School Cleaning Checklist Guide

Students spend most of their time in the school environment, making it essential to maintain cleanliness for their health and well-being.

However, keeping a school clean requires a lot of work. That’s why a structured approach to cleaning is needed to streamline your efforts and ensure a healthy learning environment for students and staff. 

A school cleaning checklist is a document that outlines the specific tasks and areas that need regular cleaning within a school facility. It also includes the frequency of different tasks to ensure thoroughness and consistency.

In this guide, we will show you what a comprehensive school cleaning checklist looks like, alongside a template you can follow to create one for your school.

Before we get into it, what is a school cleaning checklist? And why do you need one? Read on to get answers to these questions.

What is a school cleaning checklist?

A school cleaning checklist is like a to-do list necessary for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment within a school facility.

It typically includes a comprehensive list of proper cleaning duties for various areas of the school, such as classrooms, hallways, restrooms, cafeterias, and administrative offices. 

Beyond just listing tasks, it also guides how often each task should be completed, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. While keeping a school clean may seem daunting, having a well-designed checklist simplifies the process and ensures that no corner is untouched.

Download School Cleaning Checklist PDF

Why is a cleaning checklist important?

Here are some reasons you need a basic cleaning checklist for schools:

Maintains high cleaning standards

A daily cleaning checklist for schools ensures that every task is done consistently and thoroughly. The checklist covers regular cleaning schedules like disinfecting high-touch surfaces and sanitizing restrooms such that every area is noticed and addressed.

By following the checklist, your cleaning staff can address critical areas prone to dirt and germs, promoting a healthier environment for students, staff, and visitors.

Encourages responsibility

A school cleaning checklist typically assigns specific tasks to students or janitorial staff. Clearly outlining who is responsible for each task creates accountability and ensures that everyone knows what is expected of them.

Ultimately, they are more likely to keep shared spaces tidy and organized proactively.

Boosts health and safety

With basic cleaning practices, such as regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces, sanitizing shared equipment, and improving air quality, schools prevent the spread of illnesses like colds, flu, and COVID-19.

Incorporating these tasks into a daily cleaning checklist for schools, you effectively target areas prone to harboring germs, sanitize them, and minimize the risk of illness transmission. Furthermore, a clean and clutter-free environment will keep students from slips and falls.

Enables effective use of resources

With a daily cleaning checklist for schools in place, cleaners can systematically tick off tasks as they are completed. Doing this will help track and manage the usage of cleaning supplies more effectively.

That way, there are no oversights where low-touch surfaces receive more attention than frequently-used surfaces, as all common cleaning tasks are clearly outlined and prioritized.

Supports a positive learning environment

When students are encouraged to keep a clean classroom and declutter through a daily cleaning checklist, they experience an enjoyable learning space. With easy access to their learning materials, students can focus better on their studies without distractions.

This positive learning experience enhanced student engagement and productivity, leading to better academic outcomes.

Checklist for School Cleaning

A proper cleaning checklist is essential to ensure that all areas of the school are thoroughly cleaned and maintained. You can achieve cleaning tasks based on their importance and frequency by outlining specific tasks for each school section.

Here is a breakdown of the tasks that should be included in a cleaning checklist for schools:

Classrooms

Since teachers and students often track dirt and debris from outside into the classroom, you should prioritize wiping down surfaces like desks, chairs, other high-touch areas, etc., and giving the floors a good sweep or vacuum daily. 

This routine frees the classroom from allergens, dust, and debris, promoting a conducive learning environment.

Also, the trash cans should be emptied every day to prevent the buildup of unpleasant odors and a breeding ground for germs.

As a part of your classroom cleaning checklist, once a week, you should dust off shelves, mop the floors, and ensure your classroom supplies, such as markers, scissors, etc., are disinfected and wiped clean. 

Every month, intensive tasks like freshening up the carpets, checking furniture for any wear and tear, and removing dust from air vents to improve air quality are required to maintain a healthier learning environment for your students and teachers.   

Offices

You want to address the offices while keeping the school premises clean. A clean office will not only improve your staff’s productivity and reduce the number of sick leaves but also prevent the spread of disease from the staff to the students.

To maintain cleanliness in school offices, a daily routine should include wiping down desks and countertops with disinfectant wipes to remove germs. Weekly tasks should involve mopping floors, as well as dusting shelves, cabinets, and office equipment to eliminate dust buildup.

Also, cleaning windows and glass surfaces is needed to enhance your office’s aesthetics.

Every month, deep cleaning tasks, such as sanitizing keyboards, telephones, and light fixtures, should be conducted to maintain a hygienic workspace.

Furthermore, organizing office supplies and paperwork helps to create a more efficient work environment for your staff.

Entrances

Your school’s entrance is the first thing parents see, and it determines their impression of your school. Daily sweeping or vacuuming of the area is recommended to keep it clean. Also, use doormats to trap dirt, pollen, and dust from entering the school building.

Make sure to clean these mats at least three times a day to keep them effective. You should also clean the glass doors and windows every week to make them sparkle.

Furthermore, a good cleaning practice will be changing your floor mats monthly to ensure they keep working well.

This way, your school entrance will always look welcoming and safe for everyone.

Restrooms

A comprehensive school cleaning checklist for restrooms should extend beyond surface cleaning to include more intensive tasks. In addition to daily wiping of surfaces and regularly restocking supplies, it’s essential to incorporate deep cleaning procedures. 

This involves:

• Regularly checking and replenishing hand sanitizer dispensers for convenient hand hygiene.
• Daily disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as door knobs, faucet handles, toilet bowl, and flush buttons to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Cleaning ventilation systems monthly to maintain air quality and circulation within the restroom.
• Restocking supplies on a daily basis, such as toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels, etc.

School cafeteria and kitchen 

In the school cafeteria, maintaining cleanliness is paramount to prevent the spread of illness through contaminated food. Daily tasks should include cleaning the eating area, including tables, chairs, and countertops, to remove food debris and spills.

Additionally, vending machines should be regularly wiped down and sanitized to prevent the buildup of bacteria and viruses. 

Horizontal surfaces such as serving counters and food preparation areas should be cleaned daily to uphold hygiene standards.

Weekly tasks in the school kitchen include deep cleaning equipment like ovens, grills, and refrigerators to remove bacteria and food residues.

Inspect storage areas to ensure proper food storage and labeling. Also, carry out floor mopping to prevent slips.

On a monthly basis, intensive cleaning tasks may include cleaning kitchen exhaust systems to remove grease buildup and ensure proper ventilation.

Corridors and hallways

Corridors and hallways gather dust, debris, and allergens, especially during post-school hours. To maintain their appeal daily, regular cleaning is essential.

So, a daily cleaning checklist for schools must include sweeping to remove dust and debris, wiping down locker surfaces to eliminate allergens, and emptying trash cans to maintain cleanliness.

Disinfecting high-touch areas such as door handles and light fixtures to prevent the spread of bacteria and disinfecting drinking water stations (if you have any) is necessary weekly.

Lobbies

A daily cleaning schedule for the lobby should include tasks such as sweeping or vacuuming floors, wiping down surfaces, and emptying trash bins.

Also, spot-cleaning spills, as they occur, help maintain a tidy appearance throughout the day.

Every week, consider more thorough cleaning tasks such as mopping floors, dusting furniture, and cleaning windows & doors. This helps to remove accumulated dirt and grime, keeping the lobby fresh and inviting.

Monthly school cleaning schedules may include shampooing carpets, polishing floors, and cleaning upholstery or furniture.

School gym

Accumulation of bacteria from sweat is plausible in a school gym. To keep it free from harmful bacteria, your daily school cleaning schedules should include wiping sports equipment, sanitizing high-touch surfaces, and vacuuming floors.

You should also empty trash bins, restock gym supplies, and air out gym mats after every use.

For deeper cleaning, schedule weekly tasks such as mopping floors for polished appearance disinfecting mats, and shared gear.

Monthly maintenance should involve repairing damaged equipment, cleaning the storage areas, and changing rooms.

Laboratory

A dirty laboratory can pose health risks and disrupt experiments. That’s why keeping the entire school laboratory clean, organized, and always safe is crucial.

After each use, wipe down laboratory benches, equipment, and surfaces with disinfectant to prevent the spread of germs and contaminants. Properly dispose of chemical waste to avoid accidents.

Every week, perform a deep cleaning of equipment using appropriate cleaning agents to remove stubborn stains or residues.

Thoroughly sanitize glassware and restock necessary supplies such as gloves, paper towels, and disinfectants.

Discard expired chemicals, organize storage areas, cabinets, and shelves monthly to maintain safety and order.

Lastly, label chemicals correctly for easy identification.

Library

To maintain cleanliness in the school library, start by sweeping the floor daily, ensuring books are neatly shelved and tables are wiped down.

Once a week, you should dust the shelves, vacuum the carpets, and sanitize surfaces such as tables, computer keyboards, and other electronics.

Additionally, focus on organizing shelves, purging outdated materials, and deep cleaning upholstery on furniture, curtains, and HVAC systems at monthly intervals.

Outdoor areas

Your school’s outdoor area needs the same attention as the inside if you want to maintain a healthy environment for students and staff.

Here are some school cleaning checklists for keeping your outdoors clean:

Daily tasks

• Wipe down handrails, swings, etc., to ensure safety.
• Remove leaves and other debris from walkways using a broom or leaf blower.

Weekly tasks 

• Deep clean playground equipment to remove dirt and grime.
• Trim bushes and plants to prevent overgrowth and improve appeal.

Monthly tasks

• Inspect and repair playground equipment for any damage.
• Power wash walkways to remove stains and dirt.
• Organize outdoor storage areas to maintain cleanliness at schools
• Clean and sanitize water fountains to ensure they are safe for use.

School bus

Encourage students to clean up by disposing of trash and organizing their belongings. A quick sweep of the floors and cleaning seats with disinfectant wipes at the end of each day helps prevent dirt and germs from accumulating.

Designate a day each week for a thorough cleaning of the bus interior. This includes vacuuming or shampooing carpets and cleaning mirrors for optimal visibility.

Furthermore, schedule monthly inspections to address maintenance issues such as broken windows or malfunctioning equipment, loose seat belts, or damaged upholstery.

Download School Cleaning Checklist PDF

How often should a school be cleaned?

Generally, high-traffic areas such as classrooms, offices, restrooms, and cafeterias should be cleaned on a daily basis to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of bacteria.

Less frequently used areas such as libraries, laboratories, and outdoor spaces may require weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cleaning.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean School

Studies have shown that schools with few maintenance problems have more students showing up for class and fewer absentees. When your school is cleaned regularly, you deal with fewer maintenance issues, which motivates students to come to class more often.

Plus, a clean school makes students feel good, proud of where they learn, and focused on their studies. With these benefits in mind, here are tips for keeping your school clean and pristine always:

Create a daily cleaning task

Develop a comprehensive cleaning checklist tailored to each school area, like classrooms, hallways, and restrooms.

Make the checklist easily accessible by posting it in visible locations where daily tasks can be seen and carried out.

Use cleaning as a corporal punishment

Consider incorporating common cleaning tasks as a form of disciplinary action for students who have violated school rules.

This promotes cleanliness and provides an opportunity for students to learn responsibility and accountability.

Lead by example

Encourage teachers to lead by example by cleaning up after themselves in shared spaces like the school cafeteria and keeping organized classroom desks.

This sets a positive precedent for students and reinforces the importance of cleanliness at schools.

Create a cleanliness club (e.g., green cleaning society)

Establish a student-led cleanliness club dedicated to promoting a healthy learning environment.

Encourage members to organize clean-up events, implement recycling programs, and educate their peers about the importance of maintaining a clean environment.

Give incentives to encourage student participation 

Implement a reward system to recognize and incentivize classrooms that maintain the highest standards of cleanliness.

It could be giving them a crown for a month or certain privileges other classrooms do not have.

Hiring Professional Cleaners for Deep School Cleaning

While your students and staff can carry out essential daily or weekly cleaning tasks to keep the school environment safe.  Regular deep cleaning tasks are still required to promote a safe learning environment.

That’s why you need to hire a professional cleaning service.

These professional cleaners use advanced cleaning techniques and disinfection to keep harmful bacteria and viruses at bay.

They also relieve your students and staff of the burden of cleaning themselves, thereby boosting productivity.

FAQs

What should a school cleaning checklist include?

A comprehensive school cleaning checklist should cover all areas of the school premises to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.

This includes daily tasks like disinfecting high-touch surfaces, emptying trash bins, and sanitizing restrooms, as well as weekly cleaning, such as mopping floors, dusting surfaces, and cleaning windows.

Monthly tasks like deep carpet cleaning and sanitizing HVAC systems are vital for a conducive learning space.

What is the first step in creating a daily cleaning checklist for schools?

The first step in creating a daily cleaning checklist for schools is to identify the cleaning tasks required for each area and determine their frequency.

Then, group the tasks based on how often they need to be completed, whether daily, weekly, or monthly.

Conclusion

Ensuring a clean and hygienic school environment is crucial for the well-being of students, staff, and visitors.

By implementing a comprehensive school cleaning checklist, educational institutions can effectively manage tasks and uphold hygiene standards, fostering a healthier learning environment.

Consider hiring a commercial cleaning company, like Casas Bonitas, for additional support in maintaining a healthy school environment.

Casas Bonitas is a commercial cleaning company in Phoenix that offers school cleaning services tailored to meet your specific needs. Check out our service page to learn how we can help keep your school clean and safe for everyone.