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Whether you're managing a primary school, high school, or college campus, knowing exactly what to expect (and demand) from your cleaning provider is crucial. Today, a clean school is vital for keeping students and teachers safe, focused, and able to learn. So what’s actually included in professional school cleaning services?

In this blog, we break down what’s included in school cleaning services, explore task frequencies, and link you to essential checklists and hygiene guides for the return back to school.

Why School Cleaning Matters More Than Ever

Before we get into what’s included in professional school cleaning services, let’s talk about why it matters.

  • According to the Australian Government’s National Health and Medical Research Council, regular environmental cleaning in schools is essential for infection control and reducing absenteeism.
  • Schools are high-traffic, high-touch environments. Desks, door handles, toilets, and shared equipment are all hotspots for germs, especially during flu season in winter.
  • Clean environments promote better learning. Studies have shown that clean classrooms reduce distractions and improve concentration.

If you want to dive deeper into the science, you can read our blog on how routine cleaning keeps germs at bay in schools. 

school cleaning service

What’s Included in Professional School Cleaning Services?

Here’s a breakdown of what you should expect from your commercial cleaning partner.

Daily Cleaning Tasks

  • Emptying classroom and hallway bins

  • Disinfecting student desks and tables

  • Sweeping and vacuuming carpets

  • Spot cleaning spills and stains

  • Cleaning toilets and restocking supplies

  • Sanitising high-touch areas like door handles, railings, and light switches

  • Cleaning entranceways and high-traffic zones

Weekly Cleaning Tasks

  • Deep vacuuming and mopping of larger areas (gymnasiums, assembly halls)

  • Cleaning and sanitising staff rooms and kitchens

  • Window cleaning (interior)

  • Whiteboard and chalkboard cleaning

Monthly/Periodic Cleaning

  • Machine scrubbing of floors

  • External window cleaning

  • Pressure washing exterior pathways

  • Cleaning air vents and filters

  • Deep cleaning science labs and art rooms

School Cleaning Frequency by Task

The table below outlines which school cleaning services are commonly performed daily, weekly, or monthly. (Use this table during your service audits or when building internal checklists!)

Cleancorp tip: We recommend printing this and sharing it with your facility team.

Cleaning Task Daily ✅ Weekly ✅ Monthly ✅ Notes
Empty Bins ✅     All classrooms, offices, and common areas
Disinfect Student Desks ✅     Especially during flu/COVID season
Vacuum Carpets ✅     More frequent in high-traffic areas
Clean Toilets ✅     Restock toilet paper and soap daily
Sanitise High-Touch Points ✅     Door handles, light switches, railings
Clean Whiteboards/Chalkboards   ✅   Use appropriate cleaning solutions
Mop Common Area Floors ✅     Include entryways and corridors
Deep Clean Classroom Floors   ✅   Use a scrubbing machine if required
Internal Window Cleaning   ✅   Especially in classrooms and staff areas
Staffroom/Kitchen Cleaning ✅ ✅   Fridge wipe-downs weekly
Wash External Windows     ✅ Adjust frequency based on weather
Pressure Wash External Paths     ✅ Includes playgrounds and entrances
Clean Air Vents & Filters     ✅ Vital for air quality and energy efficiency
Deep Clean Science Labs   ✅ ✅ Disinfect workstations and eyewash stations
Upholstery & Mattress Cleaning     ✅ More relevant for boarding schools

Customising Services for Different School Types

Different schools have different needs; what cuts it for a Year 3 class isn't going to work in a university lecture hall or a boarding school dorm. Here's how school cleaning services are tailored for each type:

Primary Schools

  • Lower sinks/toilets require specific disinfection processes

  • High likelihood of messy spills = more frequent carpet spot cleans

  • Extra attention to play areas and outdoor equipment

High Schools

  • More student traffic = higher cleaning frequency in bathrooms and corridors

  • More specialty rooms like computer labs, science labs, gyms. Monitoring and sanitising of shared tech (computer rooms, iPads, etc)

  • Teenagers = more trash and chewing or bubble gum (read our blog on bubblegum cleaning)

Boarding Schools

  • Full residential cleaning including kitchens, bathrooms, dormitories

  • After-hours cleaning services to reduce disruption

  • Periodic mattress, curtain, and upholstery cleaning

  • Laundry facilities and shared kitchens require higher hygiene standards

Universities, Colleges and TAFEs

  • Large-scale campuses with multiple buildings and lecture halls

  • High traffic in communal spaces like libraries, cafeterias, and student unions

  • Labs, tech hubs, and hospitality training kitchens require specialist cleaning

  • Extended hours of operation = after-hours or overnight cleaning is key

  • Public-facing areas (e.g. auditoriums, open days) need event-specific services

  • External maintenance: pressure washing, window cleaning, and waste management across open-air campuses

  • Accommodation blocks (for unis/colleges with residential facilities) require routine deep cleans and safety audits

 

"We switched to Cleancorp after a year of inconsistent service with another provider, and the difference was immediate. The team is reliable, friendly, and they actually understand how schools work. From the first day our classrooms, bathrooms and staff areas have felt fresher, safer and genuinely cared for."

- Sarah, Facilities Manager at a Private School in Melbourne

 

Essential School Cleaning Advice for Facilities Managers

Facilities managers have a lot on their plates, juggling contracts, complaints, and compliance. During school term closures is often the only time a school facility manager can schedule in vital works to maintain their school or university facilities - if you're looking for advice on those bigger, periodical school cleaning services, Cleancorp is the cleaning company for you. Whether it's school window cleaning, a summer break deep clean, or you need all your carpets cleaned, we've got you! Read more on essential back-to-school cleaning advice for facility managers. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions On School Cleaning Services

Q: How often should a school be cleaned?
A: Daily cleaning is non-negotiable. Weekly and monthly deep cleans depend on the size of the school and the number of students, but high-traffic zones should always be cleaned more frequently.

Q: Are school cleaning services available after hours?
A: Yes. Most commercial cleaning companies offer early morning, evening, or weekend shifts to avoid disruption during school hours.

Q: Can we request eco-friendly products or low-allergen supplies?
A: Absolutely. At Cleancorp, we offer green cleaning alternatives that meet sensitive health requirements for kids and staff.

Q: What qualifications should school cleaners have?
A: Cleaners should be trained in WHS, infection control, and working with children protocols. Ask for police checks and Working With Children Checks (WWCC). it's also important the commercial cleaning company hold ISO Certifications for compliance and safety. 

Q: How do I know if the cleaning is being done properly?
A: Regular audits, checklists, and photo-based reporting tools (like Cleancorp's) ensure quality and transparency. Read more about how technology is enhancing accountability and efficiency in commercial cleaning. 

 

Choose a Cleaning Partner Who Gets Schools

School cleaning is not a one-size-fits-all service. It needs to be thorough, consistent, safe, and adaptable.

At Cleancorp, we’ve been trusted by educational institutions across Australia for over 30 years. From prep to uni, we know what it takes to keep your spaces clean, calm, and compliant.

Ready for a custom quote or just need some advice? Reach out today on 1300 211 944 or click the big orange button below!