Schools require a higher level of cleanliness considering the influx of people on a daily basis. Although schools are cleaned regularly, there may be some areas that are overlooked that have the potential to be germ hotspots
In this blog, we will discuss the question ‘How clean are schools really? Addressing the biggest hygiene gaps.’
Sentrex Services stands as a leading provider of comprehensive cleaning and hygiene solutions, serving a vast region from the Northwest to the Southeast of England. With a dedicated team of over 600 professionals, we deliver bespoke cleaning services tailored to the unique needs of each commercial client.
What are the health risks if schools are not cleaned properly?
Missing crucial cleaning needs in schools, beyond just daily wiping, carries significant health risks for both pupils and staff. In the aftermath of COVID-19, it is especially needed, not only to prevent further outbreaks, but to keep children, staff and visitors alike, safe
Here are the associated health risks with not cleaning schools properly :
Increased transmission of infectious diseases:
Persistent pathogens:
Surfaces that are rarely deep-cleaned (like the undersides of desks, high ledges, or neglected grout) become reservoirs for bacteria, viruses (e.g., flu, norovirus, common cold), and fungi.
While daily cleaning might remove visible dirt, these hidden areas allow pathogens to survive and re-contaminate frequently touched surfaces, leading to continuous cycles of illness.
Fungal and bacterial growth:
Areas that retain moisture, such as uncleaned gym mats or neglected washroom grout, become ideal breeding grounds for fungi (like those causing athlete’s foot) and various bacteria, increasing the risk of skin infections and other ailments.
Respiratory problems and allergies:
Accumulated allergens:
Dust, pollen, mould spores, and pet dander (brought in on clothing) accumulate on neglected high surfaces, in carpets, and within poorly maintained HVAC ducts. When disturbed, these become airborne irritants.
Asthma and allergies:
For children and staff with asthma or allergies, exposure to these accumulated allergens can trigger attacks, worsen symptoms, and lead to chronic respiratory issues, impacting their ability to breathe comfortably and concentrate.
Poor air quality:
Beyond visible dust, inadequate cleaning of ventilation systems allows airborne particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products (if not used properly), and even fine particulate matter from outside to circulate. This “stale” and contaminated air can cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and long-term respiratory damage, especially in developing lungs.
Skin and eye irritations:
Direct contact with contaminants:
Touching surfaces laden with dust, grime, or lingering residues from improper cleaning can lead to skin rashes, dryness, and eye irritation, particularly for sensitive individuals.
Fungal and bacterial skin infections:
Unsanitised gym equipment and changing room floors are direct sources for the transmission of fungal infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm, as well as bacterial skin infections.
Impact on cognitive function and well-being:
Indirect health effects:
While not direct illness, the discomfort caused by poor air quality (e.g., stuffiness, strong odours) or visible grime can lead to headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, indirectly affecting pupils’ cognitive function and academic performance.
Stress and anxiety:
Learning and working in an environment perceived as unclean or neglected can contribute to increased stress and anxiety levels for both pupils and staff, affecting their overall mental well-being and sense of safety.
Are schools really clean? Are there big hygiene gaps?
For the most part, most if not all schools are, at the very least, aesthetically clean. But that is not enough. Cleaning, especially in schools, has to be beyond the simple eye test. This is because schools are not only responsible for children’s education, but their safety too, this includes keeping them safe from any illness that can develop in the school due to hygiene gaps.
Here is a look at some key areas that are often overlooked:
Furnishings in the school
One key area is the physical fabric of the building and its furnishings. While desks might get wiped, the undersides of desks and chairs, often covered in dried chewing gum or grime, are rarely tackled.
Similarly, areas behind or under bins, especially in classrooms or common areas, can accumulate hidden dirt and bacteria even after the bins are emptied. Skirting boards, door frames, and high-level surfaces like the tops of cupboards or window ledges also frequently get missed in daily routines, allowing dust, allergens, and microbes to build up.
Another significant gap lies in specialised equipment and non-standard surfaces. Gym equipment, including mats, weights, and even the sports hall floor itself, can harbour sweat, fungi (like those causing athlete’s foot), and bacteria if not regularly disinfected with appropriate solutions. In older schools, certain types of flooring, such as worn lino or porous tiles, can be harder to truly sanitise compared to modern, sealed surfaces.
Similarly, shared electronic equipment like interactive whiteboards, tablets, or even shared headphones in ICT suites might get a quick wipe, but a thorough, frequent disinfection of all contact points is often overlooked.
Public toilet behaviour
Another subtle but prevalent issue revolves around pupil behaviour and the state of toilet facilities. Research indicates a significant number of UK primary and secondary school children avoid using school toilets due to perceived poor hygiene standards – issues like dirty seats, unflushed toilets, and lack of soap or toilet paper.
This avoidance can lead to health problems like dehydration and urinary tract infections, and impact concentration due to discomfort. Despite teachers’ awareness, consistent upkeep and resourcing of these facilities throughout the school day remain a challenge, reflecting a gap in continuous monitoring and immediate response.
Common fixtures being overlooked
Finally, the deep cleaning and maintenance of often-forgotten fixtures present a challenge. Things like light switches, power sockets, and even fire extinguishers (which accumulate dust) are high-touch points that can be easily missed.
Grout lines in washrooms, which can harbour mould and bacteria despite floor mopping, often require dedicated attention that goes beyond daily cleaning. Similarly, the internal components of vending machines in dining areas or staff rooms are frequently overlooked, despite constant interaction and potential for food residue.
These areas require a systematic, less frequent but more intensive cleaning approach that can easily be missed amidst day-to-day pressures.
School cleaning with Sentrex
Sentrex Services stands as a leading provider of comprehensive cleaning and hygiene solutions, serving a vast region from the Northwest to the Southeast of England. With a dedicated team of over 600 professionals, we deliver bespoke cleaning services tailored to the unique needs of each commercial client.
Protect your staff, warehouse stock, and your reputation. Contact Sentrex for expert warehouse cleaning solutions that meet the highest hygiene standards.
At Sentrex, we prioritise commercial, industrial, and specialist cleaning services. Our services aren’t just a standard once-over, we ensure a comprehensive and individually tailored approach perfect for any site.
In this blog, we’ve hoped to have answered the question ‘How clean are schools really? Addressing the biggest hygiene gaps. Whilst also providing supplementary information about the benefits of our professional services.
Our commitment to fair pricing, environmental sustainability, and personalised service sets us apart. We prioritise quality through rigorous control measures, including monthly audits with advanced software, real-time management via iPads, and an automated time and attendance system.
As members of esteemed trade bodies, we adhere to the highest industry standards. Beyond core cleaning, we offer a full suite of soft and hard FM services, ensuring comprehensive building maintenance. Want to know if our services apply to your business or site? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to secure a superior clean.
