Many of the nation’s schools, colleges and universities included, are closed. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and the need for cleaner than clean environments they may not reopen until the start of the new school year. The halls of learning have to rethink just how clean the walls and other surfaces are. The cleanliness of the classrooms and other common areas on campus tops the list of concerns for administrators, parents and the students themselves.
Benefits of a clean learning environment
The most important benefit, obviously, is health. The Centers for Disease Control report the coronavirus spreads from person-to-surface-to-person as well as from person-to-person. Consider the fact that a clean environment maximizes the learning experience of the students. Think about it. With constantly cleaned seating and tables there is less stress and worry as students move through their daily routine. The look and style of those spaces is evolving. Do your spaces support learning? Studies show pathogens can live on surfaces for hours up to a couple of days. It is important to make sure cleaning and disinfecting practices are at a high level to remove and kill disease and germs. The sheer number of students that occupy common areas on a college campus in the course of a day is staggering. With that in mind, cleaning should be hourly, not just daily.
Clean is not disinfected
Tables and counters are obvious surfaces but there are others, many others, and they all need a thorough cleaning. Some of the surfaces taken for granted on campus are chair arms and backs, doorknobs, draw and closet pulls, headboards, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, light switches, floors. The CDC says clean first with soap and water to remove contaminants then follow up with disinfectant, preferably bleach, to kill infections. Students need a safe, healthy and welcoming school environment for their return. Keeping the surfaces in our institutions of learning clean goes a long way in securing the future of learning.