When it comes to keeping a school clean, much of the focus is on areas that are regularly used by students. However, taking care of your faculty and staff is just as important. Whether you are using these shared spaces for staff meetings or lesson planning, it’s essential that your faculty feels safe and comfortable–particularly since returning from a period of online school.
To help you get started, read on for your complete checklist for how to clean school faculty rooms. Or, check one thing off your to-do list and enjoy a better quality of cleanliness with the help of 360clean! With our specialized approach to commercial cleaning, you can look forward to consistent, high-quality results every time. Contact us today to receive a free quote for your school!
Use Proper PPE to Clean Safely
The very first step when cleaning any area in your school is to ensure you have the proper cleaning supplies. These supplies include the personal protective equipment you’ll wear during the cleaning process.
The San Mateo County School District recommends wearing a respirator, eye protection, and latex gloves. This equipment will protect you from exposure to cleaning chemicals. If accidental exposure does occur, rinse your skin or eyes with cool water immediately. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Designate Storage Areas for Neatness
Establish rules for the use of the faculty room to make cleaning a little easier. These rules should include requiring each teacher to clean up their own messes.
Designate shelves or cabinets for your staff’s personal items and supplies used by the entire faculty. Assigning storage areas will make it easier for your staff to find what they need, in addition to creating a cleaner appearance.
Clean Tables, Countertops, and Other Surfaces
For cleaning surfaces, mix soap or detergent with warm water. Use a clean cloth to apply the cleaning solution and wipe down commonly touched surfaces, such as tables and countertops.
Make sure to apply pressure and scrub hard to remove dirt and grime. Catch crumbs and food scraps with the rag and shake them into a no-touch waste receptacle. Once you have thoroughly washed a surface, wipe it dry with a clean rag or towel. Drying the surface will make things easier when you’re ready to disinfect these areas.
Wipe Down Sinks and Dispensers
Make sure to wipe down the sink, soap dispensers, and paper towel dispensers as well. Now is also an ideal time to wash the inside and outside of the refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Any area that’s used to store or prepare food deserves extra attention when cleaning.
Germs and bacteria are more likely to thrive in these areas since multiple people will repeatedly touch these surfaces. Washing these areas with a cleaning solution is an important first step because it will remove dirt and grime while killing germs.
Clean the Floors
The next step is to sweep and mop the floors. When sweeping, make sure to use the broom to reach under tables, behind appliances, and into other tight spaces. There may be food scraps and other debris hiding just out of site. For a carpeted floor, use the vacuum cleaner’s attachments to reach these difficult areas.
Disinfect Common Surfaces
The Washington State Department of Health recommends disinfecting common areas after cleaning them. Applying a disinfectant will kill viruses before they have a chance to spread to staff members who use the faculty room. Use disinfectant on every common surface in the faculty room, including chairs, door handles, and windows.
For maximum effectiveness, the disinfectant should remain on each surface for a predetermined period of time. It’s important to follow the instructions. Clean and disinfect faculty rooms at least once per day. Heavier use of the room may require additional cleanings.
Once you have waited the proper amount of time, you can wipe the disinfectant from the surfaces with a clean towel or cloth. Alternatively, you can allow the disinfecting agent to air dry, but keep faculty out of the area until you’re sure everything is thoroughly evaporated.
Empty No-Touch Trash Receptacles
The final step is to clean up your supplies, equipment, and waste. Return your cleaning supplies, including any chemical products you use, to a secure storage area. Remove your personal protective equipment and drop used disposable items into one of the no-touch waste baskets. Empty the no-touch waste baskets and return them to their designated areas.
At this point, you’re ready to clean up. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water to kill any germs or bacteria on your skin.
Provide a Cleaner Common Area for Your Faculty
Hopefully, this blog gives you a better idea of how to clean your school faculty rooms! But sometimes, it makes more sense to save time and energy on processes as involved as these, and that’s where 360clean can help your school. With our specialized approach to commercial cleaning, you can look forward to consistent high-quality results every time. To learn more about our services, contact us today to receive a free quote!