In colder weather, schools, colleges and the education sector face hygiene challenges with the start of cold and flu season. The colder months, Autumn and Winter, bring unique sets of issues. Factors such as increased indoor time to rising risks of illness that thrive in cooler, more confined environments.
Targeted and strategic cleaning practices are essential during these months to create healthier learning spaces, keep absences low, and protect students and staff. In this guide, we’ll explore why deep cleaning schools in autumn and winter is crucial, which areas to focus on, and the specialised cleaning services that can help prepare schools for the months ahead.
Why Increased Hygiene Measures and Deep Cleaning for Schools is Crucial
Colder months tend to bring higher rates of illness to the education sector. This is due to a combination of increased indoor time, low humidity, and close contact. This combination of factors allows viruses and bacteria to thrive.
According to guidelines from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), maintaining clean and well-ventilated environments is a key strategy for reducing illness spread in communal spaces like nurseries, schools and colleges.
Deep cleaning schools is essential throughout the year, however, autumn and winter require more intensive and frequent hygiene practices. Autumn and winter are commonly referred to as “cold and flu season,” as the colder weather often drives people indoors, creating environments where viruses can spread more easily. These months also bring more dirt and moisture indoors, so schools need cleaning plans tailored specifically to address seasonal challenges.
Key Areas for Autumn and Winter Deep Cleaning
Certain areas in schools become hotspots for germs, especially during the cooler months when windows are shut and ventilation is reduced. Areas in buildings that harbour a lot of germs are commonly known as high-traffic or high-touch point areas. Deep cleaning in autumn and winter should concentrate on these high-touch, high-traffic areas:
- Classrooms and Shared Learning Spaces: Desks, tables, and shared learning tools are used by multiple students daily, making them common spots for bacteria. In addition to daily cleaning, regular steam cleaning of hard surfaces and upholstery during the colder months can help eliminate bacteria and allergens.
- Door Handles, Railings, and Light Switches: High-contact surfaces like these should be disinfected multiple times a day during flu season, as they’re touched frequently by students, staff and visitors.
- Soft Furnishings and Carpets: Deep cleaning of carpets, curtains, and soft furnishings is crucial during the colder months to reduce allergens and dust that can trigger respiratory issues. Regular vacuuming and professional cleaning help remove embedded dirt, improving indoor air quality and ensuring these areas don’t become a breeding ground for irritants in poorly ventilated environments.
- Food Prep and Dining Areas: Thorough cleaning in canteens, communal areas and kitchens can reduce risks of cross-contamination and germs harbouring in food prep and dining areas.
SymClean Industrial works with schools around the UK to support them in achieving optimal hygiene levels. This supports them with staff productivity, student morale, and allows their staff to focus on their other priorities. Find out how we supported one school in Blackburn.
The Role of HVAC Maintenance in Cold Weather Health
With colder temperatures, schools often keep windows closed to retain heat. Whilst this makes sense to stay warm in our British winter, limiting natural ventilation allows airborne bacteria and viruses to linger in indoor spaces.
This is where HVAC comes in. HVAC, the abbreviation and industry term for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, is a system designed to regulate indoor temperature, air quality, and airflow in buildings. During winter, HVAC systems support maintaining a warm and comfortable environment while ensuring proper ventilation.
Good ventilation helps to dilute airborne contaminants like viruses and allergens, which is particularly important when windows are closed due to the cold. HVAC maintenance plays a critical role in addressing these issues, especially in autumn and winter when air quality can suffer due to closed windows and recirculated air. Here are some key HVAC practices for these colder months:
- Filter Changes: Regularly changing HVAC filters helps trap dust, allergens, and bacteria, reducing indoor pollutants and improving air quality.
- Duct Cleaning: Ducts can accumulate dust and debris over time, which can then circulate through the air. Cleaning the ducts during colder months can help schools maintain good air quality and reduce potential allergens.
- Humidity Control: Low humidity, common in autumn and winter, creates an environment where flu viruses can survive longer. Humidifiers, when added to HVAC systems, can maintain healthier humidity levels that make it harder for viruses to thrive.
Following HVAC maintenance guidelines in line with HSE standards can enhance air quality, helping schools maintain a safe environment through the flu season and beyond.
Incorporating Autumn and Winter Deep Cleaning into the School Calendar
A structured seasonal cleaning plan ensures that essential tasks are completed consistently, without disrupting the school day. Here are some suggestions for building an effective schedule for deep cleaning schools:
- Pre-Winter Deep Clean: Schedule a comprehensive deep clean at the beginning of autumn to address dirt and allergens accumulated over the summer. This can include sanitising surfaces, steam cleaning carpets, and checking HVAC systems for efficiency.
- Monthly HVAC and Deep Cleaning Maintenance: Throughout the colder months, plan monthly HVAC checks to ensure filters are clear and airflow remains strong. Monthly deep cleaning for carpets, upholstery, and common areas like cafeterias will keep spaces fresher and healthier.
- Daily High-Contact Sanitisation: High-touch surfaces should be disinfected multiple times a day. Consistently cleaning door handles, desks, and other high-contact areas throughout the day can significantly reduce the risk of spreading illness.
With a planned approach to autumn and winter cleaning, schools can maintain high standards and effectively manage hygiene throughout the flu season.
SymClean’s Top Seasonal Adjustments to Routine & Deep Cleaning
This resource should have reaffirmed the importance of hygiene in autumn and winter. These seasons bring unique challenges to maintaining cleanliness in schools, with the flu season in full swing and the potential for outbreaks increasing in close-contact environments.
Our top recommendations and seasonal adjustments include:
High-touch surfaces like desks, door handles, and shared equipment should be cleaned and disinfected frequently to minimise the risk of germ transfer. Communal areas, including libraries, cafeterias, and staff rooms, also need daily attention to keep them safe for regular use. Meanwhile, deep cleaning carpets, upholstery, and HVAC systems can help remove allergens and improve air quality, creating a healthier indoor environment.
Quick adjustments to cleaning routines can make a significant difference. For example, consider implementing air purifiers in classrooms and high-traffic areas to reduce airborne viruses, and ensure bathrooms are cleaned more frequently to prevent bacteria build-up.
These seasons require more resources when it comes to achieving optimal hygiene. Partnering with a specialist cleaning company is often a solution for many schools and colleges. Utilising resources from a cleaning company, such as SymClean Industrial, can further optimise these efforts by tailoring services to your school’s specific needs.
SymClean understands the unique needs of the education sector and ensures tailored solutions that fit seamlessly around school hours and term schedules. We can provide the expertise and flexibility required to keep learning environments clean, safe, and ready for students and staff throughout the colder months. Investing in specialist cleaning is an investment in the health, well-being, and success of the school community. For more information take a look at our Education and deep cleaning schools page or get in touch to book your free on-site survey now.
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