School Deep Cleaning Checklist

Why Deep Cleaning in September Matters

• Classrooms, halls, and toilets have had months of heavy use and inactivity mould, dust, cobwebs, and bacteria may have built up.
• New students and staff entering fresh environments; first impressions count.
• Helps control spread of seasonal illnesses (flu, RSV) as schools reopen.
• Ensures compliance with HSE / COSHH standards and hygiene expectations.

How to Deep Clean in Schools

Pre‑Deep Clean Preparation

1. Plan areas to deep clean (classrooms, sports halls, toilets, staff areas etc.)
2. Audit existing cleaning equipment & supplies
3. Ensure staff have the right PPE and workwear
4. Review COSHH data sheets and cleaning schedules

Classrooms

• Deep-clean under and behind furniture
• Wash walls and skirting boards
• Clean blinds or shutters
• Strip & refinish high-use floors or treat floor sealants
• Polish or treat any wooden surfaces
• Deep clean shared equipment (computers, tablets, interactive boards)

Corridors & Stairwells

• Pressure wash or scrub floors
• Clean handrails and balustrades
• Wash windows from inside
• Clean overhead ledges and fixtures
• Remove cobwebs
• Disinfect high-touch areas (light switches, door frames)

Toilets & Changing Rooms

• Descale toilets/urinals
• Deep clean grout & tile
• Disinfect shower areas
• Clean ventilation fans or vents; polish mirrors
• Replenish soap, paper, towels
• Clean inside of bins and sanitise lids

Assembly Halls, Gyms & Sports Facilities

• Clean floor joints and fixings
• Deep scrub non-slip surfaces
• Disinfect sports mats & equipment
• Clean wall-mounted apparatus
• Clean behind bleachers or seating
• Check lockers and changing facilities

Staff & Admin Areas

• Steam clean carpets or rugs
• Deep clean kitchen & catering areas
• Clean inside fridges/microwaves
• Dust vents and lighting fixtures
• Wash windows; polish desks & meeting tables
• Clean ceiling tiles if applicable

Entrance, Reception & Exterior

• Wash exterior glass, clean signage
• Clean entrance mats
• Sweep & power wash paths
• Clean gutters or canopies
• Check outdoor bins
• Sanitise door handles & push plates

Best Practice Tips & Safety Measures

• Always ventilate areas during and after cleaning open windows or use extractors.
• Use colour-coded cleaning cloths to prevent cross-contamination (e.g. separate for toilets, classrooms).
• Staff should follow correct PPE usage and hand hygiene.
• Use cleaning chemicals as per manufacturer instructions & COSHH data.
• Document everything: schedule, products used, staff involved for accountability and audit purposes.

How Wray Bros Supports You

• We stock 30,000+ SKUs in janitorial & hygiene supplies so schools can order everything from one reliable source.
• Bespoke staff training & hygiene audits including the 'Wisdom Box' package to improve consistency across multi‑site schools.
• Trade counter in Liverpool for collection, plus nationwide delivery for chemicals, workwear, PPE and more.

Start the New Term Fresh

Browse our School Cleaning Supplies category to get everything you need. And don’t forget to check our blog for more guides such as our How to Start a Cleaning Business or COSHH Compliance Checklist.