Essential School Cleaning tips for a Safe and Healthy Environment During Holidays

Essential School Cleaning Tips for a Safe and Healthy Environment During Holidays

Fact:

Studies show that lack of cleanliness in schools causes distractions to students.

Back view of a professional sanitary worker disinfecting the classroom before the academic year starts. A man wearing protective suit cleans up the auditorium from coronavirus Covid-19. Health care
Back view of a professional sanitary worker disinfecting the classroom before the academic year starts. A man wearing protective suit cleans up the auditorium from coronavirus Covid-19. Health care

A study conducted by Brigham Young University found that 88% of students find a lack of cleanliness to be a distraction. This can significantly impact their ability to focus and learn. In the same study, cleanliness ranked as the fourth most important building element to affect the students’ personal learning, next to noise, air temperature, and lighting.

Maintaining a clean and healthy school environment is crucial for the well-being of students and staff. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentions that cleaning and disinfecting are part of a broad approach to preventing infectious diseases in schools.

School holidays present an ideal opportunity to conduct a thorough cleaning, ensuring the school is spotless and safe when students return. This comprehensive guide outlines essential cleaning tips, emphasising the importance of professional cleaning services like those offered by McEwans, which specialises in carpet cleaning, tile scrubbing, deep cleaning, and more. Let’s find out below.

 

The Importance of Regular School Cleaning

“Tidying one’s workspace can lead to more productivity” – Professor Sabine Kastner.

Just like a cluttered desk can hinder focus and concentration, a dirty classroom environment can negatively impact student learning.  Regular cleaning removes distractions caused by dust, dirt, and clutter, fostering a more organised and stimulating space that can contribute to better student performance.

A clean school environment significantly impacts student health and academic performance. Studies have shown that clean schools can reduce the spread of illnesses, leading to fewer absences and a more conducive learning environment. According to a study entitled, “Effects of Classroom Cleaning on Student Health”, schools with an intensive cleaning approach reduce germs in classrooms, lowering the rates of student absenteeism. 

Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of allergens and bacteria, thus creating a healthier atmosphere for students and staff.

In addition, regular cleaning helps maintain a positive school reputation, as parents and visitors pay attention to cleanliness. A clean environment also instils a sense of pride and responsibility in students, encouraging them to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings. 

Overall, regular cleaning is essential for promoting a safe, healthy, and productive educational setting.

 

Carpet Cleaning

Did you know that carpets can hold roughly four times their own weight in dirt? That means, if you haven’t cleaned it recently, all that unpleasant stuff could be lurking beneath the surface.

Regular cleaning, especially deep cleaning by professionals, is crucial for removing these hidden contaminants and promoting a healthier environment for students, teachers, and staff in schools.

professional cleaning service person using vacuum cleaner office

Why Carpets Need Deep Cleaning

Carpets in schools can trap dirt, dust, allergens, and bacteria over time, affecting indoor air quality and student health. According to the Carpet Institute of Australia (CIAL), 85% of dirt in carpets is dry dirt and apart from effective vacuuming, regular deep cleaning by professional commercial carpet cleaning experts is required to remove them and to prevent the build-up and spread of these pesky particles and allergens.

  • Health Impact

Dirty carpets can harbour allergens like pollen and dust mites, which can trigger asthma and allergies. Moreover, the appearance of carpets can influence the overall aesthetics of the school, making clean carpets essential for a welcoming environment.

Regular vacuuming is not enough to remove deeply embedded dirt and bacteria. Professional carpet cleaning ensures thorough removal of contaminants, improving air quality and reducing health risks. 

  • Aesthetic Benefits

Clean carpets enhance the visual appeal of school interiors, creating a more pleasant atmosphere for learning and activities. Deep cleaning breathes new life into your carpets’ aesthetics. Over time, everyday wear and tear dull their vibrancy. Traffic lanes become visible, and dirt particles settle into the fibres, leaving carpets looking tired and grimy. 

Professional deep cleaning tackles this issue head-on. By removing embedded dirt and grime, the cleaning process revitalises the carpet’s original colours and patterns. Imagine walking into a room where the carpet looks fresh and bright – it instantly elevates the entire space, creating a more inviting and aesthetically pleasing environment.

 

The Professional Carpet Cleaning Process

Professional carpet cleaning involves several steps to ensure a deep and thorough clean:

  • Pre-treatment – The carpet is inspected, and a pre-treatment solution is applied to loosen dirt and stains. 
  • Deep Cleaning – Using advanced equipment, the carpet is cleaned with eco-friendly solutions that penetrate deep into the fibres, extracting dirt, allergens, and bacteria. 
  • Post-cleaning Inspection – After cleaning, the carpet is inspected to ensure all dirt and stains have been removed, and the carpet is allowed to dry completely.

 

Carpet Cleaning in Educational Institutions

Schools and educational institutions have a continuous influx of students, educators, and staff, making it imperative to uphold high standards of hygiene. Professional commercial carpet cleaning plays an important role in maintaining not just the appearance, but the overall well-being of the learning environment.

The Carpet Institute of Australia (CIAL) recommends professional commercial carpet cleaning for schools and other educational institutions:

Carpet Cleaning Schedule - Schools

Professional cleaning services like McEwans use state-of-the-art equipment and environmentally safe products, ensuring a safe and effective cleaning process. Choosing McEwans Commercial Cleaning Services for your carpet maintenance needs ensures that you’re investing in a comprehensive solution that prioritises safety, health, and environmental sustainability.

 

Tile Scrubbing

Areas in Schools That Require Tile Scrubbing

Key areas in schools that benefit from tile scrubbing include restrooms, cafeterias, hallways, and locker rooms. A report commissioned by Domestos found that 73% of students reported cleanliness as an issue, including wet floors and unflushed toilets, distracting their concentration and focus at school. These high-traffic areas often experience grime buildup, mould, and stains, requiring thorough cleaning to maintain hygiene and aesthetics.

Benefits of Professional Tile Scrubbing

Professional tile scrubbing enhances cleanliness and hygiene, making these areas safer and more pleasant for students and staff. While a sparkling floor makes a positive first impression, the true advantage lies in creating a healthier environment. 

Regular mopping can leave behind dirt and bacteria in grout lines, creating breeding grounds for germs. Equipped with powerful equipment and effective cleaning materials, professional cleaners can tackle these hidden threats that not only remove unsightly stains but also disinfect surfaces, leaving them truly sanitised and safe for everyone.

The WorkSafe QLD emphasises that effective cleaning management systems need suitable cleaning methods, schedules, equipment, trained cleaners, and reliable communication and consultation. Professional cleaners use specialised equipment and cleaning agents to effectively remove tough stains and disinfect surfaces, ensuring a thorough clean.

 

Deep Cleaning

Worker sprays disinfectant as part of preventive measures against the spread of the COVID-19, coronavirus in schools. Preparing for the new school season.
Worker sprays disinfectant as part of preventive measures against the spread of the COVID-19, coronavirus in schools. Preparing for the new school season.

While regular cleaning tackles everyday messes, deep cleaning delves deeper, reaching areas often neglected during routine maintenance. This intensive process is crucial for maintaining a truly healthy and safe school environment.

WorkSafe.qld.gov.au, the official home of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, specifies that the best cleaning requires a combination of important elements, including cleaning schedules which encompasses periodic deep cleaning or comprehensive cleaning.

Importance of Deep Cleaning in Schools

Deep cleaning goes beyond regular cleaning to address hidden dirt, germs, and allergens. It involves comprehensive cleaning procedures that ensure every nook and cranny is spotless, contributing to a healthy and safe school environment.

Regular cleaning may miss areas where dirt and germs accumulate over time. Deep cleaning ensures these areas are thoroughly cleaned, reducing the risk of illness and creating a more hygienic environment.

Deep cleaning can also be beneficial in situations like after a renovation project or a period of extended closure.  By incorporating deep cleaning into your school’s cleaning routine, you can ensure a consistently sanitised and healthy space for your learners, teachers, and everyone.

 

How often should deep cleaning be done?

The recommended frequency depends on several factors, including foot traffic and the overall cleanliness needs of the school. However, a good rule of thumb is to schedule deep cleaning at least once a year, ideally during school breaks or school holidays. This allows for a thorough cleaning without disrupting the learning environment.

To ensure the most hygienic environment, high-traffic areas like hallways, stairwells, and common areas may benefit from more frequent deep cleaning, potentially as often as once per term.

 

Key Areas for Deep Cleaning During Holidays

Key areas that should be targeted during deep cleaning include:

  • Classrooms – The desks, chairs, and floors should be thoroughly cleaned to remove hidden dirt and germs.
  • Laboratories – Special attention should be given to lab equipment and surfaces to ensure a safe learning environment.
  • Gymnasiums – Floors, equipment, and changing rooms should be deeply cleaned to remove sweat and bacteria.
  • High-touch surfaces – Door handles, light switches, and other frequently touched areas should be disinfected to prevent the spread of germs.

Specialised techniques and equipment, such as steam cleaning and electrostatic sprayers, are often used in deep cleaning to ensure a comprehensive clean. These methods effectively remove dirt and germs, ensuring a healthier school environment.

 

Additional Tips for School Cleaning During Holidays

To ensure thorough cleaning during holidays, school administrators and facility managers should consider the following tips:

  • Create a Cleaning Schedule – Develop a detailed cleaning schedule or checklist to ensure all areas are covered.
  • Coordinate with Cleaning Service Providers – Work closely with professional cleaning services to minimise disruption and ensure a thorough clean.
  • Prepare the School – Remove any obstacles and ensure all areas are accessible for the cleaning team.

By following these tips, schools can maximise the effectiveness of their holiday cleaning efforts and ensure a clean and safe environment for students and staff.

 

The Benefits of Professional Cleaning Services

Take advantage of the school holidays for a comprehensive deep clean, and let McEwans Cleaning ensure your school environment is spotless and ready when students return.

Hiring professional cleaning services offers numerous advantages for schools, ensuring a healthier and more productive environment for students and staff. Here’s what you gain by partnering with a professional cleaning company:

  • Expertise and Specialised Knowledge – Professional cleaners boast extensive experience and specialised training, allowing them to tackle cleaning challenges efficiently and effectively. 
  • High-Quality Results – With advanced equipment and top-of-the-line cleaning solutions, professional cleaners deliver a superior level of clean that surpasses what regular cleaning staff can achieve. 
  • Advanced Equipment and Eco-Friendly Solutions – They use state-of-the-art equipment and environmentally friendly cleaning products, which effectively eliminate dirt, germs, and allergens while promoting a healthier environment. 
  • Peace of Mind – Offload the burden of cleaning worries. Professionals handle everything, allowing you to focus on other important tasks with the confidence that your school environment is receiving the necessary attention. 
  • Efficiency and Time-Saving – Professional cleaning services are efficient and thorough, allowing school staff to focus on their core duties without the added burden of deep cleaning tasks. 
  • Long-Term Cost Savings – Regular professional cleaning helps in the maintenance and preservation of school facilities, potentially reducing repair and replacement costs over time.


In a Nutshell

Maintaining a clean and healthy school environment is essential for student focus and well-being, as studies show that a lack of cleanliness can significantly distract students and affect their ability to learn. Professional cleaning services specialise in essential tasks such as carpet cleaning, tile scrubbing, and deep cleaning, bringing expertise and advanced equipment to the table.

Professional cleaning companies offer special discounts for booking cleaning services during holidays, making it an ideal time to schedule a deep clean. By investing in professional cleaning services, schools can ensure a safe and healthy environment for their students and staff.

School breaks and holidays offer a golden opportunity for a deep clean, but who has the time? McEwans Cleaning can be your partner, ensuring a sparkling and sanitised school when everyone returns.

McEwans Cleaning stands out with its state-of-the-art equipment and environmentally-safe products, ensuring a safe and effective cleaning process. Our comprehensive cleaning services not only enhance student health and well-being but also improve the school’s reputation and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Take advantage of the school holidays for a comprehensive deep clean, and let McEwans Cleaning ensure your school environment is spotless and ready for the new academic year. Contact McEwans today to schedule your holiday cleaning services and experience the difference professional cleaning can make. 

Visit our website or call us to book your appointment: 1800 979 737 | https://mcewanscleaning.com.au/contact.

 

The Health Benefits of a Clean School Environment