The school's big summer clean is drawing to a close. A new school year is beginning. Floors stripped, classrooms disinfected, restrooms refurbished: the building is ready. Yet, in the back-to-school rush, a crucial link is often overlooked: the cleaning facilities. But they are part of the job. Indeed, a team cannot maintain a spotless school in a messy space. So, before the September routine kicks in, take the time to complete the deep clean where it matters most: your spaces, your equipment, and your methods.
Sorting, organizing, and cleaning your maintenance premises
We often think first of the hallways, classrooms, and cafeteria. However, the maintenance room is the true control center. It's from here that the carts, supplies, and equipment depart each day. Therefore, a well-organized, tidy, and clean room means an efficient team from day one. Furthermore, the cycle begins without any improvisation. Finishing the deep cleaning also means putting these spaces back in order.
The process consists of three steps.
- Sort : Remove the contents and group them by category. Then safely dispose of expired products and unlabeled containers.
- Ranger: Give everything a logical and safe place. Separate incompatible products. Also, reinforce your color-coding system, as it prevents cross-contamination.
- To clean : Once the room is empty, wash the accessories and containers. Then clean the shelves, sink, and floor. Finally, hang the mops to dry.
For a complete, step-by-step method, see our article. How to organize housekeeping rooms. You will find the product classification, storage hierarchy and safety rules there.
Ensure that all equipment is working
Back-to-school season is the perfect time to check your equipment. First, go through it all: floor scrubbers, vacuums, polishers, trolleys, dispensers, and dispensers. Then, test them thoroughly. Don't assume they're working. Anything that's faulty must be fixed quickly, either by repair or replacement. Otherwise, a broken machine discovered in the middle of autumn will slow down the entire team. Take this opportunity to perform preventative maintenance as well: pads, brushes, filters, and seals. Reliable equipment from the start will prevent many unpleasant surprises.
In this regard, did you know that CF Salubrité now offers a new training course on...’preventive maintenance of equipment?
Revise working methods for the new cycle
A new cycle is also an opportunity to take a step back. First, ask yourself what worked well last year. Then, identify where the team lacked time or resources. Are there new premises, new needs, or new members? Next, review your work processes and adjust frequencies. Also, clarify who does what, where, and when. Finally, it's a good time to train staff, including new recruits. In short, clear methods lead to more consistent results.
Moreover, the training in commercial and industrial cleaning is ideal for this annual review of knowledge.
Update the WHMIS 2015 binder
In September, we also organize the documentation. First, the WHMIS 2015 binder must reflect the products actually used. So, add the safety data sheets (SDS) for new products. Then, remove those for products you no longer use. Next, check that no sheets are missing. Take this opportunity to also check the labeling of the original and secondary containers. Finally, confirm that the binder is accessible and familiar to the team. This isn't just a formality: it's a health and safety obligation. It protects your employees and your facility. In fact, CF Salubrité offers a WHMIS 2015 binder review service.
A collective effort: the collaboration of all staff
Clutter accumulates quietly. Then it eventually becomes a real safety hazard: blocked walkways and exits, tripping hazards, obstructed access to electrical panels and ventilation ducts, and piles of combustible materials. That's why the end of the major cleaning is the perfect time to declutter the entire building, not just the maintenance areas. It's a genuine preventative measure that concerns the whole school.
Because everyone contributes, often with the best intentions, by putting things off "for later." Keeping the school tidy is therefore everyone's responsibility: teachers, support staff, administration, and the maintenance team. For example, a simple rule helps a lot: don't store anything in the maintenance rooms without talking to the team first. When everyone works together, the team performs better, and the whole school benefits.
A new cycle that's off to a good start
Completing the back-to-school clean-up isn't just about making the school shine. It's also about updating the facilities, equipment, teaching methods, and documentation. These are what support the work throughout the year. A well-organized, well-equipped, and up-to-date team thus approaches autumn with a significant advantage.
CF Salubrité supports school building managers in Quebec. First, we offer a personalized consultation to review your work processes and methods. Then, we provide specialized training in housekeeping, health and safety, and WHMIS. Finally, our online store supplies your cleaning products, accessories, equipment, and supplies. To get your new cycle off to a great start, contact us at 514-795-5962 (in French) or 514-730-1801 (in Spanish), or visit cfsalubrite.com.
