Schools are high-traffic areas where students and staff come together, making them a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. With the relatively recent COVID-19 pandemic, keeping school environments clean and disinfected has become even more critical to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the building.
High-touch surfaces are areas that are frequently touched by multiple people, making them more susceptible to contamination. Examples of high-touch surfaces in schools include door handles, light switches, desks, keyboards, and bathroom fixtures. Proper cleaning and disinfecting of these surfaces can help prevent the spread of illness and keep the school environment healthy for all.
In this blog post, we’ll cover some of the best practices for cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces in schools.
- Develop a cleaning and disinfecting plan
A cleaning and disinfecting plan is crucial to ensure that all high-touch surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Develop a plan that outlines which surfaces need to be cleaned and how often, what cleaning products to use, and the proper cleaning procedures to follow.
- Use the right cleaning and disinfecting products
It’s essential to use the right cleaning and disinfecting products to effectively remove germs and bacteria from high-touch surfaces. Choose products that are effective against the specific pathogens you are trying to prevent, including COVID-19. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and dilution.
- Clean before disinfecting
Cleaning and disinfecting are two different processes. Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt, dust, and debris, while disinfecting refers to the use of chemicals to kill germs and bacteria. It’s important to clean high-touch surfaces before disinfecting them to ensure that the disinfectant can reach the surface and be effective.
- Focus on high-traffic areas
High-traffic areas such as hallways, entryways, and bathrooms should receive extra attention during cleaning and disinfecting. These areas are more likely to be contaminated with germs and bacteria and should be cleaned and disinfected frequently.
- Use proper cleaning techniques
When cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, it’s essential to use proper cleaning techniques to ensure that the surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Use a microfiber cloth or mop to clean surfaces, as they are more effective at removing dirt and bacteria. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and dilution of the cleaning and disinfecting products.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE)
Wear personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks when cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces to protect yourself from exposure to germs and bacteria.
- Establish a regular cleaning and disinfecting schedule
Establish a regular cleaning and disinfecting schedule to ensure that high-touch surfaces are cleaned and disinfected consistently. This schedule should include the frequency of cleaning, the surfaces that need to be cleaned, and the cleaning and disinfecting procedures to follow.
In conclusion, regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces is crucial to maintain a healthy and safe school environment. By developing a cleaning and disinfecting plan, using the right cleaning and disinfecting products, focusing on high-traffic areas, using proper cleaning techniques, wearing personal protective equipment, and establishing a regular cleaning and disinfecting schedule, schools can effectively prevent the spread of illness and keep students and staff safe.