Effective cleaning protocols for schools: ensuring a healthy learning environment

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Updated on:

June 11, 2023

Innovative Technologies for School Cleaning: Protocols for a Hygienic Campus

Discover the innovative steam cleaning technology, routine cleaning tips, and essential handwashing practices to ensure a healthy environment for students and staff. Say goodbye to pesky germs and hello to a clean and safe school!

Note: The guidelines for cleaning and disinfection of schools have been updated in light of the COVID-19 pandemic of virus. Please visit the COVID-19 website for more information. Proper cleaning and disinfection play a crucial role in preventing school outbreaks. To prevent the spread of bacterial infections and influenza, vaccinations are recommended.

Additionally, it is important to stay home when feeling unwell, practice good respiratory hygiene, and regularly wash hands. If contaminated food or water is suspected, it can be removed by following these steps to prevent skin rashes spreading infection.

Key Takeaways:

  • Steam Cleaning Innovation: Utilize eco-friendly steam cleaning (e.g., Fortador Volt Mini) for effective surface sanitization and disinfection in schools, eliminating over 99% of bacteria and viruses.
  • Routine Cleaning: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like desks and art materials, using disinfecting wipes to maintain a clean and safe learning environment.
  • Handwashing and PPE: Promote proper handwashing with soap and water, encourage the use of alcohol-based sanitizers when sinks are unavailable, and emphasize the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) for cleaning staff and teachers to reduce transmission risks.

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cisinfection school desks

How To Clean and Disinfect Schools To Help Slow the Spread of Flu

There are many new technologies out there that help with cleaning and disinfecting specific areas, but how many of them actually work well and help remove germs?

Simply using chlorine bleach on the specific areas will not necessarily clean dirty surfaces. You will need to clean the area from the dirt before using disinfectants.

However, the steam cleaning innovation has combined the two and acts as cleaners and disinfectants in one device!

Steam cleaners and Disinfectants

Steam cleaning has gained its popularity and has been approved by the centers for disease control to kill germs and viruses that spread infection amongst us.

When it comes to sanitizing and deodorizing surfaces, steam cleaning is an eco-friendly option as it requires minimal or no additional detergents or agents. What's more, steam cleaning is highly effective at eliminating over 99% of bacteria, flu viruses, germs and other harmful pathogens.

Below, we will show you the best options on the market that might just be the best fit for your schools to be kept cleaned and free of germs.

portable steam cleaner Fortador Volt Mini

Fortador Volt Mini

This steam cleaner is highly portable and easy to move around, weighing only 16.5 lbs.The Volt MINI's boiler heats up quickly and produces steam in just five minutes, just like other Fortador steamers. What sets it apart from other small commercial portable steamers is its ability to work at high pressure and temperatures. With 101.5 psi power of steam at a maximum temperature of 338 degrees Fahrenheit, it's a powerful tool for cleaning.

This steam cleaner comes with a wide range of safe and appropriate use of accessories that will help you reduce the use of harmful cleaning products and rely on the advanced new technology. You will be able to disinfect the floors, bathrooms, drinking fountains, light switches and other dirty surfaces just with one piece of equipment!

BISSELL Powerfresh Slim Steam Mop, 2075A

Bissell Powerfresh Slim Steam Mop, 2075A

Effortlessly achieve a superior level of cleanliness on surfaces above the floor with the extension tube and the extra-long 25 ft power cord, which enable you to reach those hard-to-reach spots in your home.

With the on-board storage kit, you can carry tools while you steam clean, including a grout tool, angle tool, flat scraper tool, and bristle scrub brush.

Enjoy the added bonus of flat surface tool with mop pad, clothing steamer tool, and bristle scrub brush for above floor multi surface cleaning. These tools can be easily attached to the end of the handheld steamer or extension tube.

Potential limitations

Some delicate materials, such as certain types of wood or fabrics, may be sensitive to high temperatures and moisture, leading to damage or discoloration. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for using steam cleaners to prevent any adverse effects.

ozone generation machine

Ozone generation machine

Utilizing an ozone generating machine in schools for cleaning after a flu outbreak can be an effective measure to ensure a thorough disinfection process.

By relying on the advanced technology of ozone generation, schools can effectively reduce the use of harmful cleaning products while ensuring a thorough and efficient cleaning process.

Potential limitations

Ozone can be harmful to humans and animals when present in high concentrations. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure proper ventilation and adhere to safety guidelines when using ozone generators. Additionally, ozone may not be effective in penetrating certain surfaces or reaching hidden or hard-to-reach areas, limiting its overall disinfection capabilities.

Cleaning frequently touched surfaces

Disinfecting wipes will come in handy when the kids in classrooms are dealing with art work and lots of touching of the surfaces. Things can get visibly dirty after painting and the desks should be cleaned after each class.

Body fluids can also carry unwanted germs that should be wiped with disinfecting wipes between each class as well.

How to implement routine cleaning and disinfecting to kids

It can be difficult teaching kids ABCs while also keeping them safe but implementing a system with instruction labels on the walls of the classroom can help guide the children to help keep their surfaces.

Teach Good Hygiene Habits

Teach Good Hygiene Habits

How can we avoid infection? Use a soap and water when washing. Remember to wash your hands before eating. Instead of using antibiotic soap, it's better to wash your hands with a simple soap. If you don't have access to a sink, alcohol-based soap or sanitizing wipes can be used, especially during school visits.

Encourage Handwashing

However, hand sanitizer should never replace hand soap as it won't work if your hands are dirty. Additionally, make sure to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are frequently touched to prevent the spread of germs. It's not recommended to use antibiotic soaps.

  • Teach students and staff to wash hands with soap and water before eating.
  • Use simple soap instead of unnecessary antibiotic soaps.
  • When sinks are unavailable, use alcohol-based soap or sanitizing wipes during school visits.
  • Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Promote PPE Usage

  • Emphasize the importance of PPE, such as gloves and masks, for cleaning staff and teachers.
  • Ensure proper training on the correct usage, disposal, and replacement of PPE to maximize effectiveness in reducing surface contamination and transmission risk.

Ensure Adequate Ventilation

In addition to cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, it's crucial to address the importance of proper ventilation and air quality in schools. Adequate ventilation helps reduce the spread of infections. Schools should follow standard cleaning procedures, focusing on frequently touched surfaces like keyboards, faucet handles, phones, and toys.

  • Address the importance of proper ventilation and air quality in schools to reduce the spread of infections.
  • Follow standard cleaning procedures, with a focus on frequently touched surfaces like keyboards, faucet handles, phones, and toys.
  • Some areas may require daily or weekly cleaning, such as bathrooms.
  • Take precautions to remove visible debris and ensure surfaces and objects are free from contamination, especially when dealing with blood or fluids.

Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched often

Respect the standard cleaning procedures in the school. Generally, this means cleaning the surfaces that are frequently used including the keyboard, the faucet handle, the phones and the toys. Some school buildings will also require cleaning of this item every morning or weekly. The typical routine requires the disinfection of certain rooms in schools such as the bathroom. Remove all visible debris and surfaces. Ensure that surfaces and objects are not contaminated with blood or fluids and take precautions when touching such fluids.

Rely on Cleaning to Remove Dirt and Germs

If teachers and students require help with cleaning their classrooms but lack training in custodial work, it is advisable to get instructional materials and use basic cleaners provided by the school or district.

Things to ask for in a incoming students and staff supply list

As we have seen with the Covid outbreak, it is crucial for all of us to take part in cleaning and disinfection of our surfaces. To make sure your classroom never runs out of cleaning products, making a list for a students coming in from the summer break will ensure that your classroom is kept clean. Some of these things should include:

  • disinfectant wipes
  • paper towels
  • disinfecting mist in spray bottle or a can
  • all purpose cleaners

FAQ

Why use plain soap for handwashing?

The use of fragrance is quite common and can sometimes lead to throat irritation and headaches. It is generally safe to skip the use of antibacterial soap unless specifically recommended.

Why is handwashing better than hand sanitizer?

Soap and hand-washing together in hot water eliminate oil, grease and other contaminants. Hand sanitizer does nothing that removes dirt where most germs hide but kills a couple easy-to-kill germs.

How to clean and disinfect schools to help slow the spread of flu CDC?

In the event that there is any dirt present, it is recommended to use a household cleaner to remove it. Once the dirt has been removed, it is important to thoroughly rinse the surface to ensure that no residue is left behind. For added protection against harmful bacteria and viruses, it is advised to use a disinfectant that has been approved by the FDA.

About the Authors

Sabrina Tretyakova
In the world of cleanliness and hygiene, Sabrina Tretyakova stands as a beacon of expertise and dedication. As an ISSA-certified cleaning technician, Sabrina brings a wealth of knowledge and three years of unwavering commitment to her profession. Having served a staggering 1,200 clients
Kris Traczynski
As the visionary behind Fortador Steamers, I've revolutionized the cleaning landscape across both the USA and Europe. With a profound understanding of the cleaning industry, I've fostered expertise that sets new standards. My journey is one of innovation, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of exce

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