Wondering how to clean your classroom, or perhaps more importantly, keep it clean? You are not alone. This is something that teachers and cleaners across the country ask themselves. A messy or dirty classroom can have a detrimental impact on both students and staff. Classroom cleaning might seem like a thankless task, but it has huge benefits.
The number of persistently absent pupils is currently on the rise. In the last year, pupils at state schools in England were absent at higher rates than pre-Covid. This includes authorised absences for illness. So tackling classroom cleaning could well play an important part in reducing these statistics by keeping students and teachers healthy.
The Benefits of Classroom Cleaning
Fewer Absences
Keeping on top of cleanliness and hygiene in the classroom is important. The number of sick days for both students and teachers will likely be higher if classrooms are not cleaned regularly. By keeping surfaces clean and hands sanitised all year round, you will help to protect everyone from the spread of germs. Thus preventing sick days, especially from illnesses like seasonal flu.
A Calm Environment
Ensuring that classrooms are clean and organised will help make students’ learning experiences more fulfilling. Pupils will often find that a tidy classroom makes them feel calm and more able to engage with the learning activities.
Less Distraction
You know as well as we do that students can be easily distracted. Working in a classroom that is untidy creates a sense of disorganisation. In turn, this can become a catalyst for disruption. By offering less distractions through tidying your classroom, pupils are more likely to feel able to focus on their work.
Good Habits
Children and young people thrive on routine and good habits. Over the many hours spent together, teachers become role models to their students. One of the ways that you can do this is by modelling professional behaviour through keeping your classroom clean. This not only creates a tranquil environment but also stands pupils in good stead for the future.
How to Clean a Classroom in 5 Steps
- Tidy Desks
It’s always best to start with the easy wins. Keeping desks clean is important and simple to do. A tidy desk leads to increased productivity. So ensure that class always begins with desks clear of any books, stationery and litter.
The best way to do this is to ensure students clear their space at the end of class so you’re ready to begin the next one with no distractions. Try timing pupils, with a prize for the fastest team to clean their desks. Allowing a few minutes at the end of class to clean your classroom is a fun and effective way of keeping desks tidy.
- Dust Furniture
Once desks and work surfaces are clear of any debris, removing dust and dirt is the next step to a pristine classroom. Wipe them down to remove that top layer of dirt to ensure the classroom looks clean. A clean looking classroom or work area plays a huge part in keeping up morale. Poor classroom cleanliness plays a part in students’ feelings of anxiety and stress.
Microfibre cloths are perfect for cleaning any type of surface and are ideal for dusting as they can be used dry. Clean your classroom by removing dust to help people with asthma, allergies or respiratory issues. Microfibre cloths are an essential classroom cleaning product as they have a unique ability to collect not just dirt but dust too.
- Disinfect Surfaces
Disinfecting surfaces eliminates potential viruses and bacteria. This greatly reduces the risk of students and teachers becoming ill and being absent from the classroom. Staying healthy is important for everyone. Not least to ensure your pupils receive the education they deserve.
In order to reduce the risk of anyone becoming unwell, disinfectant wipes should be used to clean your classroom. Wipe over all surfaces which are touched regularly including door handles. Alternatively, you could use blue roll and a quality anti-virus surface spray.
- Dispose of Rubbish
Rubbish builds up quickly in a classroom. From empty drinks bottles to concealed crisp packets to chewing gum, staying on top of this is vital. No one wants an overflowing bin in the corner of the classroom which can easily start to smell. Therefore, emptying bins and replacing your bin bag at the end of each day should be a high priority.
- Finish with the Floor
The final step should be to sweep, vacuum, or mop the floors, depending on the surface. Once all the other cleaning has been done, debris and dirt can often end up on the floor. This is why it’s important that this is last on your checklist.
From pencil shavings to muddy footprints, the floor definitely needs a good clean every day. Hoover up any loose dirt before mopping if necessary. If not kept on top of, floors can quickly become filthy so take the time to ensure this is taken care of.
Tips for Keeping a Classroom Clean
The best way to clean your classroom is to make it the job of everyone, not just classroom cleaners. In addition, here are a few extra tips keeping your classroom clean and hygienic:
- Educating your students on proper hand washing to help keep germs out of the classroom.
- Clean objects that you might not initially think of, such as keyboards, tablets and shared stationery. These can harbour an incredible amount of germs and grime.
- Stay stocked up on cleaning supplies. Paper hand towels, hand sanitizer and tissues will always come in handy in your classroom.
The Importance of Classroom Cleaning
In conclusion, maintaining a clean classroom factors into a productive and healthy education environment. Not only does it impact the students’ learning experience but it also plays an important role in keeping everyone healthy. By maintaining high levels of cleanliness, you can rest assured that you are doing your bit to keep pupils in school.
Galleon Supplies have an amazing range of cleaning supplies to help you clean your classroom. Explore these today and find all the products mentioned in this article plus many more.
