School’s Out for Summer! Time to Deep Clean

Posted by platform81 on June 1, 2017

The summer holidays are one of the few points in the school year when buildings stand empty long enough to carry out thorough deep cleaning work in the school. With pupils and staff off site for several weeks, it is the ideal time to tackle areas that accumulate dirt, bacteria and general wear throughout the academic year but cannot be properly addressed while the school is in use.

Why the Summer Holidays Are the Right Time

During term time, the priority is maintaining a clean and presentable environment day to day. That is a different task from a deep clean. Classrooms, corridors, sports halls and shared facilities are in constant use, which limits what can be done and when. The summer holidays remove those constraints entirely.

With unrestricted access to the building, cleaning teams can work systematically through every area without disrupting lessons or staff. Hard floors can be stripped and resealed. Carpets can be hot water extracted and left to dry fully. Kitchen equipment can be degreased thoroughly. Washrooms can be descaled and disinfected.

None of this is practical to the same standard during a busy school week.

What a School Deep Clean Typically Covers

The scope of a summer deep clean varies depending on the size and type of the school, but most programmes will cover the following areas.

Classrooms and learning spaces

Desks, chairs and hard surfaces are cleaned and disinfected. Hard floors are deep cleaned and, where applicable, stripped and resealed. Carpeted areas are professionally extracted. Skirting boards, ledges and other surfaces that collect dust throughout the year are properly addressed.

Washrooms and changing facilities

Washrooms are descaled, disinfected and thoroughly cleaned throughout, including tiling, fixtures and fittings. Limescale and soap residue that builds up over the course of a year is removed. Changing facilities and any associated shower areas are cleaned to a high standard.

Kitchens and catering areas

School kitchens are subject to specific hygiene requirements and the summer period allows for a more thorough clean than is possible during daily operations. Equipment is degreased, appliances are cleaned behind and beneath, and food preparation surfaces are properly sanitised.

Sports halls and gym spaces

These spaces typically see heavy use throughout the year. A summer deep clean covers sprung floors, climbing equipment, changing rooms and spectator areas, ensuring everything is in good condition before September.

Corridors, entrance areas and communal spaces

High traffic areas accumulate significant dirt and scuffing over an academic year. Hard floor surfaces are cleaned and restored, and entrance areas are brought back to a presentable standard ahead of the return of pupils and visitors.

Compliance and Safeguarding

Schools operate within a specific safeguarding context, and any contractor working on site needs to meet certain requirements. Reputable commercial cleaning companies will employ fully vetted operatives and should be willing to work within your school’s safeguarding and site access policies. It is worth confirming this before appointing a contractor.

Planning Ahead

Summer deep cleans are time-limited by the length of the school holidays, and demand among schools tends to be concentrated in July and August. Getting enquiries in early gives you a better chance of securing your preferred dates and allows time to agree a detailed programme of work before the holidays begin.

Children eating lunch at school with happy expressions.

Looking for School Deep Cleaning in Manchester?

We provide professional deep cleaning services for schools and educational settings across Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Trafford and the wider Greater Manchester area. Whether you are planning a full summer programme or need specific areas of your school addressed before September, we can put together a cleaning schedule to suit your building, your timescales and your budget.

Our operatives are fully vetted and experienced in working within educational environments, and we are happy to liaise with your site manager or business manager to ensure everything runs smoothly.

To find out more or to request a quote, get in touch with the ServiceMaster Manchester team today!

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