Summer break is fast approaching and school hallways will soon be empty. Summer vacation is the perfect time for a school-wide deep cleaning. With the last day of school fast approaching, now is the time to get your summer cleaning plan prepared.
Determining where to begin with your cleaning plan is often a daunting task. A helpful way to establish your cleaning plan is to start from the ground level and work your way up.
Floor Cleaning
From shoe scuffs to carpet stains, flooring is often the most exhausted element of an educational building. These floors see constant foot traffic throughout the school year, so it is a good idea to take advantage of the quiet summer months by giving floors a necessary refresh.
Stripping/Waxing
If the hallways around your school have begun to lose their luster, it is likely that it is time for them to be stripped and waxed. Stripping floors is important because it removes all of the dirt and old wax from floors that have been tarnished. Once stripping has occurred, floors may then be coated with fresh wax. This new coat of wax will be what adds a shiny finish to the floors around the building. The stripping/waxing process is commonly conducted once a year on hallway, classroom, gymnasium and cafeteria floors.
Grout Cleaning
For grouted tile floors, grout cleaning may be necessary. If you have noticed grout looking uneven in color or very dark, it is time for a grout cleaning. This type of flooring is commonly found in school bathrooms and locker rooms. Because germs and bacteria thrive in these rooms, it is important to deep clean the less accessible areas that they are hiding in.
Carpet Cleaning
If classrooms in your school have carpet, it is likely that stains can be found on them. During the rush of the school year, carpet stains can often go by the wayside. Summer break offers classrooms the opportunity to have carpets vigorously deep cleaned. Carpet deep cleaning will not only revive the look of your carpeting but it will also sanitize it through the steaming process, eliminating germs that cling to fabric materials.
Object Cleaning
It is helpful to take a look around each classroom and note the objects that are frequently used by students. Some of the germiest places in school are those areas that students interact with the most. Desks should be thoroughly wiped and disinfected, including desk chairs. If cleaning a computer lab or any area with electronics, carefully wipe down keyboards and screens using computer-safe cleaning products. Dust commonly collects atop cabinets and cubbies, so be sure to give those areas a good wipe down.
Wall, Locker and Door Cleaning
Walls are commonly missed during everyday school cleaning but they are often just as grimy as floors. Before spending money on a painting service, consider if cleaning can solve the issue. If the walls around your school are starting to appear discolored, it may be due to dirt buildup. Because of this, use a non-abrasive cleaner to wipe down walls before determining if a new coat of paint is warranted. The outside and inside of lockers should be wiped down and sanitized. Pay close attention to any combination locks or handles that come in contact with hands often. Similarly, all door handles on the school premises should be disinfected. Don’t forget to use glass cleaner for any doors that have windows.
Window and Exterior Cleaning
Smudging and grime buildup on windows can be an eyesore for teachers and students alike. Using a streak-free glass cleaner, thoroughly wipe down windows from top to bottom. Windowsills and blinds should also be wiped and dusted. Don’t forget about the exterior of your building. Exterior windows should be sprayed and wiped to ensure a crystal clear result. If you have noticed stains or dirt buildup on the exterior of your school, it may be time for a pressure wash. Pressure washing will bring life back into the outside of your school. This is particularly important for first impressions that your school gives to prospective students, staff and families.
The quiet summer months are an excellent time to execute your cleaning plan. If you still need help with getting started, you may want to use a checklist. This educational institution cleaning checklist simplifies what areas of your school should be cleaned daily, monthly and yearly.
Looking at your summer cleaning plan and feeling overwhelmed? Let a professional commercial cleaning service take care of it. Elite Touch creates a customized cleaning plan specifically for your school, putting your organization’s needs and budget first.