How to Deep Clean School Classrooms: A Step-by-Step Guide

School classrooms are places where students and teachers spend a lot of time learning, playing, and interacting. They are also places where germs, dirt, and clutter can accumulate, creating an unhealthy and distracting environment. That’s why it’s important to deep clean a school classroom regularly, especially before and after long breaks and during flu season. Keep reading as the commercial building management services pros at One Source, the experts in all types of professional commercial cleaning san diego businesses and organizations trust to coordinate cleaning services that meet all their needs, explore effective methods to deep clean school classrooms, ensuring a sparkling clean environment for learning.

Gather Supplies & Equipment

Before getting started with the deep cleaning process, make sure to gather all necessary supplies and equipment. Stock up on disinfectants, multipurpose cleaners, microfiber cloths, mops, vacuum cleaners, and trash bags. Ensuring you have the right tools on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient.

Declutter & Organize

Start the deep cleaning process by decluttering and organizing the classroom. Remove any unnecessary items, tidy up shelves and cabinets, and ensure everything has a designated place. Decluttering creates a more functional and visually appealing space, making subsequent cleaning tasks easier.

Remove all the items from the desks, cubbies, and storage closets in the classroom. This will make it easier to clean these areas and give you a chance to sort out and organize the materials. You can use boxes or bins to store the items temporarily while you clean. Make sure to label them clearly so you can return them to their proper places later.

Remove & Clean Light Fixtures

Take down all the light fixtures in the classroom and clean them with a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner. Light fixtures can collect dust, cobwebs, and insects over time, which can affect the quality of lighting and also pose a fire hazard. You can also replace any burnt-out bulbs or broken fixtures at this point.

Clean the Vents or Service the Entire Air Duct System

It’s important to clean the vents or service the entire air duct system in the classroom. The vents and ducts are responsible for circulating air in the room, but they can also harbor dust, allergens, mold, and bacteria. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment or a brush to clean the vents, or you can hire a professional to service the ducts. You can also install HEPA filters to improve the air quality in the classroom.

Dust from Top to Bottom 

Dust every surface in the classroom, starting from the highest point and working your way down. You can use a microfiber cloth, a feather duster, or an electrostatic duster to remove dust from the ceiling, light fixtures, walls, desks, chairs, shelves, cabinets, windowsills, blinds, curtains, bulletin boards, posters, clocks, speakers, etc. Don’t forget to dust behind and under furniture and appliances as well.

Vacuum Floors

Next, thoroughly vacuum the floors, paying special attention to the areas around desks and under furniture. This will help you get rid of any loose dirt, dust, hair, or crumbs that may have fallen on the floor. Scrape up gum and remove other debris that’s stuck to the floors. 

Deep Clean Floors

Floor cleaning is a crucial aspect of deep cleaning. For carpeted classrooms, consider steam cleaning, which uses hot water and steam to loosen dirt and stains from carpets and rugs. It also kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, and dust mites that may be lurking in them. You can rent a steam cleaner from a local store or hire a professional service to do it for you.

For hard floors, mop using a suitable floor cleaner. Make sure to use the appropriate cleaning method based on the flooring type.

Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces

Disinfect the door handles, light switches, handrails, and shared electronics in the classroom. These are the areas students and teachers most frequently touch, and they can harbor germs that cause illnesses. You can use a nontoxic disinfectant spray or wipes to sanitize these areas. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label and let the disinfectant sit for the recommended time before wiping it off.

Clean & Sanitize Desks & Chairs

Students spend a significant portion of their day at their desks and chairs. Ensure these surfaces are clean and sanitized regularly. Use a mild detergent or a multipurpose cleaner to wipe down desks and chairs thoroughly. For an added layer of protection, follow up with a disinfectant.

Refresh Whiteboards & Blackboards

Whiteboards and blackboards are vital tools in classrooms. To keep them in top condition, clean them with a whiteboard cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar. For blackboards, use a chalkboard eraser to remove chalk dust and then wipe down with a damp cloth.

Pay Attention to Upholstery

If your classroom has upholstered furniture, such as couches or cushions, deep clean them regularly. Vacuum upholstered surfaces to remove dust and debris, and consider using fabric-friendly cleaners to refresh them. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the best results.

Clean the Windows & Curtains

Clean windows and curtains not only enhance the aesthetics but also allow natural light to brighten up the classroom. Use glass cleaners to clean the windows, and machine wash or steam clean curtains if possible.

Sanitize Restrooms & Hygiene Stations

If your classroom has an attached restroom or nearby hygiene stations, ensure they’re thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Pay attention to toilets, sinks, soap dispensers, and paper towel holders. Regular cleaning of these areas is vital for maintaining a healthy school environment.

Deep cleaning school classrooms is a crucial practice for ensuring a healthy and conducive learning environment. By following these steps, you can deep clean your school classroom and make it a safe and healthy place for learning. You can also involve your students in the cleaning process by assigning them different tasks and making it a fun activity. By keeping your classroom clean, you can also teach your students the importance of hygiene and responsibility.

One Source is the only point of contact you need for exceptional school janitorial services. We will develop a managed plan customized for your school, coordinating every element involved in ensuring you receive the high-quality services your students need to stay safe and healthy. Whether you need deep cleaning services for classrooms or daily restroom commercial maintenance, we’re the only call you’ll need to make. When it comes to school cleaning services, San Diego education professionals can rest assured we’ll take care of all the details, and we offer the flexibility to schedule services whenever they’re needed. Call our commercial maintenance team at (858) 260-1090 to schedule a site visit, and we’ll get you a quote within 24 hours.