A Guide for a Cleaner Classroom

When kids go to school, they’re entering an environment that can quickly become a massive breeding ground for bacteria. Kids constantly share their germs throughout the day, either from sneezing, wiping their noses, or failing to properly clean their hands.

Not only do they touch the same surfaces, as well as each other, but they also frequently touch their faces and mouths. As a result, one child likely shares germs with the entire class. For this reason, teachers must stay vigilant in keeping classrooms and the objects within them as clean as possible.

At Busy Bee, we believe in social responsibility and the importance of quality of life for both our employees and our clients, which in this case, includes the students. We commit to delivering the best services, recognizing and rewarding each employee’s merit, and supporting professional growth and community development.

Clean and Disinfect Surfaces

Keeping surfaces as clean as possible is a crucial step in keeping a classroom cleaner. Teachers should wipe down desks, sinks, and counters using products provided by the school district, which generally include an all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

Keep surfaces such as window blinds clean and dust-free by using a dampened microfiber cloth. Thoroughly disinfect certain “high-touch” areas, including computer keyboards and mice, shared desks and tables, door handles and knobs, and light switches.

The school’s custodial staff generally performs disinfecting at the end of the day. However, if a child vomits or has another sort of biological accident in the classroom, teachers should call custodians to disinfect an area right away. In these cases, take extra care to keep children away from the area until you clean and dry it. Teachers should also verify with the school custodians that they are regularly disinfecting.

At Busy Bee, our commitment to quality means delivering the same high level of service every time. We train and equip our team to meet all client needs, ensuring consistency and attention to detail in every task. You can rely on us to be punctual and professional, executing the agreed-upon services without fail.

Stock Rooms with Soap and Encourage Hand Washing

Throughout the day, children come into physical contact with the germs that make them sick. Stock the room with antibacterial hand soap and, if allowed by the school district, hand sanitizer to prevent dirty hands from transferring germs to mouths or other students.

Instruct children to wash their hands after sneezing or coughing, if they come into contact with other children who may be ill, and before they eat lunch or snacks. Teach kids how to properly wash their hands.

Remove Clutter

A cluttered classroom can make it difficult for janitorial staff to dust, vacuum, and otherwise clean as thoroughly as they should. This may allow dust to collect or undetected spills to grow mold, which can be problematic for asthmatic children. Clutter can hide food crumbs from snacks or dropped candy and attract pests such as ants, roaches, and rodents.

To reduce clutter, teachers should properly store every item in its designated place. Cubbies and plastic bins are useful ways to help keep rooms organized and free of clutter. Each classroom should also have strict rules instructing students to clean up after themselves.

At the end of each day, teachers or their assistants should check the room for messes and tidy them up before they leave.

At Busy Bee, we pay attention to detail, ensuring that we leave no corner untouched. Our professional behavior and meticulous cleaning methods guarantee a spotless and clutter-free environment, promoting a healthier and more conducive learning space.

Reduce Items That Are Upholstered or Made of Fabric

Items made of fabric attract allergens such as dust mites and pet dander. Pet dander may enter a classroom on children’s clothing or from classroom pets. These allergens can cause asthma and allergic reactions in some students.

Remove items such as rugs, stuffed animals, and curtains from the classroom or drastically reduce their presence. Replace upholstered furniture with vinyl or leather furniture that you can easily keep clean.

Fabric items that are not removed from the classroom should be made of washable materials and undergo regular cleaning to reduce the presence of allergens. Additionally, store stuffed animals in closed bins to reduce the amount of dust that settles on them when not in use.

Watch for Signs of Illness

For parents, the decision to keep a child home from school is a difficult and complex one. Unfortunately, when sick children are sent to school, they can easily make their fellow students sick as well. Keeping a watchful eye out for kids who may be contagious is an important part of keeping your classroom healthy.

Symptoms to look for include nausea, persistent coughing, vomiting, extreme lethargy, diarrhea, and fever. Kids who complain of pain, have unusual rashes, or are scratching themselves intensely should be sent to the school nurse.

But students aren’t the only ones who should stay home when they’re sick: You may not want to leave your classroom in the hands of a substitute teacher, but if you’re sick, you can spread illness to your students, even if you try hard not to.

Establish a Cleaning Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining a clean classroom. Establish a daily cleaning routine that includes all students in age-appropriate tasks. Younger children can be tasked with tidying up their personal spaces and wiping down surfaces with baby wipes, while older students can handle more complex tasks like sweeping floors and sanitizing common areas. This not only keeps the classroom clean but also teaches students the importance of responsibility and hygiene.

Promote Good Hygiene Habits

Teachers should take the time to educate students on the importance of good hygiene. This includes proper hand-washing techniques, using tissues when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding the sharing of personal items like water bottles or utensils.

Visual aids, such as posters and demonstrations, can be very effective in reinforcing these habits. Regularly scheduled hand-washing breaks can also help instill these practices.

Use Natural Cleaning Products

Whenever possible, opt for natural, non-toxic cleaning products. Harsh chemicals can be harmful to both students and teachers, especially those with allergies or respiratory issues.

There are many effective green cleaning products available that are safe for use around children and just as effective as their chemical counterparts. Additionally, using natural products contributes to a healthier learning environment.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Good air quality is crucial for a healthy classroom. Ensure that the classroom is well-ventilated by keeping windows open whenever weather permits and using air purifiers if necessary.

Regular maintenance of the school’s HVAC system can also help ensure that clean, fresh air is circulated throughout the classroom. Plants can also improve air quality and add a touch of nature to the learning environment.

Encourage a Team Effort

Maintaining a clean classroom should be a team effort involving teachers, students, custodial staff, and even parents. Encourage parents to reinforce good hygiene habits at home and to keep sick children home to prevent the spread of illness.

Collaborate with custodial staff to ensure that they have the resources and support they need to keep the classroom clean. When everyone works together, the classroom becomes a healthier place for learning and growth.

At Busy Bee, we value social responsibility and community involvement. By creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and promoting inclusion and diversity in our workforce, we aim to make a positive impact. Our team is dedicated to delivering consistent, reliable, and high-quality cleaning services, ensuring that no detail is overlooked and every client’s needs are met with professionalism and care.

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean classroom is essential for the health and well-being of both students and teachers. By implementing consistent cleaning routines, promoting good hygiene habits, and working together as a team, we can create a safe and healthy learning environment.

Cleanliness not only reduces the spread of germs and illness but also contributes to a more organized and pleasant classroom experience. Remember, a clean classroom is a happy classroom, and investing the time and effort into maintaining it pays off in healthier, more engaged students.

For decades, Busy Bee has been serving schools and other educational institutions, providing top-notch cleaning services that ensure a spotless and hygienic environment. With our team of dedicated professionals committed to quality, reliability, and social responsibility, we help keep classrooms clean and students thriving. Let’s work together to maintain a cleaner, healthier learning space for everyone.