In today’s environment, maintaining a clean and healthy school is more important than ever. From classrooms and cafeterias to gyms and restrooms, every corner of a school can harbor germs, bacteria, and allergens that impact student and staff wellness.

Whether you're a facility manager, school administrator, or part of a janitorial crew, this guide will walk you through the best practices, cleaning schedules, and top-rated products to keep your school safe, sanitized, and welcoming year-round.

Why School Cleanliness Matters

1. Health and Safety

A clean school environment reduces the risk of illness outbreaks, including colds, flu, stomach viruses, and more serious infections like MRSA. Proper sanitation helps reduce absenteeism among students and staff, directly supporting learning outcomes.

2. Student Performance

Studies have shown that students perform better in clean, organized environments. Dust, mold, and poor air quality can trigger allergies or respiratory issues, making it harder for students to focus.

3. First Impressions and Community Trust

Clean schools send a strong message to parents and the community — showing that administrators care about safety, responsibility, and professionalism.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning and Sanitizing a School

Step 1: Start With a Cleaning Plan

A strong cleaning and disinfecting schedule is the backbone of a healthy school. This should include:

• Daily tasks (trash removal, restroom cleaning, floor sweeping)

• Weekly deep cleans (disinfecting high-touch areas, wiping down equipment)

• Monthly or seasonal maintenance (carpet shampooing, HVAC filter replacement)

Tip: Use color-coded cleaning charts and checklists to standardize tasks and prevent cross-contamination.

Step 2: Use the Right Cleaning and Disinfecting Products

Cleaning is not the same as disinfecting. Cleaning removes dirt and debris. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces. To keep your school healthy, both are necessary.

Here are the top product categories every school should stock, along with trusted brands available at JPro Supplies:

1. All-Purpose Cleaners

Used for desks, counters, windows, and general surfaces.

• Top Brands: 3M, Clorox, Simple Green

• Example: Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner with Bleach – great for killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on nonporous surfaces.

2. Disinfectant Sprays and Wipes

Ideal for doorknobs, desks, keyboards, and shared surfaces.

• Top Brands: Clorox, Lysol, 3M

• Example: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes – safe for use in classrooms and offices with quick-drying, effective action.

3. Restroom Cleaners

Targeted cleaning for toilets, sinks, floors, and tiles.

• Top Brands: Betco, SC Johnson Professional, Georgia-Pacific

• Example: Betco Green Earth Peroxide Cleaner – effective, eco-friendly solution for restroom surfaces.

4. Floor Care Products

Maintaining clean floors reduces slip hazards and enhances appearance.

• Top Brands: Rubbermaid Commercial, 3M, Zep

• Example: 3M Neutral Floor Cleaner – safe for daily use on tile, linoleum, and sealed wood.

5. Paper Products & Hand Hygiene

Support personal hygiene with well-stocked dispensers and supplies.

• Top Brands: Georgia-Pacific, Kimberly-Clark, Tork

• Must-Haves:

  • Touch-free paper towel dispensers

  • Bulk hand sanitizer stations

  • High-capacity toilet tissue dispensers

6. Trash Bags & Liners

Durable, leak-proof liners for various waste streams (general, recycling, biohazard).

• Top Brands: Genuine Joe, Rubbermaid Commercial

Step 3: Identify and Sanitize High-Touch Surfaces

Germs spread fast in schools. Focus on disinfecting high-touch points at least once per day, more frequently during flu season or outbreaks.

High-Touch Hotspots:

• Doorknobs and handles

• Light switches

• Desks and chairs

• Water fountains

• Computer keyboards and mice

• Shared supplies (e.g., markers, manipulatives)

• Handrails and elevator buttons

• Cafeteria trays and tables

Best Practice: Use EPA-registered disinfectants and follow dwell times on labels to ensure germs are fully eradicated.

Step 4: Maintain Healthy Restrooms

Restrooms are a hotspot for germs and odors. Cleaning teams should inspect and clean multiple times per day depending on student volume.

Daily Restroom Checklist:

• Refill soap, paper towels, and toilet paper (use Georgia-Pacific dispensers for high capacity)

• Disinfect toilets, urinals, sinks, and fixtures

• Wipe mirrors and counters

• Mop floors with disinfectant

• Empty trash and sanitary waste bins

Step 5: Promote Hand Hygiene

Encourage a school-wide hand hygiene policy. This includes:

• Hand washing signs in all restrooms and cafeterias

• Touchless soap dispensers in restrooms and classrooms

• Hand sanitizer stations at entrances, hallways, and gymnasiums

Recommended Products:

• 3M Avagard Instant Hand Antiseptic

• Purell Hand Sanitizer Refills

• Tork Touch-Free Dispensers

Teaching hand hygiene isn’t just the job of teachers—it’s a shared responsibility that includes custodians and administrators.

Step 6: Manage Indoor Air Quality

Healthy air reduces respiratory issues and improves student alertness. Key ways to improve indoor air quality:

• Regularly replace HVAC filters

• Use HEPA vacuums to trap dust and allergens

• Schedule air duct cleanings annually

• Consider adding air purifiers to high-traffic areas

Step 7: Use Safe, Eco-Friendly Products

More schools are adopting green cleaning programs. Using eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaners benefits students and staff with allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities.

Look for:

• Green Seal® certified products

• Biodegradable or low-VOC formulations

• Fragrance-free or natural fragrance options

Top Eco Brands at JPro Supplies:

• Betco Green Earth®

• SC Johnson Professional

• Seventh Generation Professional

Additional School Cleaning Tips

• Train your janitorial team regularly: Keep them up to date with CDC and EPA guidelines for disinfection and PPE.

• Schedule seasonal deep cleans: Use winter/summer breaks to clean windows, steam carpets, strip/wax floors, and disinfect lockers.

• Keep detailed cleaning logs: These can help with inspections, transparency, and accountability.

• Use appropriate PPE: Always use gloves and eye protection when handling strong disinfectants.

Emergency Cleaning Protocols

For sickness outbreaks, spills, or accidents, schools should have an emergency cleaning kit that includes:

• Disposable gloves

• Biohazard disposal bags

• Hospital-grade disinfectant

• Absorbent materials

• Instructions for cleanup

Tip: Use Rubbermaid Commercial janitor carts to keep supplies organized and mobile.

Why Buy School Cleaning Supplies from JPro Supplies?

At JPro Supplies, we make it easy for schools to access everything they need to maintain a clean, compliant, and healthy environment. We offer:

• Bulk pricing for school districts

• Top brands like 3M, Clorox, Rubbermaid, Georgia-Pacific, and more

• Fast shipping and reliable service

• Eco-friendly options for green-certified schools

• Customized Facility Maintenance Programs and product catalog support

In Conclusion:

A clean school is a healthy school — and a healthy school is a thriving one. With the right tools, training, and commitment, you can create a safe, welcoming environment that supports learning and well-being for everyone.