Cleaning and Disinfecting Schools to Prevent Disease Spread

Schools are prime areas for viral infections due to the close contact among students and staff and the frequent sharing of objects. Maintaining cleanliness and proper hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of diseases like COVID-19. Implementing effective cleaning and disinfecting practices can help create a safer environment for everyone.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting

Understanding the difference between cleaning and disinfecting is essential:

• Cleaning: This process involves the physical removal of dirt, germs, and impurities from surfaces using soap and water. Cleaning doesn't necessarily kill germs but reduces their number and the risk of spreading infection.

• Disinfecting: This process involves using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. Disinfecting doesn't necessarily clean dirty surfaces, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further reduce the risk of spreading infection.

Both cleaning and disinfecting are important steps in preventing the spread of infectious diseases in schools.

Effective Practices for Cleaning and Disinfecting Schools

To effectively clean and disinfect schools, follow these best practices:

Routine Cleaning and Disinfecting:

• Focus on high-touch areas such as doorknobs, desks, light switches, computer keyboards, faucet handles, and learning materials.

• Clean visibly dirty surfaces immediately. For example, if there is spilled food or a mess, clean it promptly to prevent the spread of germs.

• Disinfect high-touch areas daily to kill any lingering germs.

Follow Instructions:

• Use EPA-approved disinfectants that are effective against SARS-CoV-2.

• Carefully follow the directions on product labels, including proper dilution, application methods, and contact time required to kill germs.

• Ensure that surfaces are cleaned with soap and water before applying disinfectants.

Hand Hygiene:

• Encourage regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing one's nose, coughing, sneezing, or using the restroom.

• Provide hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol in classrooms, hallways, and other common areas.

Proper Waste Handling:

• Wear gloves when handling waste to prevent accidental contact with contaminated items.

• Dispose of used tissues, cleaning supplies, and other waste immediately in designated bins.

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling waste.

Establish a Routine:

• Create a cleaning and disinfecting schedule that ensures regular attention to high-touch areas and communal spaces such as cafeterias, restrooms, and playgrounds.

• Ensure that cleaning staff are trained in proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques and that they have access to the necessary supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Conclusion

Maintaining cleanliness and proper hygiene in schools is essential for preventing the spread of diseases like COVID-19. By understanding how COVID-19 spreads, differentiating between cleaning and disinfecting, and following effective practices, schools can create a safer environment for students, staff, and the broader community.

Regularly cleaning and disinfecting high-touch areas, encouraging good hand hygiene, and handling waste properly are key steps in this effort. Establishing a routine for these practices will help ensure that schools remain clean and safe, reducing the risk of infections and promoting a healthy learning environment.

Related

• Clean Schools: Kindergartens vs. High Schools
• Importance of Hiring Commercial Cleaners for Schools
• Benefits of Hiring Commercial Cleaners for Schools
• Some Crucial Elements of Cleaning Schools
• 6 Steps for Superb School Cleaning

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