As an educator or school facility manager, maintaining a welcoming and hygienic environment is essential for student well-being. Beyond teaching responsibilities, keeping the classroom clean plays a crucial role in minimizing the spread of germs, especially during peak cold and flu seasons.
Health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend practical steps to prevent illnesses in educational spaces. Based on their guidance, we’ve compiled a classroom cleaning checklist to help you keep your learning space fresh, organized, and safe.
Daily Classroom Cleaning TipsMaintaining a consistently clean classroom may feel overwhelming, but incorporating small, simple habits throughout the day can significantly reduce the presence of germs.
Here are a few daily strategies to promote a healthier classroom:

• Sanitize frequently touched surfaces like desks, door handles, shared school supplies, and light switches using a disinfectant solution.
• Ensure cleaning essentials are accessible—keep disinfectant wipes, tissues, and hand sanitizer within easy reach for both students and staff.
• Utilize touch-free waste bins to minimize direct contact with germs and bacteria.
• Encourage proper handwashing habits among students, reinforcing the importance of hygiene.
• Stay home if you’re feeling unwell to prevent the spread of infections.
• Monitor student health—if a child shows symptoms of illness, encourage them to visit the school nurse and rest at home until fully recovered.

Weekly Classroom Cleaning ChecklistClassrooms contain numerous high-touch areas where germs can spread rapidly. From desks and shared supplies to technology and books, keeping these spaces sanitized is crucial for a healthier learning environment.
Use this weekly cleaning checklist to minimize germs in your classroom:

• Disinfect high-contact surfaces such as desks, chairs, door handles, and common play areas.
• Clean electronic devices like computer keyboards, classroom tablets, and phones with safe, approved disinfecting wipes.
• Vacuum carpets and mop floors regularly to eliminate dust, dirt, and bacteria, especially in high-traffic zones like hallways and gym areas. Check with custodial staff to confirm if floor cleaning is included in routine janitorial services.
• Dispose of waste properly—discard used tissues, paper towels, and cleaning rags promptly to prevent bacterial buildup. Wash hands immediately after handling trash to reduce contamination risks.

Consider Professional Cleaning ServicesBy addressing minor cleaning tasks daily and more thorough cleaning weekly, your classroom can remain a fresh, sanitary space throughout the school year. However, larger cleaning projects—such as deep cleaning cafeterias, gymnasiums, or post-construction areas—often require professional assistance. Expert cleaning teams can ensure that every space within your school meets high hygiene standards, providing a safer environment for students and staff.