Daily School Cleaning Checklist (2026 Edition)
Jan 03, 2026
The Essential Guide for SBMs, Headteachers & Caretaking Teams
Maintaining a clean and hygienic school isn’t just about appearance — it’s a safeguarding, health, and performance responsibility.
The new 2026 school cleaning standards prioritise hygiene, consistency, supervision, and evidence-based cleaning across all education environments.
This daily school cleaning checklist has been built using:
โ BICS standards
โ OFSTED expectations
โ hygiene best practice
โ high-traffic analysis
โ real audit data from Herts/Beds/Bucks schools
Use it daily or weekly to ensure your school is maintaining consistent commercial cleaning standards.
1. Classroom Cleaning Checklist
Classrooms see the highest all-day footfall. The goal is to create a clean, safe learning environment with reduced germ spread.
Daily Tasks
- Wipe and sanitise desks & table surfaces
- Sanitise high-touch points: door handles, light switches, chair backs
- Vacuum carpets / clean hard floors
- Empty bins & recycling
- Dust accessible surfaces
- Clean whiteboards and glass partitions
- Wipe down reading corners, sensory zones or play areas
- Reset desks and chairs into layout
- Scan for spillages or hazards
Weekly Rotation Tasks
- Skirting boards
- Chair legs
- Display boards
- Cupboard doors
- High-level dusting
- Deep carpet spot treatments
2. Toilet & Washroom Cleaning Checklist
The #1 area parents and OFSTED comment on — and the #1 reason schools switch providers.
Daily Tasks
- Sanitise toilets, urinals & flush points
- Clean sinks, taps, and splash areas
- Disinfect cubicle doors and locks
- Replenish consumables (soap, paper towels, toilet roll)
- Mop floors with disinfectant
- Remove any odours
- Sanitise door plates, hand dryers & dispensers
- Empty sanitary bins (where appropriate)
Weekly Rotation Tasks
- Tile scrubbing
- Deep descaling
- Clean underside of sinks and pipes
- High-level dust
3. Staff Rooms & Teacher Areas
Hygiene in staff areas supports wellbeing, morale, and reduces sickness.
Daily Tasks
- Clean and sanitise worktops
- Wipe fridge handle & kettle/microwave
- Empty bins
- Clean kitchen appliances externally
- Mop/vacuum floors
- Sanitise tables & chair arms
Weekly Rotation
- Inside microwave
- Inside fridge
- Cupboard fronts
- Descale kettles
4. Entrances, Hallways & Reception
These set the standard for the entire school.
Daily Tasks
- Clean and mop entrance floors
- Remove marks from doors & glass
- Sanitise railings & door handles
- Vacuum mats
- Dust reception desks and surfaces
Weekly Rotation
- Clean signage
- Wipe walls
- Deep clean mats
5. High-Touch Points (School-Wide)
These should be sanitised twice daily where possible.
- Door handles
- Push plates
- Light switches
- Handrails
- Lift buttons
- ICT suites (mice, keyboards)
- Library study desks
6. Dining Halls & Kitchens
(Non-catering areas only)
Daily Tasks
- Sanitise tables & chairs
- Mop floors
- Wipe serving areas
- Remove food debris
- Empty waste and recycling
- Clean tray and condiments areas
Weekly Rotation
- Chair/debris underside
- Wall wiping
7. Outdoor & Exterior Areas
Exterior contributes to site safety + parent impression.
- Window cleaning
- Entrance jet washing
- Paths & walkways
- External bins and sanitisation
- Playground equipment wipe-down (in primaries)
8. Evidence-Based Cleaning (Important in 2026)
Schools should expect:
โ supervisor visits
โ photo reporting
โ attendance tracking
โ monthly audits
โ DBS transparency
โ rotation schedules
If your school doesn’t receive this — you’re missing essential compliance.
Download the Full School Cleaning Audit (Free)
Get the full PDF audit for classrooms, toilets, staff rooms, high-touch points, and compliance.
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