staff peace of mind.

With illnesses like colds, flu, and other viruses known to spread quickly in school settings, a well-planned back-to-school cleaning strategy can make a meaningful difference. From classrooms and cafeterias to restrooms and locker rooms, every corner of a school building plays a role in the overall cleanliness and safety of the facility.

This guide walks you through the essential components of preparing your school for a healthy academic year, with a focus on deep cleaning, high-touch surfaces, maintenance routines, and how professional school cleaning services can support your team every step of the way.

Start With a Comprehensive Deep Cleaning

Before the school doors open, it’s important to schedule a deep clean ing that reaches beyond daily tidying. Summer break is an ideal time to address the buildup that has accumulated over the past year and eliminate germs, allergens, and residues from every surface.

Key deep cleaning tasks include:

Floor Care: Strip and refinish hard floors, shampoo carpets, and scrub tile grout.
Wall and Surface Washing: Remove smudges, dust, and allergens from walls, partitions, and furniture.
HVAC and Ventilation Cleaning: Clean air ducts and replace filters to support better air quality.
Window Washing: Clean both interior and exterior windows for natural light and visibility.

Using hospital-grade disinfectants and proper equipment ensures that pathogens are eliminated without damaging surfaces or creating harsh chemical odors in sensitive environments.

Focus on High-Traffic, High-Touch Areas

Certain zones in schools require extra attention due to their high usage and germ-sharing potential. During back-to-school cleaning, these areas should be prioritized:

1. Restrooms

Disinfect toilets, urinals, sinks, partitions, door handles, and dispensers. Ensure soap and paper product dispensers are stocked and functioning properly. Remember to sanitize the walls and floors, which are often overlooked.

2. Cafeterias and Food Prep Areas

Degrease and sanitize all food prep surfaces, dining tables, chairs, and tray return areas. Special care should be given to cleaning beneath and behind kitchen appliances, where bacteria can thrive.

3. Classroom Desks and Equipment

Clean and disinfect desks, chairs, whiteboards, shared devices, and any classroom materials. Use gentle disinfectants for electronics and touchscreens.

4. Locker Rooms and Gyms

These spaces require deep cleaning of floors, benches, lockers, mats, and shared gym equipment. Odor control and mold prevention are key goals here.

5. Door Handles, Railings, and Switches

Any surface touched multiple times a day needs routine disinfection. During the school year, these should be cleaned multiple times daily.

Choose the Right Cleaning Products and Methods

For schools, it’s essential to use EPA-approved disinfectants that are effective against a broad spectrum of viruses and bacteria while remaining safe for students and staff. Consider the following methods:

Electrostatic Spraying: A highly effective way to apply disinfectant evenly across large areas, including hard-to-reach spaces.
Microfiber Cleaning: Cloths and mops made from microfiber trap more dirt and germs than traditional materials and reduce cross-contamination.
Green Cleaning Products: If your school prioritizes environmental sustainability, there are eco-friendly options that meet both cleaning and health standards.

Work with your custodial team or professional cleaning provider to create a product list that balances effectiveness with student safety.

Establish a Year-Round Cleaning Plan

While back-to-school prep is crucial, consistent maintenance is what keeps schools clean and safe throughout the academic year. A successful long-term strategy includes:

Daily Disinfection: Focus on restrooms, entryways, lunch areas, and classroom surfaces.
Weekly Deep Cleaning: Schedule thorough cleanings for less accessible areas such as lockers, baseboards, and storage rooms.
Monthly Inspections: Walk the building to identify overlooked areas or early signs of wear and tear that need attention.
Seasonal Projects: Plan ahead for deeper floor care or exterior pressure washing during breaks and holidays.

Professional school cleaning services can help develop a routine that supports your in-house custodial team, covering gaps during busy seasons or staff shortages.

Learn what sets the best commercial cleaning companies apart and why schools rely on Final Touch for safe, reliable, and customized services.

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Train and Communicate With Staff

Maintaining a clean, healthy school environment is a team effort that starts with clear communication and proper training. Faculty and custodial staff should be informed about the school’s cleaning schedules, the products being used, and the protocols for reporting maintenance or sanitation concerns.

Visual reminders placed throughout the school, such as signs promoting proper handwashing or reminders to dispose of trash properly, can reinforce good hygiene habits among students and staff alike. It’s also helpful to keep parents informed about the steps your school is taking to promote cleanliness and prevent the spread of illness. When everyone is engaged and working toward the same goals, it’s much easier to uphold a high standard of cleanliness throughout the school year.

Don’t Forget the Outdoor Areas

While interior spaces take top priority, don’t overlook the condition of outdoor environments that students and faculty interact with daily.

Areas to consider:

Playgrounds: Clean slides, climbing equipment, and benches.
Entryways and Sidewalks: Pressure wash walkways to remove dirt, gum, and mildew.
Outdoor Seating: Disinfect picnic tables or courtyard furnishings where students gather for lunch or breaks.

Maintaining clean outdoor areas contributes to a positive first impression and reduces the spread of dirt and debris indoors.

Apply the Final Touch for a Healthier School Year

At Final Touch Commercial Cleaning, we understand the critical role a clean facility plays in supporting student health, academic focus, and peace of mind for parents and staff. Our professional school cleaning services are tailored to the unique needs of educational environments, delivering dependable, detail-oriented care backed by decades of experience.

Whether you’re preparing for a new academic year or looking to maintain high standards throughout the semester, our team is here to help. We provide custom cleaning plans that prioritize safety, cleanliness, and consistency, so your school can shine from the inside out.

Ready to give your students and staff the healthiest start possible? Contact FTCC today to build your personalized school cleaning plan.

A Guide to School Cleaning: How to Prepare Your Institution for a Healthy Year

Start With a Comprehensive Deep Cleaning

Focus on High-Traffic, High-Touch Areas

1. Restrooms

2. Cafeterias and Food Prep Areas

3. Classroom Desks and Equipment

4. Locker Rooms and Gyms

5. Door Handles, Railings, and Switches

Choose the Right Cleaning Products and Methods

Establish a Year-Round Cleaning Plan

Train and Communicate With Staff

Don’t Forget the Outdoor Areas

Apply the Final Touch for a Healthier School Year

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