How to Clean a Classroom

Having tools and materials available is the first step in how to clean a classroom effectively. You’ll want to check with the school district to be sure it’s safe to keep any chemicals in reach of students.

Tools:

• Flat mop
• Bucket
• Microfiber cloths and towels
• No-touch trash cans
• Containers for organizing the classroom
• Storage for cleaning supplies (keep out of the classroom if it’s harmful to children)

Materials:

• All-purpose cleaning solution
• Child-safe cleaning solution
• Vinegar
• Hand sanitizer (at least 70% alcohol)
• Plain soap (not antibacterial)
• Paper towels
• Tissue boxes
• Trash can liners
• Disinfectant wipes
• Child-friendly wet wipes
• Sponges for scrubbing
• Protective gloves

While sometimes used interchangeably, cleaning and disinfecting are two different processes. Cleaning physically removes germs, dirt and grime using soap (or other cleaner) and water. Cleaning doesn’t necessarily kill germs, but it does lower the number of germs and the risk of infection.

Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs on surfaces and objects. Disinfecting typically doesn’t remove the germs or dirt, but since the germs are dead, the risk of infection and illness is much lower. When trying to prevent viruses, disinfection is an essential step.

Whenever you plan to both clean and disinfect a surface, always clean first and then disinfect.

Tip: Disinfectant needs time to work and should sit on a surface for as long as recommended by the manufacturer. Typically, this amount of time is 5 to 10 minutes.

Keeping the classroom organized and free of clutter is probably the most important step in how to clean a classroom. Having a place for everything makes it easier to see what needs to be washed, dusted or disinfected.

• Take the time to straighten throughout the day.
• Students can help with maintaining their personal spaces, including throwing away trash, cleaning up spills or messes, and putting away materials they use throughout the day.
• At the end of the day, put everything in its place.
• Move large items like chairs to make it easier for custodial staff to vacuum or mop.
• Wipe down high-touch surfaces, including desktops and door knobs, with natural, non-toxic cleaning products.
• Communicate with janitorial staff about biohazards, spills or any other cleaning needs.

Weekly cleaning is also important. These tasks will be a little more in depth than the daily ones.

• Use a flat mop or microfiber cloths for damp dusting to reduce allergens. Dust from top to bottom.
• Disinfect high-use items, including light switches, pencil sharpeners, student desks and chairs, door handles/knobs, etc.
• Clean and disinfect teacher desks and chairs.
• Clean and disinfect any sinks or water fountains.
• Follow all manufacturer’s instructions for applying, using and rinsing disinfectants.
• Clean electronics, including keyboards, mouse devices and laptops, with electronic-safe wipes.
• Replenish any cleaning supplies that are running low.

Safety tip: Disinfectants should only be used by staff members, and students should not be in the room while they are applied or drying.

School breaks that last over a week are perfect times to do occasional deep cleaning. Do the regular weekly tasks along with these extra ones.

• Clean walls, especially those that get touched by students.
• Dust and wash bookshelves, cabinets, tables and other surfaces.
• Wash any soft items like pillows and rugs.
• Sweep, vacuum and mop the floor.
• Clean counters, windowsills and blinds/curtains.

Students can and should be involved in keeping the classroom clean. Any cleaning products must be cleared with the district first, because many contain harmful chemicals. Vinegar, baking soda or plain soap and water may be allowed.

• Create classroom rules and expectations for daily student cleaning and organization.
• Emphasize personal hygiene, including washing hands, throwing away soiled tissues, using hand sanitizer when a sink isn’t available and cleaning all spills immediately.
• Encourage keeping their personal space organized and free of clutter.
• If permitted in your school, have 70% alcohol hand sanitizer available, especially if a sink with soap and water isn’t readily available.
• Even if hand sanitizer is used, encourage regular handwashing for students and any adults in the classroom. Hand sanitizers don’t remove dirt, bacteria or viruses from skin.
• Have numerous trash cans for easy access.
• Provide tissue and have paper products available for quick cleaning up.

Reminder: Disinfecting should only be performed by custodial or other school staff. Students should not use chemical disinfectants, and they shouldn’t be in the same room when disinfectants are used. This includes disinfectant wipes.