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.
Before we get into what’s included in professional school cleaning services, let’s talk about why it matters.
If you want to dive deeper into the science, you can read our blog on how routine cleaning keeps germs at bay in schools.
Here’s a breakdown of what you should expect from your commercial cleaning partner.
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
Deep vacuuming and mopping of larger areas (gymnasiums, assembly halls)
Cleaning and sanitising staff rooms and kitchens
Window cleaning (interior)
Whiteboard and chalkboard cleaning
Machine scrubbing of floors
External window cleaning
Pressure washing exterior pathways
Cleaning air vents and filters
Deep cleaning science labs and art rooms
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 |
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:
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
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)
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
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
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.
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.
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!