How To Clean and Disinfect Schools To Help Slow the Spread of Flu

Keeping schools clean and disinfected is an important part of reducing the spread of infectious diseases. One of the most effective ways to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated. Additional protective measures include staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and frequent handwashing. Below are key cleaning and disinfecting practices that help slow the spread of the flu.

1. Understanding Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing

Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and other impurities from surfaces or objects using soap or detergent with water. Cleaning alone does not kill germs, but it helps reduce their numbers and lowers the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting destroys germs on surfaces using chemical solutions. Disinfecting does not necessarily remove dirt or germs, but it helps reduce the risk of infection by killing bacteria and viruses after a surface has been cleaned.

Sanitizing lowers the number of germs to a safe level, based on public health standards. This process involves either cleaning or disinfecting to reduce the spread of illness.

2. Regular Cleaning and Disinfecting of High-Touch Surfaces

Follow the school's established procedures for routine cleaning and disinfecting. This usually involves daily sanitizing of frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as:

• Desks
• Countertops
• Doorknobs
• Computer keyboards
• Hands-on learning tools
• Faucet handles
• Phones
• Toys

Some schools may also require these surfaces to be disinfected daily. Certain areas, like bathrooms, often need additional disinfection as part of standard cleaning protocols.

Surfaces and objects that become visibly soiled should be cleaned immediately. When dealing with body fluids or blood, wear gloves and follow standard precautions to avoid direct contact. Clean up the spill first, then sanitize and disinfect the affected area.

3. Simply do routine cleaning and disinfecting

Cleaning and disinfecting methods should target the specific germs being removed or eliminated. Research indicates that flu viruses can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours and may still be capable of causing infection during that time. However, it is not necessary to close schools to disinfect every surface to control the spread of the flu. If high absenteeism makes it difficult for a school to operate normally, leading to temporary closure, extra cleaning and disinfecting are not required.

Flu viruses are relatively fragile, meaning routine cleaning and disinfecting practices are effective in eliminating them. Additional measures, such as wiping down walls and ceilings, frequent use of air deodorizers, or fumigation, are unnecessary and not recommended. These methods can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, worsen asthma symptoms, and lead to other health issues.

4. Clean and disinfect correctly

Always follow the instructions on cleaning and disinfecting products. Begin by washing surfaces with a household cleaner to remove germs, then rinse with water. After that, apply an EPA-registered disinfectant to kill any remaining germs. Check the label to ensure the product is approved for effectiveness against the influenza A virus.

If a surface does not appear dirty, an EPA-registered product that both cleans and disinfects can be used instead. Carefully read the label, as some products have different instructions depending on whether they are used for cleaning or disinfecting. Disinfectants often need to remain on the surface for a specific contact time (such as 3 to 5 minutes) to be effective.

Use disinfecting wipes for frequently touched electronic devices like phones and computers. Follow the directions closely, as multiple wipes may be needed to keep the surface wet for the required duration. Ensure that the electronic device is safe for cleaning with liquids before using disinfectants on it.

5. Use products safely

Carefully read hazard warnings and usage instructions on product labels. Many cleaning agents and disinfectants require protective gear such as gloves or eye protection. For instance, gloves should always be worn when handling bleach solutions to protect the skin.

Never mix cleaning products or disinfectants unless the label specifically states that it is safe. Combining certain chemicals, like chlorine bleach and ammonia-based cleaners, can cause serious harm or even be fatal.

Custodial staff, teachers, and anyone using cleaning products must fully understand the instructions and follow proper safety precautions. Providing instructional materials and training in multiple languages may be necessary to ensure safe and correct use.

6. Handle waste properly

Follow the school’s established waste disposal procedures, which may require wearing gloves when handling trash.

• Place no-touch waste bins in easily accessible areas to encourage proper disposal.
• Dispose of used cleaning materials and disposable items in the trash immediately after use.
• Avoid direct contact with used tissues and other waste when emptying trash bins.
• After handling waste or touching used tissues, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.