The flu season can disrupt schools in more ways than one — student absences, sick staff members, and the potential spread of illness can make it challenging to maintain a smooth academic schedule. To prevent the flu from spreading and to keep schools safe and operational, janitorial cleaning services play a vital role.
Professional cleaning companies in Jersey City use advanced cleaning techniques, disinfecting protocols, and specialized equipment to ensure that classrooms, cafeterias, restrooms, and common areas remain clean and germ-free. Here’s how janitorial cleaning services are preparing schools for flu season this year.
1. Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces
One of the primary ways that the flu virus spreads is through high-touch surfaces that students, teachers, and staff come into contact with daily. Janitorial cleaning services focus on identifying and sanitizing these key areas, which often include:
Desks and chairs
Door handles and push bars
Light switches
Classroom technology (computers, tablets, and smartboards)
Handrails on stairways
Water fountains and bottle refill stations
Restroom fixtures like faucets, sinks, and toilet handles
By using EPA-approved disinfectants that eliminate 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, professional janitorial staff reduce the chances of the flu spreading. Special attention is paid to areas with high traffic and frequent contact to ensure thorough disinfection.
2. Enhanced Restroom Cleaning and Sanitization
Restrooms are one of the most critical areas to maintain during flu season. Germs and viruses thrive in moist environments, making restrooms a high-risk zone for the spread of the flu. Janitorial cleaning services ensure that restrooms are cleaned, disinfected, and restocked daily with essential hygiene products such as:
Soap dispensers (to encourage frequent handwashing)
Hand sanitizers in key locations
Paper towels or air dryers
Specialized cleaning protocols are used to clean and sanitize toilet seats, flush handles, sinks, faucets, and stall doors. By frequently disinfecting restroom areas, schools reduce the spread of flu-causing germs and keep students and staff healthy.
3. Deep Cleaning Classrooms and Common Areas
Daily cleaning is important, but flu season demands a deeper, more intensive approach. Janitorial cleaning services provide periodic deep cleaning sessions, especially during weekends, school breaks, and holidays when students and staff are away.
Deep cleaning of classrooms and common areas includes:
Carpet cleaning and floor scrubbing to remove dirt, allergens, and bacteria that may have settled into fabrics or crevices.
Cleaning of air vents and HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality and reduce airborne viruses.
Disinfecting shared classroom materials such as books, markers, toys, and sports equipment.
Cleaning and sanitizing gymnasiums, cafeterias, and libraries where large groups of students congregate.
Deep cleaning ensures that every surface, nook, and cranny is disinfected and ready for the return of students and staff.
4. Use of Advanced Disinfecting Technology
Janitorial cleaning services in Jersey City are using advanced cleaning technology to tackle the flu virus more effectively. From fogging machines to electrostatic sprayers, these technologies provide full-surface coverage and disinfect areas that are hard to reach with traditional cleaning methods.
Electrostatic Sprayers:
This technology allows disinfectants to wrap around surfaces, providing 360-degree coverage. It is especially effective for large spaces like cafeterias, gymnasiums, and libraries.
UV-C Light Disinfection:
Some janitorial teams utilize UV-C light technology, which kills bacteria, viruses, and pathogens without the use of chemicals. This method is effective for disinfecting classrooms, healthcare spaces, and shared facilities.
These advanced tools help schools maintain high hygiene standards during flu season, ensuring that every area of the school is properly disinfected.
5. Focus on Air Quality and Ventilation
Indoor air quality plays a critical role in flu prevention. Poor air quality can exacerbate the spread of airborne viruses like influenza. Janitorial cleaning services address this issue by:
Cleaning and sanitizing air vents and HVAC units to prevent the recirculation of contaminated air.
Replacing air filters to improve air quality and reduce allergens, dust, and germs in the air.
Using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to capture airborne particles that may carry the flu virus.
By improving air quality, janitorial teams create healthier learning environments that reduce the risk of flu outbreaks.
6. Promoting Hand Hygiene Through Supply Management
One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the flu is by promoting proper hand hygiene. Janitorial cleaning services ensure that all hygiene-related supplies are fully stocked and easily accessible. This includes:
Keeping hand sanitizing stations in hallways, cafeterias, and near entrances/exits.
Ensuring that soap dispensers are always filled and functional.
Maintaining an adequate supply of paper towels to support effective hand drying.
Encouraging students, staff, and visitors to wash their hands frequently can significantly reduce the spread of the flu virus. Janitorial cleaning services play a key role in ensuring that all the necessary hygiene tools are always available.
7. Customized Cleaning Schedules During Flu Season
During flu season, a one-size-fits-all cleaning schedule doesn’t work. Schools need more frequent and targeted cleaning. Janitorial cleaning services provide customizable cleaning schedules that align with the specific needs of the school.
Daily Cleaning: High-touch surfaces, restrooms, and classrooms receive daily cleaning and disinfection.
Weekly Deep Cleaning: Larger cleaning tasks like carpet cleaning, HVAC system cleaning, and gymnasium disinfecting are done weekly.
Seasonal Cleaning: Before and during flu season, janitorial teams schedule deep cleans and HVAC maintenance to prepare for peak flu months.
These customized cleaning schedules ensure that every corner of the school remains clean and germ-free, even during the height of flu season.
8. Education and Training for School Staff and Students
Keeping students, teachers, and staff informed about best hygiene practices is an essential part of the flu prevention strategy. Janitorial cleaning services can support schools by:
Posting hygiene reminders in restrooms, cafeterias, and classrooms.
Providing guidance on proper handwashing techniques.
Educating school staff on the importance of disinfecting shared items like classroom supplies, desks, and chairs.
By fostering a culture of cleanliness, schools empower students and staff to play an active role in flu prevention.
Why Jersey City Schools Should Partner with Professional Janitorial Cleaning Services
While school custodians play an important role in daily cleaning, the specialized expertise of professional janitorial cleaning services can take school cleaning to the next level. Here’s why schools in Jersey City should consider partnering with a professional cleaning service:
Advanced Equipment and Cleaning Methods: Janitorial teams have access to electrostatic sprayers, UV-C disinfection, and industrial-grade cleaning solutions.
Flexible Scheduling: Cleaning can be done after school hours, on weekends, and during breaks to avoid disrupting learning.
Regulatory Compliance: Professional cleaning companies understand how to meet CDC, OSHA, and local health department requirements.
Trained Cleaning Staff: Janitorial teams are trained in infection prevention and the proper use of disinfectants and cleaning tools.
Flu season poses unique challenges for schools in Jersey City, but with the support of professional janitorial cleaning services, schools can create cleaner, safer, and healthier learning environments. From daily disinfection to deep cleaning and air quality improvements, janitorial services ensure that every area of the school remains germ-free.
By prioritizing cleanliness, schools can reduce student and staff absenteeism, comply with health regulations, and foster a learning environment where students can thrive. If you’re ready to protect your school during flu season, consider partnering with a trusted janitorial cleaning service to keep students and staff safe and healthy.
