How Often Should Classrooms Really Be Cleaned? Why Most Schools Get It Wrong

TL;DR: A proper cleaning schedule is vital for schools to prevent illness, maintain safety, and create an environment where students and staff can perform their best. Daily, weekly, monthly, and termly tasks all play a role in keeping spaces clean, healthy, and compliant.

Key Takeaways:

• Daily and regular cleaning reduces the spread of germs and improves indoor air quality.
• Consistent hygiene practices help lower absenteeism and boost staff satisfaction.
• Clear plans, staff training, and periodic audits are needed to maintain high standards.
• Professional cleaning services can save time and ensure thorough results.

Keeping schools clean isn’t just about ticking boxes for compliance. It’s about protecting students’ health, supporting staff wellbeing, and creating spaces where learning thrives. Yet many schools still rely on outdated cleaning routines that do more harm than good.

If you’ve ever wondered what the recommended school cleaning schedule should look like, or questioned whether your current approach is enough, you’re not alone. You’ll find a clear explanation here of what an effective cleaning schedule involves and why getting it right matters more than ever.

The Hidden Risks of Infrequent Cleaning

While a once-a-day wipe-down might seem adequate, it rarely is. Bacteria and viruses spread rapidly in shared spaces. According to public health experts, high-touch surfaces can harbour germs for up to 48 hours, leading to outbreaks that disrupt learning and increase absenteeism.

Health Impacts on Pupils and Staff

• Respiratory illnesses thrive in dusty, poorly cleaned environments and can spread through the air and surfaces easily, making it harder to stop infections once they start.
• Gastrointestinal bugs can survive on shared desks and canteen tables for hours or days, increasing the likelihood of outbreaks when cleaning is infrequent.
• Allergens build up in carpets and upholstery, which can trigger asthma attacks, worsen allergies, and reduce indoor air quality for everyone in the building.

Even minor illnesses can cause significant learning gaps when students are forced to stay home. For staff, poor cleaning standards can mean more sick days and higher stress levels.

What Are the Legal and Safety Obligations?

Schools have a legal duty to provide a safe environment. This duty covers not only risk assessments and building maintenance but also maintaining hygiene standards in classrooms, corridors, toilets, and communal areas to prevent illness and promote wellbeing.

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and COSHH regulations require regular cleaning schedules that minimise risks from hazardous substances, set out clear expectations for risk assessments, and require schools to document how cleaning will be carried out and monitored in practice.

While there is no single law prescribing a precise timetable, public sector guidance recommends a structured, thorough cleaning routine that includes clear expectations, record keeping, and documented procedures to demonstrate compliance and protect everyone using the building.

Recommended School Cleaning Schedule Overview

An effective schedule includes daily, weekly, monthly, and termly tasks:

• Daily: Vacuum or mop floors to remove dirt and dust. Disinfect desks and worktops to prevent germs spreading between students. Clean toilets thoroughly, wipe high-touch points like handles and switches, and empty bins to avoid odours and contamination.
• Weekly: Wash windows and internal glass surfaces to improve light and cleanliness. Deep-clean carpets to remove embedded dirt and allergens. Wipe walls and ventilation grilles to reduce dust. Clean behind and under furniture to remove hidden debris.
• Monthly: Disinfect storage areas, including shelves and containers, to remove bacteria. Deep-clean kitchens by sanitising all work surfaces and equipment. Steam-clean upholstery to keep fabric surfaces clean and hygienic.
• Termly or Quarterly: Reseal hard floors to protect surfaces and extend their lifespan. Deep-clean gymnasiums and sports equipment to remove sweat, bacteria, and dust. Service heating and cooling units to maintain air quality. Clean and reorganise supplies cupboards to ensure hygiene and efficient storage.

Signs Your School Needs a More Frequent Cleaning Schedule

Even if you have a routine in place, it might not be effective in practice. A cleaning schedule can look good on paper but still fail to deliver results if staff lack training, checks are inconsistent, or tasks are skipped. Watch out for:

• Persistent odours, especially in toilets and kitchens, which can indicate that bacteria and waste are not being removed properl
• Sticky floors or visible residue on surfaces that show cleaning products are either not used correctly or not used often enough
• Clusters of illness spreading through classrooms, suggesting germs are present on desks, handles, and other shared surfaces
• Dust accumulating on skirting boards and window ledges, creating poor air quality and attracting pests
• Complaints from staff or parents about cleanliness that highlight a lack of confidence in hygiene standards

If you notice any of these, your cleaning schedule isn’t meeting the recommended standards. To learn more on managing waste and maintaining hygiene during busy events, see How to Manage Waste and Sanitation at Events.

How Cleanliness Supports Learning

A clean environment supports concentration, reduces distractions, and helps students develop positive habits. Clean classrooms can reduce absenteeism by up to 46% because fewer germs circulate. A hygienic environment improves focus and behaviour by removing odours and clutter. Cleaner schools report higher staff retention and satisfaction because employees feel respected, safe, and able to do their jobs.

How to Build a Sustainable School Cleaning Routine

Effective cleaning is about consistency, training, and accountability. It requires clear planning, clear expectations, and regular checks to confirm that tasks are carried out properly. Here’s what works:

Develop a Clear Checklist

Each area should have a checklist detailing what gets cleaned, how often it is done, and which cleaning products are used. It should also note who is responsible for each task and when it was last completed. This makes it easy to track compliance, maintain accountability, and spot any gaps in the process.

Train Staff Thoroughly

Your cleaning team must be trained in all the essential procedures. They should understand the proper use of disinfectants so that surfaces are cleaned thoroughly and safely. They also need to follow colour-coded cloth protocols to prevent cross-contamination from one area to another. Staff should be familiar with the safe handling and storage of chemicals to protect themselves and everyone in the building.

Schedule Regular Deep Cleans

Don’t rely solely on term breaks. Schedule quarterly deep cleans during weekends or inset days so classrooms, halls, and shared spaces can be cleaned thoroughly without disrupting lessons or activities. These sessions should include all areas that daily cleaning cannot fully address.

Audit and Update

Review your cleaning procedures every term to keep them relevant and effective. As your school grows or changes, your cleaning needs will also evolve and may require adjustments to schedules, staffing, or equipment.

If you want a deeper look at strategies to keep your school hygienic, visit Best Practices for Maintaining Hygiene in Schools.

Why Choose LZH Cleaning Group for Your School?

At this point, you might be wondering: can we really manage this in-house? Many schools find it more effective and cost-efficient to bring in professionals. Here’s why so many schools choose us:

• Education Specialists: We understand the unique cleaning requirements of nurseries, primary, secondary, and special schools.
• DBS-Checked Teams: All our staff are fully vetted for your peace of mind.
• Flexible Scheduling: We work around your timetable to minimise disruption.
• Eco-Friendly Products: We use safe, sustainable cleaning solutions.
• Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or surprises.

With LZH Cleaning Group, you can trust that every surface is cleaned to the highest standards, every time. Explore our Events Cleaning Services for tailored solutions that keep your school spotless after large gatherings.

Book a Free Cleaning Assessment Today

Ready to see the difference professional cleaning makes? Our team can visit your school to assess your needs, recommend a tailored cleaning plan, and answer any questions you have.

Book your free, no-obligation cleaning assessment with LZH Cleaning Group today.

Call us or Enquire Online to get started.

Let’s build a cleaner, healthier school together.