As an administrator, providing a safe environment for student learning is key. Part of ensuring this safety comes down to providing a clean and healthy environment for students. Germs that go undetected throughout the school lead to mass sicknesses that lower student attendance. This will directly impact learning comprehension and your students’ happiness. Although you can’t spot germs with your eyes, they’re easy to target if you know where to look. Here are three of the most common places to find germs in schools and how cleaning services can help.

Which School Areas Have the Most Germs?

1. Bathroom Doors

One might assume that the dirtiest part of a bathroom is the toilet, but that’s not always the case, as these are likely disinfected regularly. The dirtiest part of the bathroom is actually the door. Students carry germs into the bathroom by touching the door on the way in and apply extra germs to it on the way out if they don’t wash their hands thoroughly. Commercial cleaning services will clean the doorknobs regularly, but to scale back on germs, it is important to educate the students. Have the staff talk to students about the importance of handwashing. This will not only help keep your school healthier, but it will also promote positive habits that will stick with your students as they get older. 

2. Cafeteria Trays

These trays pass through many hands in a day and likely only get a quick wipe after each use. By the end of the lunch period, these wiped-down trays are set aside for use the next day with layers of germs and food particles on them. Encouraging students to use hand sanitizer or wash their hands before and after lunch helps cut back on germs. However, to truly address the problem, you should ensure that these trays are washed and sanitized daily. 

3. Water Fountains

Water fountains are one of the most germ-ridden spots in the entire school. One study showed that classroom-placed water fountains are at the top of the list for germiest places over cafeteria trays, faucets, and even toilet seats. Some of the germs collect on the button pressed to activate the water, but the majority of them are on the spigot that dispenses the water. Have a professional cleaning service wipe down these units with antibacterial products. 

If you’re looking to thoroughly clean your school and enhance the safety of your students, Performance Chores in Lincoln, NE, can help. They specialize in corporate cleaning for schools, offices, and healthcare facilities and know the sneaky places where germs hide. This green-cleaning service ensures the safety of students, faculty, and the environment with their eco-friendly approach. Visit them online to view the list of cleaning services they offer or call them today at (402) 326-2305 to learn more.