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Back-to-School Cleaning: Preparing Your School for a Safe & Healthy New Term

  • 7 hours ago
  • 3 min read

It may seem a little early to be talking about going back to school when many schools, colleges and universities have only just broken up for the summer. However, the holiday period is the ideal time to prepare your premises for the busy months ahead.


Cleenol products in a school setting.

Summer provides the perfect opportunity to carry out a thorough deep clean now that classrooms, corridors and communal areas are sitting empty. Not only does this help create a welcoming learning environment, but it also helps reduce the spread of germs when staff and students return.


Educational settings naturally experience high footfall, shared facilities and frequent contact with communal surfaces, making effective cleaning and hygiene practices essential throughout the year.


Why is hygiene important in schools?


Schools, nurseries, colleges and universities are environments where large numbers of people spend extended periods together. Shared classrooms, toilets, dining areas and equipment all increase the opportunity for bacteria and viruses to spread.


A proactive cleaning and hygiene programme helps to:

  • Reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses.

  • Create a cleaner, healthier learning environment.

  • Help minimise staff and student absences.

  • Improve the appearance of facilities before the new term begins.

  • Support confidence among staff, students and parents.


Top tips for preventing the spread of germs in schools


1. Improve Ventilation

One of the simplest ways to help reduce the spread of airborne germs is by increasing ventilation. Opening classroom windows and doors where possible allows fresh air to circulate, reducing the build-up of airborne particles in enclosed spaces.


2. Encourage Good Personal Hygiene

Promoting good personal hygiene amongst students and staff can make a significant difference. Regular bathing, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, and disposing of tissues correctly may be obvious but all help to reduce the spread of germs.


3. Promote Effective Hand Hygiene

Hand washing remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses.


Encourage students and staff to:

  • Wash their hands regularly with soap and water.

  • Wash for at least 20 seconds.

  • Clean between fingers, under fingernails and around the wrists.

  • Dry hands thoroughly using disposable paper towels or hand dryers.

  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser where hand washing facilities are unavailable.

To find out all about using the correct hand care products, click here.


4. Clean & Sanitise High-Touch Surfaces

Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and sanitised regularly throughout the day using a suitable, tested sanitising product.

Cleaner wiping down school desks.

High-touch points include:

  • Door handles and push plates

  • Light switches

  • Desks and tables

  • Chairs

  • Handrails

  • Computer keyboards and mice

  • Shared classroom equipment

  • Tap handles

  • Toilet flushes

  • Reception desks

Regular sanitising helps prevent bacteria and viruses from transferring between users. We've put together a list of our most popular surface disinfects.


5. Establish a Regular Cleaning Schedule

Educational facilities require frequent cleaning due to the number of people using them each day. Having a structured cleaning schedule helps ensure no areas are overlooked and allows cleaning teams to prioritise high-risk areas.


Consider scheduling:

  • Daily cleaning of classrooms, washrooms and communal areas.

  • Multiple cleans of toilets and high-touch points throughout the day.

  • Weekly deep cleans of shared spaces.

  • A comprehensive deep clean during school holidays.


6. Don't Forget Shared Areas

While classrooms often receive the most attention, communal spaces are equally important. Dining halls, libraries, sports halls, changing rooms, staff rooms and reception areas all experience high levels of foot traffic and should be included within your cleaning programme.



By carrying out a thorough deep clean over the summer holidays and maintaining effective cleaning and hygiene practices throughout the year, educational settings can help reduce the spread of germs, create a positive first impression and ensure they're ready to welcome everyone back for the new term.


Get in touch with us today to find out how we can support you and your customers and get you back to school ready!

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