This post was written by the Office of Custodial Services, which is overseen by Larry Ames, director. 

Providing a safe and healthy environment for building occupants is a primary goal for the Office of Custodial Services. This means eliminating bacteria and the threat of infection, while reducing cross-contamination, especially in high traffic areas such as restrooms.

Although products play a large role in cleaning, we must reevaluate how we clean restrooms. Restrooms are one of the most visible and most scrutinized areas. These rooms also have the potential to harbor more bacteria than any other space. Not only is it imperative to maintain the clean look of the restroom, effective cleaning is necessary in the prevention of infection.

To guarantee the work is being done, Custodial Services Area Supervisors hold hands- on training with all head custodians on how to operate the School Division’s “All Surface Bathroom Cleaner”. Area supervisors have also emphasized the importance of head custodians training their staff and enforcing strict cleaning requirements. Area supervisors will follow up with an inspection process to make sure procedures are being followed. They will also monitor the cleaner run time.

Using the right product is an important first step. Identifying and adhering to the proper chemical dwell time is also important in the fight against bacteria. Chemicals are only effective if used as directed; which means allowing them to set on surfaces for a predetermined length of time. The disinfectant we use has a 10-minute contact time that should be followed. Every school has an “All Surface Bathroom Cleaner” machine that can blow dust from vents, spray the disinfectant, power wash all areas and then vacuum up the water. Custodians must first spray all surfaces, toilets, urinals, walls, and floors with the disinfectant. The All Surface Cleaner allows the custodians to effectively clean and disinfect a restroom, instead of just moving germs around with a mop and bucket.

Your custodians have been asked to use their bathroom machine at least twice weekly. It takes about 20 minutes per restroom. This will ensure that your restrooms maintain that clean look and are cleaned effectively.