Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing In The Classroom At School

Cleaning and disinfecting are part of a broad approach to preventing infectious diseases from spreading in schools. During this time of year, as the Fall season slows and the chill of winter sets in, disinfecting, sanitizing, and cleaning are vital in protecting your students and staff. Other measures include staying home when sick, covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and often washing your hands.

 The differences between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing at school will help or hurt your staff and students. Do you know what those differences are?

Cleaning Doesn’t Always Kill Germs

Cleaning removes dirt, impurities, and objects from the surface you are cleaning. Cleaning works by using a cleaning agent, typically soap and water, to physically remove those items from the surface. This process does not always kill germs effectively. It certainly lowers the numbers of germs on the surface, but you will be left with a germ infected surface and look great.

Disinfecting Kills Germs Most Of The Time

Disinfecting does kill germs on surfaces and objects by using chemicals with a cleaning agent to kill germs on surfaces. You can use just a disinfectant with a cleaning agent or a disinfectant with no cleaning agent. For example, Lysol spray is a disinfectant that will kill germs but not clean your surface.

Sanitizing Kills All Germs?

Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces intending to leave it safe for use by humans. This doesn’t mean that there are no germs present. That would be sterilizing a surface like they do in a medical operating room. Typically sanitizing works by cleaning and disinfecting surfaces to reduce the spread of germs.

What can teachers do about properly cleaning and disinfecting?

Properly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects can help to safely and effectively reduce the spread of disease in your school. Cleaning frequently touched surfaces help stop the spread.

• Always wear gloves or other PPE equipment when using cleaning chemicals.
• Cleaning disinfectants should not be used by or near students.
• Make sure you have adequate ventilation (airflow) when using cleaning chemicals in your classroom.

What should you clean and disinfect in your classroom?