3 cleaning strategies for a healthy learning environment
Schools and universities are often buzzing with activity, making a clean and healthy environment difficult to maintain. However, that is essential for effective learning as well as a strong sense of wellbeing year-round. This makes implementing a structured cleaning strategy an effort well worth your time: you can create a positive and productive atmosphere for your students and employees while also reducing the spread of illness.
How to go about it isn’t necessarily straightforward, though. So, we’ll explore why a hygienic learning space matters and share practical tips for an effective cleaning plan that keeps your facility running smoothly.
Why cleaning matters in education
Cleaning is especially important in academic settings because they are almost constantly filled with people, often in close quarters. Students and employees move throughout the day, transitioning between classrooms, hallways, and outdoor areas, which increases the likelihood of dirt and viruses or bacteria. A thorough cleaning routine is key to getting rid of the dust, allergens, and germs that can pile up, making the premises safer for everyone. Whether you’re starting a new semester or simply looking to make improvements during the school year, a strategic cleaning approach can make a big difference for both teachers and student body.
A tidy and hygienic education environment offers plenty of benefits, including:
Increased overall wellbeing and academic success
Wiping and disinfecting items and furniture like tables, chairs, doors, walls, and windows is essential to keep common areas germ-free. This helps reduce the spread of illnesses such as the common cold and flu by lowering the risk of infection. [1]
Hygienic and clutter-free spaces not only contribute to physical wellbeing (by reducing sickness as well as the possibility of slips, trips, and falls) but also mental health, reducing stress and anxiety. [2] This can lead to improved academic outcomes. In fact, a study from the University of Johannesburg found that cleanliness can boost students' academic success. [3] In a clean and tidy environment, pupils reported feeling more confident and capable, which made a difference in how well they performed. This just goes to show how important it is to keep your educational institution in top shape — it's not just about hygiene but also about supporting your students to do their best.
In other words, a clean and organized education environment promotes a sense of calm and focus, making it more likely for your student body to be happier and more productive. [4]
Lower maintenance costs
Schools and universities usually have a lot of different types of equipment, from computers and projectors to kitchenware and gym machinery. Cleaning them regularly and thoroughly prevents the build-up of dirt and grime that can cause costly repairs and replacements.
When your cleaning staff pays special attention to this, they potentially extend the lifespan of your campus devices and appliances, making well-kept facilities a cost-effective investment.
3 cleaning strategies for your school or university
1. Create a cleaning schedule
A well-organized cleaning schedule is essential for maintaining a hygienic educational institution throughout the year. Make sure that your written schedule is clear and easy to follow so your cleaning staff can tick off completed tasks and highlight what still needs to be done.
Tork Vision Cleaning makes that more efficient by taking your schedule from paper to digital. This means your staff accesses the tool from any mobile device and simply ticks the box when cleaning is done — it’s that simple!
Other aspects to keep in mind so your cleaning schedule is effective are:
- Prioritize high-traffic areas: Focus on spaces like classrooms, restrooms, and busy hallways that require frequent attention.
- Assign specific cleaning tasks to specific team members: Clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of your cleaning and janitorial staff helps to avoid overlap and ensure all areas are covered.
- Incorporate daily, weekly, and monthly tasks: Balance routine cleaning with deeper, less frequent duties to keep all areas and equipment well-maintained.
- Monitor and adjust as needed: Review your schedule regularly and make adjustments based on your facility’s changing needs or employee and student feedback. You can make this part of your job easier with Tork Vision Cleaning. The power of real-time data from our facilities management software helps you identify when and where cleaning is most needed in your facility, maximizing your staff’s efficiency.
2. Promote hygiene & cleaning best practices among students and teachers too
Keeping campus tidy and sanitary isn't just the job of your cleaning staff. Everyone can pitch in to do their part promoting a healthy learning environment. Here are a few ways you can inspire action from pupils and employees:
- Promote hand hygiene with posters around campus that highlight its importance and how to do it properly to reduce the spread of illness.
- Place liquid or foam hand sanitizer dispensers and refills in accessible and visible areas such as next to entrance/exit doors.
- In office spaces, encourage employees to use disinfectant wipes after sharing equipment such as printers and telephones.
- Create a rewards system for students who keep their desks and classrooms neat and organized.
- Encourage employees and student body to leave the cafeteria and other eating areas as they were before lunch and breaks.
- Ensure there are enough trash cans around campus to prevent littering in shared spaces.
3. Focus on high-touch areas
High-touch spaces are used by a large volume of people multiple times throughout the school day, so it's even more important to clean them to a high standard. By consistently cleaning and disinfecting these high-traffic spots, your staff can prevent the spread of germs and help keep everyone healthier.
Examples of high-touch areas and cleaning tips
Common high-touch spaces in a school or university include:
- Classrooms - equipment and furniture in classrooms should be cleaned regularly. This includes desks, chairs, and tools like computers. Cleaning staff as well as teachers can use disinfectant wipes to make sure all surfaces, even harder to reach areas, are taken care of.
- Restrooms - restroom fixtures such as sinks, faucets, and sink handles should all be carefully cleaned and disinfected, as well as toilet seats, flush handles, and individual stall doors, and knobs. It’s worth reminding your cleaning staff to always begin with the seemingly cleaner areas and finish with the toilets to minimize the spread of germs. Also, try to be clear with instructions on how often to wash and replace tools like mops, cleaning cloths, and sponges to avoid dirt and germ build-up.
- Cafeteria - the kitchen, dining tables, and serving counters as well as utensils, dishes, countertops, and trays require additional cleaning and sanitizing with food-safe products. Providing your cleaning staff with a food safe degreaser for fatty or oily surfaces is ideal in this context. Remind them to use it before washing with hot water and detergent and applying disinfectants. When it comes to wiping, equipping your staff with color-coded, food-safe cleaning towels and designating colors for each zone is a great way to promote high hygiene and cleanliness standards.
- Gymnasiums and arenas - gyms have many surfaces where germs can grow and multiply, making it essential to frequently clean exercise equipment such as weights, balls, machines, and mats. At sporting arenas, while benches and seats should be regularly cleaned, remind your staff to pay extra attention to high-touch objects like security turnstiles, ticket dispensers, and touchscreens, particularly after special events. Support your cleaning team by making sure cleaning supplies are readily available, not only to them but also to visitors, encouraging item clean ups before and after use.
- Hallways - fixtures in hallways such as lockers, handrails, and elevator buttons should be wiped regularly, as potentially hundreds of people touch them every day. Providing your staff with disinfectant wipes makes it easier for them to take care of this. Additionally, ask them not to overlook daily water fountain cleaning with food-safe products.
As a general rule, remind your cleaning staff that in high-touch areas, light switches as well as door and window handles should also be taken care of frequently.
As complex as it may sound at first, a well-planned and effective cleaning strategy is fundamental for maintaining a healthy and productive educational facility. By implementing clear schedules, choosing the right cleaning and hygiene products, and encouraging students and employees to get involved in sanitation efforts, you can help create a safe and hygienic space for all. Remember you’re not alone in this mission and try taking it one step at a time. Have confidence that every action you take not only supports well-being but also contributes to a more focused and welcoming academic atmosphere. With the right approach, your campus can stay clean, hygienic, and ready for learning every day.
Want to learn more about improving your school or university environment? Take a look at our tips for teaching hygiene and cleanliness to children. And for more free tools that can help you ensure an effective cleaning approach in your facility, discover Tork Clean Care for Education.