Schools are being forced to check their cleaning procedures closely for reopening. Schools, as well other businesses are battling with the global spread and long-term lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Administrators are facing the decisions of if, when, and how they can deep-clean their school facilities to prevent more exposure of the student and staff to the virus. Melbourne is one of the many developing districts in the country where deep cleaning is required for school buildings to reduce the spread of the novel COVID-19 pandemic caused by a coronavirus.

Recently, the government announced the introduction of the stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne, which calls for residents and businesses to sit up and put things in order to further protect their environments, especially home and public places like schools, offices, and much more.

School deep cleaning encompasses cleaning and disinfecting a school building from floor to ceiling, while regular cleaning is done on high traffic areas and surfaces in the buildings. Some schools temporarily close off to perform deep cleaning by hiring third-party cleaning companies for the task. Other schools are doing the cleaning on the weekend and with their workers.

However, this period need for school cleaning is purposeful and targeted at preventing deadly virus – COVID-19 and should be handled by professionals.

Why Deep Cleaning?

There have been a lot of talks on how long the coronavirus can survive on hard surfaces, and many of us believe it can stay for very long. It develops well on people’s bodies but not out on hard surfaces. Since there is no clarity to it, this may be why most schools are going for deep cleaning.

A deep cleaning may be a deciding factor as to whether a school will remain open or closed even though closing down school doesn’t really guarantee the virus will be eliminated. Based on the report from the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there has not been any record that shows that COVID-19 has been transmitted from virus-contaminated surfaces to people.

School should know the need to properly clean and disinfect school buildings to ensure students’ safety and adults: observing regular environmental cleaning. Regular cleaning often touched surfaces like countertops doorknobs, light switches, and so on with dedicated cleaners is advisable. Make sure all cleaning products are used as described on the label. Get disposable wipes for students and staff for wiping down highly touched surfaces such as desks, keyboards, mouse, remote controls, and so on.

Deep cleaning your School – what you should know

The reopening of public places such as school requires cleaning and disinfection to reduce the risk of being exposed to coronavirus, and involve proper planning. Each Australian residents (especially Melbourne residents that are currently on Stage 4 Lockdown) has been asked to lower the spread of COVID-19 by observing social distancing and prevention hygiene, like washing hands frequently and wearing if facial masks. We all have a role to play in order to make sure our communities are safe enough to consider reopening and leaving it open.

School, business, home, and workplace cleaning and disinfection will involve:

• Planning
• Implementation, and
• Maintenance and revision

Using the right cleaning products can kill the virus that caused COVID-19. There has been a list of EPA disinfectant products that can be used to tackle COVID-19, such as concentrates, sprays, and wipes. Each product has been tried and confirmed to be potent against viruses that are difficult to kill than those that cause COVID-19.

How to go about cleaning and disinfection in schools or home

1. Identify what needs to be cleaned

Some surfaces don’t need more than soap and water to be cleaned. For instance, not-often touched surfaces and objects should be cleaned and don’t need extra disinfection. Also, do not apply disinfectants on objects used by children, particularly those that they might put in their mouths. Most disinfectants, when swallowed, become toxic. We recommend using only soap and water to clean toys and other children’s items during home cleaning.

How to go about cleaning and disinfection in schools or home

You will be able to discover the surfaces and items that require regular cleaning with the following questions:

 

• Is it an exterior area?

 

Normal routine cleaning is generally enough for outdoor areas and no need for disinfection. There is no efficiency in the use of disinfectant products when sprayed on exterior areas and also has not been proven to limit the spread of COVID-19 in public areas. Continue with the current cleaning routine and hygiene practices for exterior parts. You can effectively, efficiently, and safely use disinfectants on targeted frequently touched surfaces and objects in addition to interior parts of the building. There may be additional requirements by specific outdoor areas and facilities like restaurants and bars.

 

 

• Has the area not been used for the last 7 days?

 

You only need normal regular cleaning to open your school, workplace, or business that has not been used for a week or more. This is because coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has not been proven to survive on surfaces for this longer period. COVID-19 is not the only public health issue that has to be considered when reopening public spaces that have been shut for long periods. For instance, be sure that the water system of your building is safe. You don’t really need to clean ventilation systems, you need just routine maintenance, as one of the measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. In a nutshell, if your school has not been in operation in last the one week or more, you may not need disinfection but “DEEP CLEANING.” But for the purpose of current outbreak of COVID-19, should consider School COVID Deep Cleaning and Disinfection.

 

2. Identify what needs to be disinfected

Alongside your regular cleaning, you can disinfect surfaces and objects that are often touched with a product from the list of effective products against COVID-19 that are approved by EPA.

You will be able to choose the perfect disinfectants for your use by asking these questions:

• What type of surface or material are you cleaning or disinfecting, hard and non-porous? 

Check the list of effective products against COVID-19 as approved by EPA. You will be able to figure out the perfect disinfectant for the surface or object. If right for the surface or object, you can make use of diluted bleach solutions used on one. Note the personal protective equipment that may be required for the safe application of the disinfectant and the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding any extra hazards.

Keep all disinfectants away from children’s reach. Kindly check the CDC’s website on how to properly clean and disinfect for further details and precautions. The following are an example of surfaces and objects that are often touched that will require routine disinfection before and after reopening:

• light switches,
• phones tables,
• keyboards,
• touch screens,
• doorknobs,
• countertops,
• handles,
• desks,
• toilets,
• faucets and sinks,
• gas pump handles, and
• ATM machines, if available.

There are different surfaces and objects frequently accessed and touched by many people at each business or facility; properly disinfect these surfaces and objects.

• Are the materials you want to clean soft and porous or things like rugs, carpet, or seating in areas?

Disinfecting soft and porous materials is more difficult than hard and non-porous surfaces and materials. You can find a few numbers of approved products for soft and porous materials disinfection with the EPA. You can just clean or launder not-often touched soft and porous materials, sticking to the instructions stated on the item’s label, and with warmest proper water setting.

3. Take a look at the Required Resources and Equipment 

Always make sure cleaning products and the right PPE are available. Put on gloves that are perfect for the chemicals you are using for a scheduled cleaning and disinfecting. Stick to the instruction stated on the label of the disinfectant for extra PPE needs. In certain situations, there may be a need for specialized personnel with special training and equipment before certain disinfectants like fogs or fumigants can be applied. Check the CDC’s website for community facilities cleaning and disinfection and further information on the right PPE needed for cleaning and disinfection.

4. Implement your Plan

Taking action is next to planning. Go through the entire instructions from the manufacturer for the exact cleaning and disinfection products you plan to use. Wear your gloves as well as other essential personal protective equipment (PPE) to start the cleaning and disinfecting process.

Follow these tips:

• Use soap and water to clean visibly dirty surfaces

Use soap and water to clean surfaces and objects before disinfection. Always put on the right gloves for the chemicals you are using for normal cleaning and disinfecting. Follow strictly the instructions stated on the label of the disinfectant product for extra PPE requirements. Do not forget to wash your hands thoroughly using soap and water after cleaning. Soft porous materials such as office seating, carpets, and area rugs should be cleaned or laundered. Follow the manufacturer’s laundry instructions for materials and use the possible warmest temperature and completely dry items.

• Use the proper cleaning or disinfectant product

Disinfectants that are approved by the EPA are effective when used against COVID-19 if applied as instructed by the manufacturer. Read and follow the instructions stated on the label for every cleaning and disinfection products for dilution, concentration, contact time, application method, and any other special application considerations.

• Always follow the instructions on the label

In order to ensure safe and effective use of the cleaning and disinfection product, be sure to follow the instructions. Keeping the surface wet for a certain period is recommended by many product labels. You will also find precautions like putting on gloves and allowing for much ventilation while using the product on the label. Take all disinfection products away from children’s reach.

Is Deep Cleaning Effective against COVID-19? 

Understanding SARS-Cov-2 that causes COVID-19 will require a lot of time and study, just like any new developing virus. This has confused many people as regard the amount of time the virus stays on surfaces. As of the time we write this article, one of the recently performed research discovered that COVID-19 could live on:

• On post aerosolization up to three hours
• On copper up to four hours
• On cardboard up to 24 hours
• On plastic and steel up to two to three days

This shows that surface cleaning and disinfection are very vital in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

How we handle COVID-19 Deep Cleaning for a School

At Clean House Melbourne, we understand that cleaning and disinfection of school are very important to assure the safety of children, teachers, parents, and anyone around you. Our COVID cleaning crews have all been checked by police, and all possess certifications to perform this service. They have all undergone training and obtained certificate on all the protective measures against being infected with the virus. They also understand the need to make the school COVID-free after the coronavirus cleaning, disinfection, and sanitization.

Therefore, everyone will be safe to come back to school. Our cleaning crew endeavors to use the best available cleaning and disinfection products as recommended by Health Department and Safe Work Australia to eliminate viruses of any kind such as COVID-19, SARS, FLU, HIV, Hepatitis, or Ebola.

 

 

FAQs about Covid-19 Deep Cleaning:

1. What is the purpose of COVID-19 deep cleaning in schools?
   To minimise the spread of COVID-19 by disinfecting all surfaces, ensuring safety for students and staff.
2. How often should deep cleaning be done in schools?
   Regular deep cleaning should be performed as per health guidelines, especially when reopening after exposure.
3. What areas are prioritised during a school deep clean?
   High-touch areas like desks, doorknobs, and restrooms are prioritised for disinfection.
4. What products are effective for COVID-19 deep cleaning in schools?
   Hospital-grade disinfectants approved by health authorities should be used.
5. Can COVID-19 deep cleaning be done during school hours?
   It’s best done after school hours to ensure thoroughness without disrupting learning.
6. Is PPE required for cleaning staff during deep cleaning?
   Yes, cleaners must wear appropriate PPE to protect themselves and others.
7. Why is ventilation important during deep cleaning?
   Proper ventilation helps reduce airborne contaminants and ensures cleaner air circulation.
8. Should electronic devices in schools be disinfected?
   Yes, electronic devices should be cleaned with appropriate disinfectant wipes to minimise contamination.
9. Are professional cleaning services recommended for schools?
   Hiring professionals ensures compliance with health guidelines and effective cleaning practices.
10. How can schools prepare for COVID-19 deep cleaning?
    Schools should plan cleaning schedules, ensure PPE availability, and follow recommended protocols.

 

Conclusion

Since schools have been closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is the perfect time to consider the cleaning workers’ measures to deep clean the property. Our School COVID Disinfection is what you need, as it focuses on preparing your school for reopening, which may take place anytime soon. If you have any query, please reach out to our manager on 0407 094 444. We are open 7 days a week and bookings start from 7 am every day.