Memphis-area schools can benefit from a deep clean before and after seasonal breaks. Fall and winter school closures are ideal opportunities to deep clean while students and faculty are away. Maintaining a healthy indoor environment during cold and flu season is essential for high-traffic educational facilities.
Schools in areas like Germantown, Bartlett, Midtown, and Whitehaven face unique challenges that make proactive cleaning services essential. Memphis’s humid subtropical climate means extended allergy seasons, fluctuating winter temperatures, and increased risk of indoor mold and dust accumulation. To ensure your facility is restored, create a school break cleaning checklist to prepare your school for the next semester.
What to Include in Your Fall & Winter Break School Cleaning Plan
- Deep Clean Classrooms: Wipe down all surfaces, sanitize desks, whiteboards, electronics, and vacuum under furniture.
- Disinfect Restrooms: Thoroughly Scrub toilets, sinks, and floors; restock supplies and sanitize high-touch points like stall doors and faucets.
- Sanitize Cafeterias and Food: Prep Areas Clean and disinfect tables, countertops, food storage areas, and equipment; dispose of expired items.
- Clean and Polish Flooring: Strip, wax, and buff tile floors; deep clean carpets and rugs in hallways and classrooms.
- Dust and Clean Air Vents: Remove dust and debris from ceiling fans, vents, and HVAC systems to improve air quality.
- Wipe Down Windows and Walls: Eliminate smudges, fingerprints, and dust on glass, ledges, and painted surfaces for a bright return.
- Disinfect High-Traffic Areas: Focus on handrails, lockers, gym equipment, shared offices, and front desk reception areas.
- Prepare for Flu Season: Restock hand sanitizers, tissues, and PPE; place signage to encourage healthy hygiene habits.
Why School Breaks Are the Perfect Time to Deep Clean
- No Interruption to Learning: With students and faculty gone, cleaners can work more efficiently and thoroughly.
- Allows for Specialized Services: Tasks like carpet shampooing or floor waxing are easier to complete without foot traffic.
- Prepares the School for Peak Cold & Flu Season: A clean environment helps limit the spread of germs once students return.
- Improves Indoor Air Quality: Crucial during winter months when doors and windows stay closed, and HVAC systems run constantly.
- Supports a Positive First Impression: Cleanliness reflects the school’s commitment to student well-being and community care.
- Reduces Deferred Maintenance Backlogs: Breaks are ideal for catching up on cleaning projects that get sidelined during the busy semester.
A Smart Cleaning Strategy for Memphis Schools
- Climate Considerations: Memphis’s humid air and temperature swings contribute to indoor moisture buildup—perfect conditions for dust mites and mold in carpets, vents, and ceiling tiles.
- Older Infrastructure Needs Extra Care: Many Memphis public and charter schools operate in aging buildings that require ongoing attention to stay safe and sanitary.
- Customized Cleaning by School Type: Pre-K classrooms, high school labs, and gymnasiums all require unique cleaning methods, especially in colder months.
- Extended Breaks Offer More Opportunity: Winter break can be 2–3 weeks long, offering the perfect window for a comprehensive deep clean.
- Student Health Depends on Cleanliness: With large student populations and constant movement, Memphis schools are germ hotspots—especially during the holidays.
Expert Help for Schools That Need to Do More with Less
Many Memphis schools, both public and private, operate with tight budgets and limited janitorial staff. Partnering with a professional team can extend the abilities of your in-house staff and ensure that your school looks spotless while meeting rigorous sanitation standards.
ServiceMaster Facilities Maintenance works with K-12 schools, private academies, and universities throughout Memphis’s educational hubs, including East Memphis, Downtown, Midtown, and Southaven. With scalable service, flexible holiday scheduling, and detail-focused teams, we help ensure your campus is clean, safe, and ready for a strong semester ahead.
Set the Tone for a Healthy Semester
A clean, refreshed campus after a holiday break boosts morale, limits illness, and provides peace of mind to students, parents, and faculty. If you own or operate an educational facility, make sure your school starts the new semester fresh. Reach out today to schedule professional school break cleaning services tailored to your Memphis campus. ServiceMaster Facilities Maintenance can create a school break cleaning checklist that ensures every aspect of your facility is sanitized before the holiday break ends. Call us today at 901-586-3868 or click here to request a quote.
