The Benefits of a School Cleaning Checklist

A clean school is about more than just aesthetics. Building cleanliness and condition directly affects student outcomes and impacts staff mental health. 

According to a report from the Environmental Protection Agency, poorly maintained facilities lower academic performance, while those in good condition improve outcomes.

Maintaining a clean and safe environment is critical for schools. It ensures the health and well-being of students and staff. 

School cleaning checklists help facilities teams streamline and improve building maintenance. They structure regular cleaning tasks, ensuring all areas get addressed effectively. 

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of school cleaning checklists, their key components, and how facilities management software can optimize the process.

What are school cleaning checklists?

School cleaning checklists are a lot like their name implies. They’re cleaning checklists for staff to organize and track cleaning tasks. 

These documents outline specific cleaning duties required for different areas of a school, including classrooms, restrooms, cafeterias, and common spaces. 

Why are school cleaning checklists important?

A school cleaning checklist creates a consistent framework for staff to use when completing tasks. They are part of effective school operations management and provide a number of benefits: 

Health and safety

A well-maintained school environment reduces the risk of spreading germs, bacteria, and viruses. This is especially vital during flu seasons or pandemics. Cleanliness directly impacts the health of students and staff. According to a study conducted on elementary schools, clean environments reduced student absenteeism by 14%.

Consistency 

Schools can be large with many different areas that all need regular cleaning and maintenance. Checklists ensure that no area is overlooked, creating a more efficient and effective task list for staff.

Compliance

To remain operational, schools must meet local health regulations and standards. Cleaning checklists help schools adhere to these requirements, avoid fines, and ensure a safe learning environment.

Efficiency

By organizing cleaning tasks into manageable segments, checklists streamline operations and help facilities staff work more efficiently. They reduce risk and eliminate duplicating efforts.

Asset longevity

Regular cleaning aids school asset management practices, extending the lifespan of desks, flooring, and other critical assets. This proactive approach reduces long-term maintenance costs.

What to include in your school cleaning checklist

There are many areas of the school that need to be included in your master cleaning checklist. These also should be broken into time-based recurring sections. Some things to include: 

Daily cleaning tasks

• Empty trash cans
• Wipe down desks and high-touch surfaces
• Sweep or vacuum floors
• Clean and disinfect toilets sinks, and mirrors
• Restock supplies
• Empty trash
• Disinfect door handles, light switches, and railings

Weekly cleaning tasks

• Dust surfaces, including shelves and light fixtures
• Vacuum and deep clean carpets
• Mop hard floors with disinfectant

Monthly cleaning tasks

• Wash windows and glass partitions
• Clean air vents and filters
• Polish hard floors and deep clean carpets

Seasonal cleaning tasks

• Before winter: Clean heating systems and inspect for maintenance management needs
• Spring preparation: Pressure wash outdoor areas, inspect playgrounds, and clean gutters

The school cleaning checklist process

Planning

Start by identifying school-specific cleaning needs. Weigh facility size, number of students, and area needs. Use your FCA and set clear goals for maintaining cleanliness.

Implementation

Assign tasks to custodial staff and distribute the cleaning checklists. Provide training on best practices and the importance of following the checklists.

Monitoring and evaluation

Review the completion of cleaning tasks regularly. Conduct periodic inspections to assess school cleanliness and identify areas for improvement.

Updating the checklist

Adjust the checklist as needed based on feedback, changes to the facility, or updated health guidelines.

Printable school cleaning checklists

Here are some sample checklists for your use:

How facilities management software aids school cleaning checklists

Leading facilities management software can ease the school cleaning checklist process. These software applications automate and streamline their creation and monitoring. Here’s how:

Task management

Facilities management software for schools automatically assigns and allows users to track cleaning tasks. Custodial staff receives notifications and updates to aid their workflows.

Documentation

Digital records of completed tasks help schools maintain a transparent cleaning history. This is especially useful during outside inspections.

Reporting

Generate detailed reports on cleaning performance and identify improvement areas. These insights can guide improvements in cleaning practices.

Scheduling

Easily plan and schedule recurring tasks. Seasonal cleaning needs can be programmed in advance to avoid missing them.

Why use FMX for school cleaning checklists?

FMX offers comprehensive solutions for managing school cleaning checklists and facilities maintenance. Its user-friendly platform allows schools to:

• Create cleaning schedules
• Track task completion in real time
• Maintain compliance with health and safety standards
• Generate actionable insights through reporting tools

By leveraging FMX, schools can ensure a clean, safe, and efficient environment for students and staff.