Facilities Management and Services
General Guidelines - Cleaning

Dr. William R. Hite, Jr., Superintendent

Danielle J. Floyd, Chief Operating Officer

 Facilities Management and Services
General Guidelines - Cleaning
Content:
Letter from Facilities Management & Services ……………….………………………..…3
Vision and Mission ……………………………………………………………………..……4
Cleaning Standards
Daily Classroom Cleaning .……………………..……….…………………………..5
Daily Restroom Cleaning…………………………………………………………….6
Daily Office Cleaning .…………………………….………………………………….7
Daily Cafeteria Cleaning …………………………………………………………….8
Daily Lobby Cleaning .…………………………….…………………………………9
Daily Locker Room Cleaning .…………………………….…………………….…10
Daily Stairway Cleaning ..…………………………….…………………………….11
Daily Corridor/Hallway Cleaning .…………………………….……………………12
Daily Gymnasium Cleaning .…………………………….…………………………13
Daily/Weekly Boiler Room/Mechanical Room Cleaning .…………………….…14
Daily Grounds Care .…………………………….………………………………….15
Daily Custodial Closet Care .…………………………….………………………...16
Cleaning & Custodial Responsibility Frequencies
Classrooms, Offices, Auditoriums, Lounges, IMC, etc. .………………………..17
Restrooms .…………………………….…………………………………………….18
Entrances, Lobbies, Hallways .…………………………….………………………19
Cafeterias & Lunchrooms .…………………………….…………………………...20
Stairways .…………………………….…………………….……..…………….…..20
Gymnasium, Locker/Shower Rooms, Dressing Areas .…………………………21

 


Operation Divison
440 North Broad Street, 3rd Floor • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130
operations@philasd.org • 215-400-5361
Dear Facilities Employee:
The School District of Philadelphia Facilities Department, in collaboration with the
leadership of Local 32 BJ District 1201, is happy to present this Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP) for the general cleaning of our school buildings to all stakeholders,
facilities employees, school administrators and staffs.
Our vision is to deliver on the right of every child in Philadelphia to an excellent public
school education in a safe, healthy, and welcoming facility. We will raise the standard
for school facilities and ensure that every school is well maintained, clean and in good
repair.
This SOP is a transparent and consistent description of our collective, district-wide
duties in an effort to more closely align ourselves with our vision, and Dr. Hite’s Action
Plan 3.0. The SOP will provide clear expectations and guidelines to all Facilities staff
members, and bolster their understanding of the work, in order to provide 100% of
students with a safe, healthy and welcoming learning environment.
SDP Facilities and Local 32 BJ District 1201 present this SOP as a standard, as a
guide, but also as a testament to our commitment to human investment. This is one
step in a growing effort to develop our employees through professional development,
training, and smart hiring practices. The foundation of professional development
however, is knowing the work you are assigned.
We are excited to take this step. We hope you find this resource informative and
beneficial.
Sincerely,
Matthew Melady
Executive Director, Facilities
The School District of Philadelphia

Ernie Bennet
District President
SEIU Local 32BJ District 1201

 Vision & Mission
VISION:
We will deliver on the right of every child in Philadelphia to an excellent public school
education in a safe, healthy, and welcoming facility. We will raise the standard for
school facilities and ensure that every school is well maintained, clean and in good
repair. We will provide all students and teachers with environments that are
conducive to learning. We want children and teachers to look forward to working and
learning in our buildings, eating at our cafeterias and traveling safely to and from
school. The physical environment, food quality and transportation services at all of
our schools will become a beacon of pride and best in class for the children,
teachers and administrators in our schools.

MISSION:
We will provide exceptional customer service and deliver strong school-facing
support to the students, faculty, administrators, district colleagues and the school
community who are our customers. We want children and teachers to look forward
to working and learning in our buildings, eating at our cafeterias, playing in our yards
and traveling safely to and from school.

CORE VALUES:
The Operations Division is not only focused on goals and results, but spent time
developing a comprehensive systematic approach that put purpose, meaning and
value to the work we do. These values include but are not limited to:
• We are customer service driven and will focus our improvements by listening to
our customers.
• We will carry ourselves and carry out our work with honesty, integrity and high
ethical standards.
• We will hold ourselves and those that work with us accountable.
• We will be results driven and achieve the goals we set for ourselves.
• We will create a workplace where employees feel appreciated and understand
their contribution to supporting education.
• We will create a sense of ownership and pride over the services we deliver.

4

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Daily
Classroom Cleaning


Commentary: Develop a work flow as you clean classrooms. Move floor surface dirt from
the far end of the classroom towards the entrance door area. Move classroom furniture
back into place after cleaning, or alternate the placement of the furniture on an every other
day basis. Chalkboard and/or whiteboard cleaning may be included on an occasional basis.
Empty vacuum bag daily if necessary, as well as checking vacuum belts and cords. Be sure
the classroom is neatly arranged and secured when cleaning is completed.
Standard: Upon completion of this work activity, the classroom must be clean and safe
with furniture positioned in an orderly arrangement. Floor surfaces must be free of dirt,
stains, or other accumulations. Flat and vertical surfaces are to be dust free, and trash
emptied. Classrooms secured after cleaning.
Equipment and Materials Needed
1. Equipment cart / trash barrel
2. Vacuum
3. 18” swivel dust mop
4. Dust cloth or dusting tool
5. Dust pan and broom
6. Can liners
7. Spray cleaner Crew Disinfectant cleaner (32oz bottle), Glance glass cleaner (32oz bottle)
8. Damp mop, bucket, and wringer
9. Putty knife for non-carpeted floor, bone knife for carpeted floors
10. Carpet spotting material
Work Flow
• Remove large pieces of litter from floor, empty pencil sharpener if necessary.
• Empty trash and replace can liners.
• Dust flat and vertical classroom surfaces (window ledges, corners, etc.).
• Dust mop all hard floor surfaces, sweeping material toward the classroom door.
• Vacuum all carpeted floor surfaces. Vacuum in both directions to maximize dirt removal.
• Spot (damp) mop all hard floor surfaces if necessary. Use Stride Citrus cleaner solution.
• Spot clean stains on carpeted floor surfaces if necessary. Use Extraction cleaner.
• Spot clean stains on wall surface areas if necessary and sinks if applicable, clean classroom door
glass if necessary. Use Stride Citrus solution for hard surfaces and Glance for glass.
• Order (arrange) classroom furniture.
• Secure the classroom (close and lock windows pull down window shades, turn lights off close and
lock classroom door. and classroom entry doors).
• Wipe down door knobs, light switches, house phone with a cloth. Use Crew disinfectant cleaner.
Frequency: Once a day, check periodically as needed
Personal Protective Equipment
1. Protective hand wear – non-sterile latex or cloth gloves
2. Disposable Dust Mask

5

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Daily
Restroom Cleaning


Commentary: Develop a three-step “spray-swab-wipe” cleaning process. Use separate
solutions for sanitizing sinks as opposed to urinals and toilets, and never mix cleaning
agents. Maintain a healthy air-flow in the rest room. Dispose of all wiping towels as you
leave the work area. Secure the restroom when work is completed.
Standard: Upon completion of this work activity, restrooms are to be clean and safe
with all fixtures and floors sanitized. Soap and paper products replenished daily. Wall
surfaces, sinks and mirrors are to be clean and graffiti-free. Flush all floor drains with
mop bucket water. Restroom(s) should be free of unhealthy odors. Contact Building
Engineer if unable to remove odors.
Equipment and Materials Needed
1. Broom
2. Spray cleaner Crew Disinfectant cleaner (32oz bottle), Glance glass cleaner (32oz bottle)
3. Disposable wiping towels or rags
4. Pails, bowl mops
5. Wet mop equipment (mop, bucket, wringer)
6. Crew Disinfectant cleaner for mopping
7. Wet floor signs
8. Putty knife
9. Can liners
Work Flow for 9-Step Process
• Spray all restroom fixtures (sinks, urinals, toilets, flush handles) with spray cleaner Crew
Disinfectant cleaner. Spray wall areas around these fixtures (especially urinals and toilets) to
control unhealthy odors. Let stand.
• Remove litter from floor areas, check ceilings for paper litter and remove if necessary.
• Empty trash.
• Refill soap and paper products. Clean all mirrors using Glance cleaner. Spot clean around paper
product dispensers.
• Dust flat and vertical surfaces if necessary (window ledges, corners, etc.).
• Swab out urinals and toilet bowls using Crew Disinfectant cleaner. Clean outside and underside
areas of these fixtures also.
• With sponge or semi-abrasive pad, clean sink bowls and outsides/undersides of sinks using Crew
Disinfectant cleaner.
• Wipe dry all chrome, undersides of sinks and urinals, toilet seats using Crew Disinfectant cleaner.
Let the rest of the fixtures air dry.
• Remove graffiti from wall surface areas using Spitfire Power Cleaner.
• Check restroom lighting for burned out bulbs. Report all inoperable lights to the Building Engineer.
• Wet-mop floor with Crew Disinfectant cleaner. Check floor drain(s) for unhealthy odors. Pour
disinfectant solution into drain if necessary.
• Secure the restroom (lights off, close and lock all windows and entry doors).
• Place wet floor signs if necessary.
Frequency: Three to four times a day, (restrooms should be checked every 2-2.5 hours during your shift
when the building is occupied)
Personal Protective Equipment
1. Protective hand wear: disposable non-sterile latex gloves
2. Protective mask and eye protection (goggles)

6

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Daily
Office Cleaning


Commentary: Develop a “work flow” as you clean offices. Clean offices are more visually
appealing and make a good impression on students, staff, and visitors. This area should reflect
a high level of cleaning for all work activities. Move floor surface dirt from the far end of the
office towards the entrance door area. Move office furniture back into place after cleaning
under, behind, and around it. Area is checked frequently during the entire shift, especially when
the public may visit the facility. Be sure the office furniture is neatly arranged and secure the
office when work is completed.
Standard: Upon completion of this work activity, offices are to be clean and safe. Floor
surface areas and carpeted areas are to be free of litter and dirt. All horizontal and
vertical surfaces are to be dust-free. Door glass and wall surface areas are to be free of
dirt and stains. Vacuum bag should be emptied when necessary. Report all issues to
the building engineer.
Equipment and Materials Needed (Basic)
1. 18 or 36-inch swivel dust mop
2. Vacuum
3. Dust pan and broom
4. Treated dust cloth or dusting tool
5. Glance glass cleaner, wiping towels, or glass cleaning tools
6. Wet mop, bucket, wringer, Stride neutral cleaner solution for mopping
7. 32oz bottle Spray cleaners: Stride Neutral; Glance Glass; and Crew Disinfectant
8. Wet floor sign(s)
9. Can liners
10. Putty knife for non-carpeted floor, bone knife for carpeted floors
Work Flow
• Pick up large pieces of litter off the floor surface area.
• Empty trash cans and replace can liners.
• Complete high and low dusting of horizontal and flat vertical surfaces. Include office furniture.
Keep these areas free of cobwebs.
• Dust mop all hard floor surfaces, sweeping material toward the office door.
• Vacuum carpeted floor surface areas. Vacuum in both directions to maximize dirt removal.
• Spot clean stains on wall surface areas if necessary, using Stride Neutral cleaner.
• Wet mop hard floor surface areas with Stride, spot clean-carpeted floor surface areas with
Extraction cleaner. Use a putty knife to loosen any matted material on hard floor or carpeted floor
surface areas. Place wet floor signs if needed.
• Clean all door glass and window glass using Glance cleaner.
• Wipe down door knobs, light switches, house phone with a cloth. Use Crew disinfectant cleaner.
• Secure office area where applicable (lights off, close and lock all windows and entry doors).
• Report all lights that do not work to Building Engineer.
Frequency: Once a day (checked throughout the shift)
Personal Protective Equipment
1. Protective hand wear: disposable non-sterile latex gloves
2. Disposable dust mask

7

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Daily
Cafeteria Cleaning


Commentary: Cafeterias should reflect the utmost cleanliness and presentation. They are
used daily by students and staff, and need to be clean, organized, and disinfected. The area
should be cleaned after every meal period and at the end of every school day.
Standard: Upon completion of this work activity, cafeteria floors, tables, chairs, walls
must be free of litter, dirt, stains, and should be disinfected. No food stains should be
present on any surface. The cafeteria should be cleaned after every meal period, and
thoroughly cleaned at the end of each day. Contact the building engineer with any
issues.
Equipment and Materials Needed
1. Can liners
2. Push broom
3. Damp mop, bucket, wringer
4. Spray bottle with Spitfire Power Cleaner for graffiti removal, spray bottle with Stride neutral
cleaner for wall surface areas, spray bottle of Crew Disinfectant for doorknobs and light switches,
Stride neutral cleaner for floors
5. Putty knife
6. Dust pan and broom
7. Wet floor sign(s)
Work Flow
• Remove large pieces of litter from floor.
• Empty trash and replace can liners.
• Dust all high and low surface areas. Include window casings and ledges, wall/ceiling joints, unit
ventilation housings, railings, corners, etc.
• Spot clean wall surfaces using Glance cleaner, use Spitfire Power cleaner (diluted) for more
stubborn stains.
• Sweep floor using a push broom or other similar sweeping tool, sweep all hard floor surfaces,
sweeping material toward the cafeteria door.
• Pick up the accumulated dirt and dispose of properly.
• Damp mop all hard floors to remove stains and other accumulations using Stride Neutral cleaner.
Use a putty knife to remove gum or food that may be adhered to floor surfaces.
• Spot clean door glass in the area using Glance.
• Place wet floor signs if necessary.
• Secure the area if necessary (lights out, close and lock windows).
• Report all inoperable lights to the Building Engineer.
Frequency: Once a day, after lunch
Personal Protective Equipment
1. Protective hand wear: disposable non-sterile latex gloves.

8

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Daily
Lobby Cleaning


Commentary: Lobbies are first impression areas for students, staff, and visitors. This area
should reflect a high level of cleanliness for all work activities. Area is checked frequently
during the entire shift, especially when the public may visit the facility.
Standard: Upon completion of this work activity, the lobby/entrance is to be clean and
safe. Floor surface areas are to be free of litter and dirt, and all horizontal and vertical
surfaces to be dust-free. Door glass and wall surface areas are to be free of dirt and
stains. Lobby areas must be well lit. Report all issues to the Building Engineer.

Equipment and Materials Needed
1. 18 or 36-inch swivel dust mop
2. Vacuum
3. Dust pan and broom
4. Treated dust cloth or dusting tool
5. Glance glass cleaner, wiping towels
6. Wet mop, bucket, wringer, Stride neutral cleaner solution for mopping
7. Spray bottle with Stride neutral cleaner
8. Wet floor sign(s)
Work Flow
• Pick up large pieces of litter off the floor surface area.
• Complete high and low dusting of horizontal and vertical surfaces. Focus on door and window
casings. Include lobby furniture. Keep these areas free of cobwebs.
• Sweep and/or vacuum floor surface areas. Include walk-off matting. Move accumulated material
toward the cleaning cart and pick up. Vacuum in both directions to maximize dirt removal.
• Spot mop hard floor surface areas with Stride, spot clean-carpeted floor surface areas with
Extraction cleaner. Use a putty knife to loosen any matted material on hard floor surface areas.
Use a putty knife to accomplish the same effect on carpeted surfaces. Place wet floor signs if
needed.
• Spot clean all upholstered furniture using diluted Extraction cleaner.
• Clean all door glass using Glance cleaner.
• Report all lights that do not work to Building Engineer.
• Disinfect/clean drinking fountains or other fixtures in the area using Crew Disinfectant cleaner.
• Arrange all lobby furniture.
• Secure area if necessary.
Frequency: Two to three times a day (should be monitored throughout shift when building is occupied)
Personal Protective Equipment
1. Protective hand wear: disposable non-sterile latex gloves (for cleaning sinks and/or other fixtures)

9

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Daily
Locker Room Cleaning


Commentary: Develop a three-step “spray-swab-wipe” cleaning process. Use separate
solutions for sanitizing sinks as opposed to urinals and toilets, and never mix cleaning
agents. Maintain a healthy air-flow in the locker room. Dispose of all wiping towels as you
leave the locker room area. Report all maintenance repairs as necessary.
Standard: Upon completion of this work activity, locker rooms are to be clean and safe
with all fixtures and floors sanitized. Shower trees are to be included. Soap and paper
products replenished daily. Wall surfaces and mirrors are to be clean and graffiti-free.
The locker room should be well ventilated and free of unhealthy odors.
Equipment and Materials Needed
1. Crew Disinfectant cleaner, Glance glass cleaner, Spitfire Power cleaner to assist in graffiti
removal.
2. Disposable wiping towels or rags.
3. One-gallon pump sprayer or 10-12 oz. spray bottle for Crew disinfectant.
4. Pails, bowl mops, semi-abrasive cleaning pads.
5. Wet mop equipment (mop, bucket, wringer).
6. Wet floor signs.
7. Putty knife.
8. Can liners.
9. Blood-borne clean-up kit
Work Flow
• Spray all fixtures and shower trees (if applicable) with a Crew disinfectant solution. Spray wall
surface areas and floors around urinals and toilets to control unhealthy odors. Let stand.
• Pick up or sweep large pieces of paper off the floor. Check ceiling and wall areas for the same,
remove paper or other accumulations if necessary.
• Empty trash.
• Dust horizontal and vertical surfaces such as clocks, air vents, partition frames, and locker tops.
• Check and refill paper and soap dispensers.
• Swab out urinals and toilet bowls using Crew Disinfectant cleaner. Clean outside areas of these
fixtures also.
• With sponge or semi-abrasive pad, clean sink bowls and outsides/undersides of sinks. Use Crew
Disinfectant.
• Wipe dry all chrome, undersides of sinks and urinals, and toilet seats with Crew Disinfectant
cleaner. Let the rest of the fixtures air dry.
• Remove graffiti from wall surface areas with Spitfire Power Cleaner.
• Check restroom lighting for burned out bulbs and change if time allows.
• Wet-mop the floor with Crew Disinfectant solution. Work from the farthest end of the locker room
towards the entrance door. Check the floor drains for unhealthy odors.
• Secure the locker room (lights off, close and lock all windows and entry doors).
• Place wet floor signs if necessary.
Frequency: Once a day
Personal Protective Equipment
1. Protective hand wear: disposable non-sterile latex gloves
2. Protective mask and eye protection (goggles)
3. Shoe covers, gown (required if major bodily fluid spills are present)

10

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Daily
Stairway Cleaning


Commentary: Stairways should reflect a high level of safety and cleaning. Stairways are
frequently used by students and staff and need to be clean and free of clutter in case the
facility needs to be evacuated. This area should be checked frequently during the first the
shift, especially when the general public may visit the facility.
Standard: Upon completion of this work activity, stairways and landings must be clean
and safe. Stair and landing surfaces (walls/floors) must be free of litter, dust, dirt, and
stains. Stairways policed several times a day, graffiti free and well lighted. Contact
building engineer with any issues.
Equipment and Materials Needed
1. Equipment cart / trash barrel
2. Push broom, swivel dust mop if needed
3. dust cloth or similar dusting tools for high and low dusting
4. Damp mop, bucket, wringer
5. Spitfire Power Cleaner for graffiti removal, spray bottle with Glance neutral cleaner for wall
surface areas, spray bottle of Crew Disinfectant for handrails, Stride Neutral cleaner for floors
6. Putty knife
7. Dust pan and counter brush
8. Glance glass cleaner, squeegee or similar wiping towel
9. Wet floor sign(s)
10. Crew Disinfectant cleaner in 32 oz. Spray Bottle
Work Flow
• Dust all high and low surface areas. Include window casings and ledges, wall/ceiling joints, unit
ventilation housings, railings, corners, etc.
• Spot clean wall surfaces using Glance cleaner, use Spitfire Power cleaner (diluted) for more
stubborn stains. Use Crew Disinfectant cleaner on handrails if needed.
• Report all lights that do not work to Building Engineer.
• Sweep down the stairway. Beginning at the top of the stairway, stand two steps below the stair
surface you intend to sweep. Using a push broom or other similar sweeping tool, sweep the soil
from one side of the stair-step lengthwise to the other side of the stair-step, and then down to the
next step. Repeat the process down the stairway until the task is completed.
• Pick up the accumulated dirt at the bottom of the stairway with a dust pan and counter brush.
Dispose of properly.
• Damp mop stairways to remove stains and other accumulations using Stride Neutral cleaner. Use
a putty knife to remove gum or food that may be adhered to stair or landing surfaces.
• Spot clean door glass in the area using Glance.
• Place wet floor signs if necessary.
• Secure the area if necessary (lights out, close and lock windows).
Frequency: Once a day (should be checked throughout the shift while building is occupied)
Personal Protective Equipment
1. Protective hand wear: disposable non-sterile latex gloves

11

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Daily
Corridor/Hallway Cleaning


Commentary: Corridors should reflect a high level of safety and cleaning. Corridors are
used by students and staff, and must be clean and free of clutter in case the facility needs
to be evacuated. This area should be checked frequently during the shift, especially when
the general public may visit the facility. Use clean mops, changing them as necessary.
Standard: Upon completion of this work activity, corridors/hallways must be clean and
safe. Floor surface areas are to be free of litter and dirt, and all horizontal and vertical
surfaces to be dust-free. Door glass and wall surface areas are to be free of dirt, stains
and graffiti. Corridors are to be well lighted, and free of clutter.
Equipment and Materials Needed
1. Large area swivel dust mop (36 inch)
2. Large area vacuum for carpeted hallways
3. Dust pan broom, putty knife
4. Treated dust cloth or dusting tool
5. Glance glass cleaner, wiping towels.
6. Stride Neutral cleaner for floors. Wet mop, bucket, wringer
7. Spray bottle with Glance neutral cleaner
8. Spray bottle with Crew Disinfectant cleaner for sinks, drinking fountains
9. Wet floor sign(s)
Work Flow
• Pick up large pieces of litter off of hallway floor surface areas.
• Complete high dusting (clocks, fire horns, window casings and ledges, ceiling joints).
• Complete other dusting (vertical and horizontal surfaces, furniture, classroom door casings).
• Spot clean all corridor walls using Glance. Wall surface areas around drinking fountains and door
hardware deserve attention. Report lighting issues as needed to the building engineer.
• Clean glass in and around entrance and classroom doors. Include showcase door glass also. Use
Glance.
• Clean and disinfect drinking fountains and/or other fixtures in the area using Crew Disinfectant
cleaner.
• Clean door kick plates on a weekly basis or as needed using Glance.
• Dust mop the corridor floor surface. Begin by outlining or edging the hallway. Dust mop under
tables, chairs, corners, and floor mats. Then proceed to dust mop the main hallway area.
• Vacuum carpeted floor surface areas. Vacuum in both directions. Spot clean carpets as necessary
using Extraction cleaner.
• Damp mop hard floor surface areas using Stride Neutral cleaner. Corridors are kept free of
standing water, spots, and stains. Mop in an even side-to-side fashion, changing the water as
necessary. Use auto-scrubber if necessary.
• Vacuum walk-off matting.
• Secure the area (lights off, windows and doors closed and locked).
• Place wet floor signs if necessary.
Frequency: Once or twice a day (should be monitored throughout shift when building is occupied)
Personal Protective Equipment
1. Protective hand wear: disposable non-sterile latex gloves

12

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Daily
Gymnasium Cleaning


Commentary: To maximize the investment in the gym floor, and to retain a high level of
appearance, a well-planned floor maintenance program should be implemented. Twice daily
dust mopping of the floor will enhance the floor appearance and lend to the longevity of the
floor. After the gym has been dust mopped, shake the mop vigorously to free all dirt and
dust clinging to the mop strands.
Standard: Upon completion of this work activity, all surface areas in the gym should be
clean and safe. Floor surfaces must be free of dirt and debris, with all other horizontal
and vertical surfaces free of dust. Door glass and wall surfaces are to be free of dirt,
stains, and graffiti. The proper maintenance of wood gym floors is a daily process
involving consistent (daily) cleaning procedures and floor product application.
Gymnasiums are to be well lighted with bulbs replaced as needed. Report all issues to
the building engineer.
Equipment and Materials Needed
1. Horizontal and Vertical Dusting Tools
2. Large Area Swivel Dust Mops (36”)
3. Damp Mop Equipment (bucket, wringer, clean mop)
4. Putty Knife
5. Glance Window/Glass Cleaner and paper towels
6. Crew Disinfectant cleaner for Drinking Fountains
7. Auto-Scrubber with appropriate cleaner (Stride or Glance, depending on the floor)
Work Flow
• Empty all trash containers and replace liners as necessary
• Dust/damp wipe all accessible vertical and horizontal surfaces using Glance, remove all graffiti
using Spitfire Power cleaner.
• Dust mop bleachers, damp wipe if necessary using Glance, remove gum and debris. Clean all
bench seating monthly during the off-season, and check the bench seating before each event
during season. Replace damaged or missing seats
• Dust mop underneath bleachers, wet mop with Stride or Glance if necessary
• Use Crew to disinfect all drinking fountains and other restroom fixtures in the area. Damp wipe
tile around fountain areas. Follow procedures as written in the restroom cleaning protocols.
• Spot clean walls and clean door glass with Glance as needed
• Monitor and clean out all floor level cold air returns as needed.
• Sweep and damp mop the gym floor surface, and run the auto-scrubber as needed. Use Stride or
Glance depending on the floor material. Remove spots and gum/debris on a daily basis.
• Clean out all entrance areas and floor mats (if present) on a daily basis.
• Clean all equipment and order the custodial closets when finished. Shut lights off and secure the
area.
Frequency: Once a day
Personal Protective Equipment
1. Protective hand wear: disposable latex or non-latex gloves

13

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Daily/Weekly
Boiler Room/Mechanical Room Cleaning


Commentary: Boiler/mechanical rooms are one of the most important rooms in a facility.
These areas generate the safety and comfort for those persons who work or use the facility.
Safety and cleanliness are of primary importance in the upkeep of these areas. Check these
areas on a daily basis, performing the necessary cleaning and preventive maintenance tasks.
Standard: All boiler rooms and mechanical rooms are to be clean, safe, and orderly.
These rooms are not to be used for storage, and more specifically, combustible
materials are not to be stored in boiler rooms or mechanical rooms. Boilers and all
HVAC related equipment is to be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, and
documented as such. These room areas are to be well lighted with re-lamping
completed as needed.
Equipment and Materials Needed
1. Horizontal and Vertical Dusting Tools
2. Broom or Swivel Dust Mop
3. Damp Mop Equipment
4. Glass Cleaning Equipment and Glance cleaner
5. Dust Pan and Counter Brush
6. Putty Knife
7. Stride Neutral cleaner or degreaser (floor and walls)
8. Crew Disinfectant cleaner for sinks or restrooms
Work Flow
• Dust all horizontal/vertical high and low surfaces. This includes pipes, boiler(s), air compressor(s),
and all HVAC equipment. Use caution to not damage switches or other sensitive equipment in the
boiler/mechanical room area.
• Spot clean equipment, walls, etc. as needed. Use Stride neutral cleaner, Spitfire Power cleaner or
a degreaser if needed for oil or grease accumulations.
• Clean all glass work (if necessary) in the area with Glance.
• Dust-mop all floor surfaces including stairways or ramps that may lead to the boiler/mechanical
room. If applicable, clean underneath the boiler. Pick up the accumulated material and deposit in
the waster container. Empty the waste container and replace the liner if applicable. Do not allow
trash to accumulate in these areas.
• Damp mop the floor surface area with a Stride Neutral cleaner solution (or degreaser if
necessary).
• Shut off lights and secure the area.
Frequency: Once a week
Personal Protective Equipment
1. Disposable latex or non-latex gloves

14

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Daily
Grounds Care


Commentary: Grounds areas are a priority in terms of daily monitoring and clean-up.
Under no circumstances should these areas be neglected.

Standard: The facility grounds area must reflect an excellent “curb appeal” for
students, staff, and general public. All debris such as glass, rocks, paper, or other
trash must be removed from facility grounds twice daily if possible. Provide a daily
inspection of all playground equipment, and report needed repairs to your Building
Engineer. During the snow season all walkways, entrances, and parking areas must be
free from snow and ice.

Equipment and Materials Needed
1. Push Broom/Corn Broom
2. Paper Grabber, Power Blower
3. Waste Container
4. Snow Shovel, Snow Blower (seasonal)
5. Rake, Hoses, Sprinklers, Trimmers, Lawn Mower, etc.
6. Protective Gloves
7. Ladder
Work Flow
• Police grounds areas once in the morning before students and staff arrive, and once again in the
afternoon. All waste papers, sticks, glass, and other debris that could cause personal injury to
students and staff should be removed from grounds areas and discarded. While walking the
grounds areas, scan the exterior of the building for any vandalism. Report any paint vandalism or
exterior damage to the Building Engineer as soon as possible.
• All entrances to the facility should be swept and cleared of debris before school, and monitored
throughout the day. Empty trash receptacles on school grounds and replace liners as necessary.
During the winter season, snow and ice removal from entrances, walks, and parking lots are
priority work activities. After snow is removed, use an approved ice melt product to remove ice
and protect students and staff from slips and falls.
• If there are problems with contract snow removal, explain the problem to the Building Engineer.
Do not call the contractor.
• Check for damage to grounds areas such as sod damage, turfing, broken pipe railing, tree or
bush damage, or other landscaping damage. Report this to the Building Engineer as soon as
possible. Concerns about gates or signage must also be reported to the Building Engineer.
• Check all playground equipment daily. The purpose of the inspection is to identify and correct
problems with impact material, as well as to ensure safety and proper operation of play
equipment. Report any concerns to the Building Engineer.
Frequency: Twice a day
Personal Protective Equipment
1. Leather work gloves, disposable latex or non-latex gloves, eye protection

15

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Daily
Custodial Closet Care


Commentary: The purpose of a custodial closet is to provide efficient access to custodial
supplies and equipment. The closet also provides an area for proper clean-up of equipment
and storage of materials. It is necessary to keep these areas clean, organized, and secure.
Standard: Custodial closets are to be neat, orderly, and safe. All products/equipment
on shelves are to be organized and neatly arranged. Sinks and walls are to be clean,
with dry and wet mops hung on appropriate hardware. All products are to be secured
and capped tightly. Custodial closets locked when not in use.
Equipment and Materials Needed
1. Swivel dust mop or push broom
2. Dust pan and Counter Brush
3. Dusting Tool
4. Wet Mop Equipment
5. Putty Knife
6. Restroom Cleaning Equipment (for sinks) and Crew Disinfectant cleaner.
Work Flow
• After the daily cleaning run is completed, empty all cleaning solutions from equipment used and
clean equipment thoroughly. Save mop solution for damp mopping the custodial closet floor.
Restock and organize shelving and the cleaning cart if necessary. Store all equipment in proper
positions, and secure all product containers.
• Dust down all horizontal and vertical surfaces in the closet, spot clean walls with Glance if
necessary.
• Dust mop or sweep the floor area. Collect debris and discard. Hang up dust mop in the proper
position.
• Clean the custodial sink, wiping down all chrome fixtures. Clean mirror if applicable. Use Glance.
• Damp mop the custodial closet floor. Clean up damp mop equipment, wring out damp mop (hang
up) and return all equipment to the proper storage position.
• Turn off lights and secure the closet.
Frequency: Once a day
Personal Protective Equipment
1. Disposable latex or non-latex gloves, eye protection if necessary

16

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Cleaning & Custodial Responsibilities
Frequency
Area & Task
Daily

Weekly or # of
times weekly

Monthly

As Needed Semi-Annual

Classrooms, Offices, Auditoriums, Lounges, IMC, etc.
Empty trash and replace plastic liners

X

Damp wipe trash receptacles
Clean window, door and partition glass

2

Empty pencil sharpeners

X

Spot clean doors, walls, and ledges

X

Dust mop smooth floors, Sweep rough wood or
concrete floors

X

Vacuum entire carpet (ALL CARPETS)
Spot clean carpets (ALL CARPETS)

X

3
X

Shampoo carpets

X

Wet mop entire floor
Spot mop floor

2
X

Damp wipe doors (including kick plates)

X

High dust (including light fixtures)
Dust flat and vertical surfaces including window
ledges, sills, and display cases

1
X

Wet wipe student desks

2

Clean sinks and any other restroom fixtures within
classrooms or offices and replenish paper towels,
toilet paper, and soap

X

Remove grafitti

X

Clean doorknobs, push plates, and light switches

X

17

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Frequency



Area & Task
Daily

Weekly or # of
times weekly

Clean chalkboards
Damp wipe chalkboard trays

Monthly

1
X

Clean telephones

1

Scrub/buff floors
Clean stage area where applicable

As Needed Semi-Annual

X
X

Wax floor with floor finish where necessary

X

Where fixtures and/or restrooms are presents, refer
to restroom section

Restrooms
Thoroughly sanitize restrooms with disinfectant
(Crew)

X

Dust (including light fixtures, ledges, vents, and
partitions)

X

Empty trash and replace plastic liners

X

Damp wipe trash receptacles

X

Damp wipe doors (including kick plates)

X

Damp wipe walls, partition doors, and vertical
surfaces with disinfectant

X

Clean/disinfect door knobs, push plates, light
switches, and locks behind stall doors

X

Remove grafitti

X

Clean mirrors

X

Clean/disinfect ALL dispensers (soap, paper towel,
and toilet paper)

X

Refill ALL dispensers (soap, paper towel, and toilet
paper)

X

18

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Frequency
Area & Task
Daily
Clean/disinfect toilet handles, push buttons, sink
faucets

Weekly or # of
times weekly

Monthly

As Needed Semi-Annual

X

Clean window and door glass

2

Remove spitballs from ceiling

X

Sweep floor

X

Wet mop entire floor

X

Remove cobwebs

X

Entrances, Lobbies, Hallways
Empty trash and replace plastic liners

X

Damp wipe trash receptacles

X

Clean window, door, display cases and partition
glass

X

Spot clean (ALL CARPETS)

X

Vacuum entire carpet (ALL CARPETS)

3

Dust flat and vertical surfaces including window
ledges, sills, wall vents and display cases

X

Remove grafitti

X

Dust mop/sweep floor

X

Spot mop floor

X

Wet mop entire floor

2

Clean/disinfect all drinking fountains

X

Clean mats and runners

X

Spot clean doors, walls and ledges

X

Clean lobby furniture

X

High dust (including light fixtures, clocks, fire
prevention/safety equipment, ceiling joints, etc.)

X

19

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Frequency
Area & Task
Daily

Weekly or # of
times weekly

Polish brass doorknobs, railings, push plates/bars
on doors, kick plates and any other brass
Clean doorknobs, railings, push plates and panic
bars on doors

Monthly

As Needed Semi-Annual

1

X

Wipe baseboards

1

Shampoo carpets

X

Surface scrub/buff floors

X

Apply wax/floor finish

X

Cafeterias & Lunchrooms
During school, sweep pieces of litter and spot mop
spills

X

During AND after school, empty trash receptacles
and replace plastic liners

X

After school, sweep floor

X

After school, wet mop entire floor (lift tables if
necessary)

X

After school, spot clean doors, walls and ledges

X

After school, clean window, door and partition glass

X

Clean/disinfect all drinking fountains

X

Clean doorknobs, push plate, house phones and
light switches

X

Damp wipe doors (including kick plates)

X

High dust (including light fixtures)

X

Stairways
Spot clean doors, walls and ledges
Remove graffiti

1
X

Vacuum entrance mats
Dust (including light fixtures, ledges, vents, railings
and corners)

X
X

20

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Frequency
Area & Task
Daily

Weekly or # of
times weekly

Completely wet mop treads

1

Wash railings

1

Thoroughly wash stair risers
Clean window, door and partition glass in the area

Monthly

As Needed Semi-Annual

X
X

Gymnasium, Locker/Shower Rooms, Dressing Areas
Empty trash and replace plastic liners

X

Damp wipe clean bleachers and furniture

1

Spot clean walls, ledges, doors and locker tops

X

Dust mop/sweep floor (including underneath
bleachers)

X

Wet mop shower room floor where applicable

X

Wet mop entire (gym) floor (including under
movable gym seats)

1

Spot mop floor

X

Clean/disinfect shower room handles, shower
heads, and any other wash room hardware where
applicable

X

Dust flat and vertical surfaces (including window
ledges, sills and display cases)

X

Clean out and monitor all floor level cold air returns

X

Scrub

X

Apply wax

X

Vacuum floor mats where applicable

X

Clean window, door and display glass

X

21

General Guidelines - Cleaning

 Operations Division
440 North Broad Street, 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130
e-mail:
phone:
fax:
twitter:

operations@philasd.org
215.400.5361
215.400.4381
@PHLschoolOps