As the colder days approach, we will spend more time indoors, increasing the chances of exposure to sicknesses. What stock up our classrooms and storage cabinets keep schools clean and students in good health? Here are some items to think about including in your next supply order as the holiday season approaches:
Hand Sanitizer
Whether it’s been the common cold, Swine Flu, COVID-19, or any other disease, hand sanitizer has become essential for healthy practices in any public area, not just at school. Occasionally sanitizing when soap and water aren’t available will give another way to destroy microbes that could lead to infection. The CDC recommends sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol to kill the bacteria on your hands rather than merely stop them from multiplying. In early childhood settings, supervise students using hand sanitizer, as injecting too much can lead to health issues.
Microfibers
Using microfiber cloths and mops can make cleaning more efficient and healthier for students with health problems such as asthma. Research reported by the EPA shows that cleaning with a microfiber mop reduced the number of bacteria by 99%, whereas conventional cleaning only reduced bacteria by about 33%. With an electric charge that attracts dust easily and material that acts more absorbent, microfiber materials can provide another way to deal with unwanted bacteria and dirt. With the variety of colors they come in, you can color code which kind of cloths to use in each area to avoid contamination, such as using a material to clean the bathroom also being used to clean the classroom.
Green Cleaner Products
In an effort to reduce chemicals harmful to the environment or people, there’s been a transition to using “green products.” Rather than just relying on claims from providers such as "environmentally friendly," "eco-safe," or "green," the EPA has created a list of resources to help identify cleaning products and companies that are certified to be a safe choice to use in industrial and institutional settings. From floor cleaning to soap and sanitizers, you can look for safer products for your students and staff. Additionally, look for products that use active ingredients such as citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, or ethanol to reduce the use of more toxic chemicals.
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The fight against seasonal sickness will never end, but doing all we can to prevent illnesses will help students and staff not miss important instructional time. Take some time this season to reflect on your cleaning and sanitation practices to determine the next to make your building a cleaner and safer place. Check out some of our vendor partners to save time and money on your next order!
Check Out Our Vendor Partners!
Busch Systems
Busch Systems® is an innovative, passion-driven group of people who design, recommend, and customize recycling, waste, and organics solutions for different collection programs across various industries. We’ve been delivering recycling and waste solutions for over 35 years and are the #1 rated brand in the industry according to Trustpilot!
Hillyard
Founded in 1907, Hillyard is a leading manufacturer and distributor of cleaning and hygiene solutions. Helping people deliver clean, safe, healthy facilities is our purpose, passion and focus. We are the best solution for customers wanting clean, safe, healthy facilities at the lowest total cost!
Quill
Quill Corporation is an American office supply retailer, founded in 1956, and headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Quill serves more than one million small and mid-sized U.S. business customers, with access to over one million assorted products.
School Health
When you choose School Health as your health supplies provider, you get a business partner who will help you every step of the way - from product selection and support, to training and customer care.
Ever since our founding in 1957, we have been dedicated to helping school-based health professionals keep their students healthy, both physically and mentally.