How Cleaning + Hand Hygiene Protocols Boost Student Attendance + Performance

1. Enhanced Hand Hygiene Solutions (Touch)

Hand hygiene remains the front line of infection prevention in any public setting. Students regularly interact with shared materials, devices, and surfaces, making the spread of germs and pathogens nearly inevitable – unless interrupted with structured hand hygiene protocols.

What can be done to combat this reality?

A study was conducted at Association for Children With Downs Syndrome School in Bellmore, NY (American Journal of Infection Control, Krilov et al., 1996)¹, that reinforced that handwashing paired with enhanced cleaning led to the following results:

• 24% reduction in illness
• 46% drop in absences.

Lessons learned:

• Scheduled handwashing times (e.g., before meals and after recess)
• Widespread access to trusted hand soap, hand sanitizers, and paper towels
• Ongoing hygiene education, embedded into the school culture

2. Comprehensive Surface Cleaning + Targeted Touchpoint Disinfecting (Touch)

Clean surfaces are the foundation of any healthy indoor space. When routine cleaning is combined with targeted disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, especially during cold and flu season, schools can break the chain of infection associated with touching contaminated touchpoints.

In addition to the Krilov study cited above, a study conducted at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, found that effective cleaning procedures using quality cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, tools, and equipment led to the following results:

• 52% drop in airborne contaminants
• 40% decrease in total bacteria
• 61% reduction in fungal colonies
• 49% drop in VOCs

Why this matters: Students and staff are less exposed to environmental triggers for asthma, infections, and fatigue, and visitors benefit from a more welcoming and visibly hygienic environment.

Cleaning tips:

• Daily surface cleaning with quality cleaning solutions, like third-party certified products
• Disinfecting high-frequency touchpoints -- like light switches, keyboards, and faucet handles -- with EPA registered disinfecting solutions
• Use of microfiber cloths to aid in cleaning efficacy

3. Overarching Floor Cleaning and Particle Containment (Air)

Floors are often overlooked in infection control and cleaning for health, but they are significant carriers of dust, microbes, and allergens. Heavy traffic through these areas can spread particles into the air, contributing to poor air quality and increased potential for pathogen exposure.

Schools can reduce recontamination risks and improve air cleanliness in shared spaces by integrating effective floor care into daily cleaning routines.

Lessons learned:

• CRI Seal of Approval Vacuums (and/or those with HEPA filtration) to remove contaminants and allergens
• Microfiber technology and mechanized cleaning strategies trap and remove particles
• Routine containment protocols and matting near entryways, gyms, cafeterias, and locker rooms to prevent particulates from entering the building

4. Indoor Air Quality + Biological Pollutant Source Control (Air)

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is directly tied to learning performance, student health, and absenteeism.

Poor IAQ has been shown to aggravate asthma and allergies, increase the spread of airborne viruses, and diminish attention and energy levels.

Research from the U.S. EPA³ and Harvard’s Healthy Buildings Program⁴ has shown that students in well-ventilated and cleaner classrooms score higher on cognitive tests and demonstrate better concentration and mood.

Lessons learned:

• Ventilation improvement (e.g., increased air exchanges, fresh air intake)
• Air filtration systems using MERV-13 or HEPA filters
• Monitoring and mitigation of VOCs, mold, and biological pollutants
• Moisture and humidity control to prevent mold growth 
• Enhanced cleaning protocols to reduce airborne particulates by vacuuming with CRI Seal of Approval vacuums, cleaning with third-party certified low-VOC cleaning chemicals, cleaning and dusting with microfiber technology, and cleaning the air utilizing portable air purifiers