Keeping schools clean and safe is essential for protecting students, teachers, and staff. In Australia, schools must meet strict hygiene standards set by Safe Work Australia and various State Departments of Education. But when is the best time to clean — during school hours or after the last bell rings?
In this blog, we’ll compare day cleaning and after-hours cleaning to help school administrators and facility managers choose the best approach for their needs.
Understanding the Two Cleaning Methods
What Is Day Cleaning?
Day cleaning happens while students and teachers are on-site. Cleaning staff perform essential tasks such as:
- Wiping down high-touch surfaces.
- Spot cleaning spills and accidents.
- Checking and restocking bathrooms.
- Emptying rubbish bins in common areas.
Day cleaning focuses on maintaining hygiene throughout the school day without disrupting classes.
(Related Service: Educational Facility Cleaning)
What Is After-Hours Cleaning?
After-hours cleaning takes place once students and staff have left. Cleaning crews can move freely to complete deeper cleaning tasks like:
- Vacuuming and mopping all floors.
- Full bathroom sanitisation.
- Dusting, disinfecting, and wiping down all surfaces.
- Cleaning cafeterias, libraries, and special areas.
After-hours cleaning ensures a full reset of the environment ready for the next day.
Pros and Cons of Each Approach
Cons of Day Cleaning
- Immediate attention to spills and messes.
- Energy savings by reducing the need for extended lighting and HVAC use.
- Visible presence that builds trust among staff, students, and parents.
Cons of Day Cleaning
- Potential disruption during classes.
- Safety risks if cleaning is done around students (e.g., wet floors).
- Limited access for deep cleaning tasks.
Pros of After-Hours Cleaning
- No disruption to school activities.
- Ability to use stronger disinfectants safely.
- Deep cleaning without interruptions.
Cons of After-Hours Cleaning
- Higher labour costs due to evening penalty rates.
- Increased energy consumption (lighting, HVAC).
- Security risks with after-hours access.
Choosing the Best Option for Your School
For many schools, the best solution is a hybrid approach.
- Light cleaning and hygiene maintenance happen during the day.
- Thorough deep cleaning tasks are scheduled after hours.
This method ensures a clean, safe environment all day long without compromising learning time or safety.
When choosing your cleaning schedule, consider:
- School size and student population.
- Available budget and operational hours.
- Specific facility needs (e.g., gyms, science labs).
(Helpful Resource: Safe Work Australia Cleaning Guidance)
Making the Best Cleaning Choice for Your Educational Facility
At Premium Touch Cleaning Services, we specialise in tailored school cleaning solutions for educational facilities across Australia. Whether you prefer day cleaning, after-hours cleaning, or a flexible combination of both, our team is ready to meet your needs while following Australian health and safety standards.
Contact us today to book your free consultation!
Visit premiumtouch.com.au or call us at 0420942424 — because a cleaner school is a safer school.
