At times since the start of the pandemic, some commercial cleaning companies may have seen a spike in business as people are more concerned than ever that their facilities remain as germ-free as possible to protect their customers and employees. Alternatively, others may have lost clients as some businesses were forced to close while others transitioned to a virtual work environment with no need for the level of office space that was being utilized pre-pandemic.

Many schools across North America reopened as soon as possible as the benefits of students attending class in person were seen to outweigh the risks of COVID-19, the mental impact of isolation, and the financial impact on dual-income families. This required more stringent cleaning protocols to make sure the schools were as safe as possible. And it meant more schools were calling in professionals.

Traditionally, schools maintained their own janitorial staff on-site to handle messes as they happened and then empty the trash and mop the floors after students left for the day. This is no longer optimal for a number of reasons. First, low unemployment rates have led to a shortage of personnel to hire. Second, school janitors are not trained in the best disinfecting and sanitizing practices to get rid of the virus. And third, they may be using harsh chemicals that could actually wind up making children sick.

The importance of clean schools

Typically, a child’s immune system isn’t fully developed until they are seven or eight years old. Keeping a school germ-free will not only help protect them against COVID-19, but it will also help prevent other common viral infections like colds. And don’t forget the teachers. Keeping them healthy reduces paid sick leave and the need to hire substitutes, helping the school system save on its bottom line.

As we’ve known for decades, the cleanliness of our schools is more than just a health issue. A landmark study by EPA scientist Dr. Michael Barry established a link between the cleanliness of schools and the performance of the students. Having a clean environment raises the morale of students and teachers and promotes pride in the parents as well as the community itself.  A clean classroom environment also contributes to “presenteeism”; the ability of the student to be present and focused while at school.

The importance of outsourcing

As the pandemic continues, parents are demanding transparency when it comes to the cleaning protocols that help keep schools safe for their children. This means even more schools will be outsourcing the job to make sure it is done correctly.

Professionals know that cleaning a school is different from cleaning a store or an office building. The times that it’s cleaned are different, students generally track much more dirt (and mud) into their classroom than office workers bring into their buildings, and there is the question of what cleaning solutions to use in these surroundings. The biggest question is how to best keep the children safe.

The U.S. National Education Association (NEA) continues to be concerned about the misuse and overuse of strong disinfectants in school settings. In a recent report, they argue that these toxic chemicals may be making students and teachers sick, especially those with asthma or other pre-existing respiratory conditions. And, in very young children, exposure to harsh chemicals can be more harmful to their health than the germs themselves.

The importance of green cleaning

That is why any commercial cleaning company that wants to work in schools needs to be a proponent of green cleaning practices. Green Seal-certified cleaning chemicals let parents, teachers, and administrators know that the products won’t leave behind harsh smells or toxic residues. They will have confidence that your team can properly disinfect and sanitize the school in order to keep their children safe.

If your commercial cleaning business is not taking advantage of the opportunities for cleaning schools, you are missing out on a viable, recession-resistant income stream. Beyond this, clean schools help to keep children safe, leading to greater job satisfaction as well as a positive public image for your company.

Doug Flaig is the President of Los Angeles-based international green commercial cleaning franchise company Stratus Building Solutions.