With the end of the school year upon us, it’s time to think about keeping your school clean over summer break. Although schools are mostly empty during this time, this doesn’t mean that regular upkeep should be ignored. Ensuring your school remains clean over summer break is key to promoting a healthy, safe environment for students and staff to return to. It also presents an opportunity for deeper, more thorough cleaning that is difficult to complete in the middle of the busy school year. Read on to learn more about the importance of keeping a clean school facility when students are away for summer break.
Preventing Germs and Bacteria
Schools have plenty of large common areas shared by both students and staff. These high-traffic spaces are often hotspots for germs and bacteria, making them essential to address before school is back in session. Deep cleaning over the summer allows janitorial staff to disinfect areas like classrooms, cafeterias, restrooms and staffrooms, preventing harmful pathogens from multiplying and causing illnesses. This proactive approach creates a cleaner, more hygienic environment that helps prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria when students and faculty return.
Extending the Lifespan of Equipment
Summer cleaning provides an opportunity for regular maintenance and upkeep, which helps extend the lifespan of school equipment and facilities. From cleaning air conditioning units to properly maintaining cleaning equipment, the downtime during summer break allows schools to address any wear and tear before it becomes an issue during the school year. Routine maintenance is an all-year-round job, essential to preventing potentially costly replacements and repairs and ensuring schools can rely on their equipment and facilities throughout the school year without interruptions.
Property Upkeep
Maintaining the exterior and surrounding areas of the school is as important as keeping the interior clean. Summer break is the ideal time for tasks like pressure washing the building, deep cleaning windows and maintaining the school grounds. A well-maintained property improves the school’s appearance while ensuring safety by addressing potential hazards on the premises. Investing time during summer break for property upkeep also makes the school a more inviting place for students, staff and visitors.
Floor Maintenance
During the busy school year, the floors see a lot of action. That’s why floor maintenance is crucial during summer cleaning. Hallways and classrooms are especially prone to dirt buildup, scuff marks and worn-out finishes. With the school being mostly empty during summer break, it gives janitorial staff ample time to strip, wax and deep clean the floors to restore their shine. Well-maintained floors are good for aesthetics and health but also for safety and preventing slipping hazards.
Community Perception and School Pride
Keeping a clean school throughout the summer plays a significant role in shaping how the community perceives the school. A school that invests in regular cleaning, even during breaks in the school year, shows its commitment to providing a safe, healthy and productive space for learning. This creates a sense of pride among faculty and students, fostering a shared sense of ownership and responsibility that shines through to visitors. Parents and other members of the community will take notice and trust in the school’s commitment to the well-being of its students and staff.
Getting Ahead of Back-to-School Preparation
Since back to school can be an overwhelming and busy time, cleaning over the summer allows schools to get a head start on back-to-school preparations well before the term starts. With regular cleaning and maintenance, schools don’t have to worry about rushing to clean, complete maintenance or make necessary repairs all at once. Instead, they can focus on organizing classrooms, updating supplies and ensuring everything is in place for when students return. Schools that stay proactive during the summer ensure a smooth back-to-school transition, creating a welcoming environment and setting the tone for a positive, productive year.
Regular cleaning and upkeep are year-round tasks for school, even when there is a pause in the school term. It’s essential to maintaining the health and safety of the school community, as well as ensuring a positive perception. Veritiv Pollock is proud to SOLVE cleaning for schools through comprehensive solutions, including cleaning products, janitorial supplies and floorcare equipment, designed to keep educational facilities hygienic and safe. Partner with Veritiv Pollock today!
