Classrooms are organized learning environments suitable for pupils and students. Much of that boils down to how the spades are cleaned and arranged. With students and teachers trooping in and out each day, classrooms can quickly accumulate dirt, debris, and contaminants.
School owners and managers wouldn't want such a situation. To that end, they seek ways to keep classrooms neat, presentable, and safe for all involved. That's where a classroom cleaning checklist comes in, ensuring that all areas, from floor to ceiling, are consistently cleaned.
Health is the overall objective, whether it's daily, weekly, or monthly routines. This article discusses the ultimate classroom cleaning checklist in detail.
Classroom Cleaning Checklist
The ultimate classroom cleaning checklist includes daily, weekly, and monthly tasks designed to keep spaces clean at all times.
Daily Classroom Cleaning Tasks
These cleaning tasks promote basic hygiene and create a neat environment for staff and students. The recommended take for daily cleaning includes:
1. Taking out the Trash
A lot goes on in the classroom, so a trash bin is necessary - empty trash bins at least once a day, especially at the end of school. Bin liners will help you separate recyclable waste from unwanted waste.
2. Sweep and Mop Floors
Dirt, dust, crumbs, and even debris can be found on classroom floors. Sweep the floors at the end of each school day to remove waste that may attract pests.
Mop the floors with disinfectant to clean spills and maintain hygiene, ensuring students aren't prone to germs.
3. Wipe Down Desks and Chairs
Desks and chairs help students learn comfortably, making them the most used items in the classroom. Wipe them down with disinfectant to remove germs and prevent them from spreading. Ensure you clean high-touch spots like the edges of desks and the backrests of chairs.
4. Clean Writing Boards
Whether the school uses whiteboards or chalkboards, clean them daily to avoid residue buildup. A dry cloth or one that's a bit damp can be combined with cleaning solutions to keep the boards extra neat.
5. Sanitize Door and Light Switches
Both spots can be sneaky with dirt and stains. To reduce the spread of germs, have students constantly touch such surfaces to disinfect them daily.
Weekly Classroom Cleaning Tasks
Perform these cleaning tasks weekly:
1. Dust Surfaces
A classroom has many dust-friendly spots, including shelves, windowsills, and cupboards. Use a damp cloth on such areas weekly, and pay extra attention to high shelves and corners that easily attract dust.
2. Vacuum Carpets or Rugs
Vacuum floors covered by carpets or rugs weekly to remove dirt and allergens. If the space experiences heavy foot traffic, you can vacuum frequently.
3. Clean Windows and Sills
Wipe and clean windows from the inside weekly. This will allow natural light into the room and encourage learning. Wipe the sills to remove dirt and stains.
4. Sanitize IT Equipment
Computers, keyboards, and other tech products are part of modern classrooms. Clean them weekly with a dry cloth and disinfectant. Ensure electronic devices are turned off before cleaning, especially with a damp cloth.
5. Check Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies must never run low. Check them and restock before they completely run out. Items like tissues, sanitizers, paper towels, etc., are necessary for personal hygiene and cleanliness.
Monthly Classroom Cleaning Tasks
Monthly cleaning tasks are less frequent but mostly leave a lasting impression. They include these cleaning and sanitary tasks:
1. Deep Cleaning Floors
A deep clean is essential once a month. Use specialized cleaning products for hard floors and rugs, which may have deep-seated dirt. You may also need to scrub and polish some surfaces to remove dirt and stains.
2. Polish Furniture and Woodwork
Most classroom desks are made of wood fixtures. Clean and polish them monthly so that they're spotless and shiny. Apply the proper wood polish or cleaner to enhance appearance and boost durability.
3. Clean Vents and Fans
Although they may be high up, vents and fans slowly accumulate dust, dirt, and stains. Cleaning these areas monthly will reduce allergens and allow proper airflow across the classroom.
4. Wash Soft Furnishes
Curtains, sofas, and other soft furnishings also attract dirt and stains. Wash them at least once a month, especially if they're in classrooms used by younger students. This will rid the furniture of germs and allergens.
5. Sanitize Toys and Play Equipment
Early years classrooms often have toys and equipment for kids to play with. Sanitize them monthly to keep them clean and germ-free. This will make the items safe and ready for students to use.
End-of-Term/Session Cleaning Task
At the end of each term, you can do the following:
1. Inspection and Repair of Classroom Furniture
At the end of the term or session, it's time to prepare for a new one. Inspect desks, chairs, furniture, and other fixtures to repair or replace them.
2. Disinfect Entire Classrooms
Conduct a deep and complete disinfection of the classrooms, ensuring all surfaces, floors, and equipment come in contact with cleaning agents. Students and staff will resume with a clean space or learn in.
End-of-term cleaning should involve a complete disinfection of the classroom. This includes disinfecting all surfaces, floors, and equipment to ensure the space is ready for the new term.
Conclusion
Cleaning a classroom can present some challenges. However, this checklist can help you properly clean every space, furniture, equipment, and fixture. It provides a good guide for daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks.
When you hire an established cleaning company, you can further avoid cleaning challenges and the unique nature of classroom cleaning. They have the expertise, experience, and equipment to keep classrooms clean throughout every session.
Downloadable checklist: