Prep Classrooms, Hallways & Cafeterias for a Healthy, Successful School Year
The beginning of a new school year is an exciting but busy time for students, parents, and educators. As families purchase new school supplies and prepare children for the next grade, staff and faculty are juggling multiple responsibilities to ensure the facility has everything it needs to operate smoothly.
Back to school cleaning checklists help facility owners and operators keep track of their classrooms, bathrooms, cafeterias, and other spaces within the building. Deep cleaning is a big part of preparing a school for an upcoming semester, but it can be difficult to complete without outside assistance. If your educational facility needs a cleaning, ServiceMaster Building Services – Portland is here to help. For more information on our services, call us today at 503-212-6189 to speak to a representative.
Why Pre-Semester Cleaning Matters for Schools
Thorough sanitizations ensure the health and wellness of students and faculty. Deep cleaning schools can reduce the spread of germs, allergens, and illnesses, while also improving indoor air quality. Investing in cleaning services also prevents mold and mildew in damp Portland conditions. This helps schools make a positive first impression for students and families while ensuring a clutter-free and hazard-free classroom.
Back-to-School Cleaning Checklist Essentials
Classrooms
- Dust all surfaces and disinfect desks
- Clean windows, boards, and high-touch areas
- Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors
Hallways and Common Areas
- Polish floors and remove scuff marks
- Sanitize lockers, handrails, and benches
- Deep clean entryways and mats
Restrooms
- Disinfect toilets, sinks, and partitions
- Restock hygiene supplies
- Remove odors and polish fixtures
Cafeterias and Kitchens
- Degrease kitchen surfaces
- Sanitize tables, chairs, and vending areas
- Clean floors and drains
Prepping facilities before back-to-school season is crucial for health, safety, and first impressions. A strong cleaning protocol helps reduce allergens, bacteria, and absenteeism among staff and students. Clackamas is part of the Portland metro area and home to a growing number of K–12 public schools, private academies, and early childhood education centers. These institutions serve diverse, active communities that expect high standards of cleanliness, especially heading into a new school year.
Tips for Portland’s Rainy-Season Readiness
Protecting floors and entryways during Portland’s periods of heavy rainfall can be difficult, but having the proper equipment and cleaning methods goes a long way. Use commercial-grade entry mats to trap moisture, and apply floor waxes or sealants to prevent slips. During months of heavy precipitation and increased foot traffic, consider cleaning your floors daily to prevent stains, slips, and flooring damage.
During the humid months of the year, mold and mildew may infiltrate your school. Prevent mold in humid areas by cleaning and checking ventilation systems. Moisture and condensation can quickly lead to hidden mold growth if not addressed in a timely manner. Use mold-inhibiting cleaners in bathrooms and locker rooms, and install sensors to monitor indoor humidity levels.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Practices for Clackamas Schools
Portland is an eco-conscious community that supports green initiatives. When completing your back to school cleaning checklists, use Green Seal-certified or EPA Safer Choice products that are safe for children and pets. Invest in low-water, low-waste cleaning equipment, and train your custodians on sustainable janitorial methods.
When to Schedule a Back-to-School Cleaning
Timing is everything when scheduling professional sanitizations. If you are preparing your facility for a new school year, try to aim for a mid-to-late summer cleaning. Schedule deep cleans before teacher prep week, and reserve extra time for multi-building campuses or renovations.
Your Local Partner for School Cleaning Success
ServiceMaster Clean Building Services – Portland brings decades of experience cleaning educational facilities across Clackamas and the greater Portland area. Our team understands local climate challenges, Oregon school regulations, and green cleaning standards. Whether you're prepping a single classroom or an entire campus, we deliver detailed, dependable results tailored to your schedule and needs.
Set the Stage for. Safe & Sparkling School Year
A clean school is a confident school. As administrators and staff gear up for another academic year, professional cleaning ensures students return to a space that feels fresh, safe, and ready for learning. Let us help you check every box on your back to school cleaning checklists so your team can focus on what matters most. For more information on how we can ensure the cleanliness of your educational facility, call us today at 503-212-6189 or click here to request a custom quote
