As the final bell rings and students head off for summer break, your school’s maintenance needs are just getting started. Since the hallways and classrooms are finally empty, it’s the perfect time to tackle the big tasks that aren’t always possible while class is in session. You can deep clean, disinfect, and prep the building—not just for a fresh start in the fall but for the many summer events that take place on campus.
Here are the best cleaning practices to follow as you close out the school year.
Deep Clean Classrooms and Common Areas
Classrooms go through a lot over the course of a school year. Dirt builds up in carpets, dust settles on surfaces, and desks become home to all kinds of germs. Start with a thorough cleaning of each room—empty desks, wipe down shelves, disinfect all high-touch areas, and deep clean the floors. Don’t forget shared spaces like cafeterias, libraries, and gyms, which often need extra attention after months of daily use.
Sanitize High-Touch Surfaces
Now that traffic in the building has slowed, it’s easier to focus on sanitizing every surface that gets regular contact. Think doorknobs and handrails to light switches and water fountains. This kind of top-to-bottom sanitization not only promotes health and safety but also prevents the spread of lingering germs before summer programs begin.
Refresh Restrooms and Locker Rooms
School bathrooms and locker rooms are some of the most heavily used areas, requiring a deeper cleaning than daily maintenance usually allows. The end of the year is the ideal time to scrub tile, sanitize stalls, deep clean sinks and toilets, and address any odors. Don’t forget to check and maintain ventilation systems for improved air quality in these enclosed spaces.
Strip and Wax Floors
Summer is floor care season. With fewer people walking the halls, you can finally strip, wax, and polish floors without constant foot traffic getting in the way. Doing this not only restores shine but extends the life of your flooring. Whether it’s tile in the hallways or vinyl in the classrooms, giving floors the attention they need now can prevent costly repairs down the road.
Clean and Disinfect HVAC Systems
Indoor air quality plays a huge role in the health of students and staff. While the building is unoccupied, take the opportunity to clean air vents, replace filters, and have your HVAC system inspected and serviced. A clean system reduces allergens, prevents the spread of airborne illnesses, and improves energy efficiency—a win-win for health and the budget.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance
Cleaning is just one piece of end-of-year prep. Use this time to catch up on preventative maintenance tasks like checking for leaks, inspecting fire extinguishers, servicing kitchen equipment, or painting high-traffic areas. A cleaner, well-maintained school is not only safer, but it’s more functional in the long haul.
Let Office Express Handle Your Year-End School Cleaning
Make sure nothing gets missed during your end-of-year school cleaning checklist with Office Express Janitorial Services, Inc. We provide comprehensive school cleaning services, from floor care and window washing to disinfecting and summer prep.
Looking for the best janitorial services for your school? We offer top notch cleaning at a fair price, with standards set in best practices and procedures established by OSHA.