Group of happy multiracial schoolmates elementary middle school kids pupils walking to school together running hurrying to the building for classes lessons. Welcome back to school


It's back-to-school time, except parents are the ones giving grades. According to the latest survey from the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), parent concerns about school cleanliness are greater in shared spaces than the overall facility. As facility cleaning managers prepare educational institutes for the return of students and staff, proof of clean will be essential in ensuring everyone's health and safety—and putting parents at ease.

While 39 percent of parents with children in school rated the school's cleanliness level as excellent, most felt there was room for improvement. Among the areas of concern identified were:

• Restrooms—50 percent
• Cafeterias—34 percent
• Classrooms—25 percent
• Gyms and locker rooms—20 percent
• Common areas—16 percent
• Buses—15 percent

School settings need to be prepared to prevent infections and minimize student and staff absenteeism due to illness. Findings from an American Journal of Infection Control study determined that a consistent cleaning routine resulted in a 50 percent reduction in absenteeism rates. This underscores the critical role cleaning plays in creating school environments where students can learn, eat, and gather with confidence.

"Cleanliness is not just a maintenance issue; it is part of the broader back-to-school checklist that helps reassure parents that schools are prepared to welcome students back," says Kristin DiNicolantonio, ACI's Senior Director, Stakeholder Communications. "Parents want to know that the places where their children learn, eat, and play are being cared for. Stronger cleaning and hygiene practices help support healthier school communities and keep students focused on learning."

Bradley Company's 17th annual Healthy Handwashing Survey reinforces that the simplest and most effective way to mitigate the spread of illness is hand hygiene. Parents and school staff can reinforce proper handwashing at key moments, including before eating and after using the restroom. Additionally, schools can maintain clean environments by cleaning frequently touched surfaces and using cleaning and disinfecting products as directed on the manufacturer's label.

Read the results of ACI's survey here.