Winter brings its usual challenges for schools – rain, muddy corridors, wet coats, closed windows, and indoor crowding. Unfortunately, it also brings a sharp rise in colds, flu, norovirus, and other seasonal illnesses that can spread rapidly through classrooms, corridors, and shared learning spaces.
With attendance already a major priority for schools across the UK, winter illnesses can create widespread disruption for both pupils and staff. But the good news is this:
A proactive winter cleaning strategy can drastically reduce germs, lower sickness rates, and help keep your school running smoothly.
This guide outlines the essential areas every school should deep clean during winter – and how NJ Cleaning Wigan can support you with professional, reliable, and DBS-checked cleaning teams.
1. High-Touch Surfaces: The Fastest Route for Germs to Spread
Hundreds of little hands touch the same surfaces every day, making high-touch points the number one hotspot for germs in schools.
Key high-touch areas to deep clean include:
- Classroom door handles and push plates
- Light switches
- Handrails in corridors and on staircases
- Classroom equipment (scissors, rulers, glue sticks, shared stationery)
- Computer keyboards, mice, and touchscreens
- Dining hall tables and chair backs
- Water fountains and bottle-filling stations
- Reception sign-in screens and visitor pens
Daily cleaning is essential – but regular deep disinfection helps break the chain of winter infection.
2. Classrooms and Learning Spaces
Classrooms are warm, enclosed environments where germs spread quickly during winter. A weekly or fortnightly deep clean can make a significant difference.
Key areas include:
- Desks, chairs, and table edges
- Trays, cubbies, and storage units
- Whiteboard pens, erasers, and remote controls
- Soft furnishings (reading corner cushions, rugs, beanbags)
- Classroom sinks and soap dispensers
- Shared resources like textbooks and tablets
A thorough deep clean helps reduce absences, especially during peak flu and cold season.
3. Toilets, Changing Rooms & Hygiene Facilities
Toilets are high-traffic areas that require strict cleaning routines – especially during winter outbreaks.
Deep cleaning focus areas:
- Doors, locks, and flush buttons
- Taps, sinks, and hand dryers
- Toilet seats, cubicles, and splash zones
- Soap and sanitiser dispensers
- PE changing rooms and shower areas
Proper disinfection here is one of the most effective ways to stop winter bugs in their tracks.
4. Dining Halls, Kitchens & Break Spaces
Food environments are among the most vulnerable areas for cross-contamination.
Essential deep clean areas include:
- Tables, benches, and chair backs
- Microwaves, fridges, and vending machines
- Service counters and till points
- Staff room appliances (kettles, toasters, coffee machines)
Winter often means pupils eat indoors more frequently – which increases both usage and risk.
5. Floors, Carpets & Entrances
Wet, muddy shoes, falling leaves, and slip risks are at their peak in winter.
Deep cleaning priorities:
- Carpeted classrooms
- Hallway and entrance mats
- Mudrooms and cloakroom areas
- Assembly halls and sports halls
Regular deep cleaning helps maintain hygiene and reduces odours caused by damp winter wear.
6. Ventilation, Air Quality & HVAC Cleaning
When windows stay shut, germs linger in the air for longer.
Important winter actions include:
- Cleaning vents and air grilles
- Replacing filters
- Dusting high-level surfaces
- Checking airflow in classrooms and hallways
Cleaner air = fewer airborne viruses.
7. Best Practices for Keeping Your School Healthy This Winter
✔ Encourage regular handwashing: Simple, effective, and proven to reduce illness.
✔ Make sanitiser readily available: Especially at entrances, dining areas, ICT suites, and classrooms.
✔ Increase cleaning during peak illness periods: A temporary boost in staff – or a deep cleaning service – can prevent outbreaks.
✔ Use colour-coded cloths and equipment: To avoid cross-contamination between toilets, classrooms, and dining areas.
✔ Consider Electrostatic Disinfection: This advanced method coats all surfaces with a disinfectant mist that kills 99.9% of germs, reaching areas traditional cleaning can’t.
How NJ Cleaning Wigan can help your school stay healthy this Winter
NJ Cleaning works with around 20 schools across Wigan, supporting them with:
✔ Full daily cleaning contracts – Reliable, trained, enhanced-DBS staff.
✔ Temporary cleaning, caretaking, and site management cover – Perfect for sickness season and staffing shortages.
✔ Deep Cleaning & Electrostatic Disinfection – Ideal pre-winter, post-illness, or during busy periods.
✔ Carpet, upholstery, and floor machine cleaning – Remove dirt, allergens, and odours that build up over winter.
✔ Flexible, fast-response support -We understand schools. We work around you.
Ready to protect your pupils and staff this winter?
A cleaner school is a healthier school – and winter is the most important time to act.
If you want to reduce sickness, improve attendance, and protect your staff and pupils, NJ Cleaning Wigan is here to help.
Contact us today to book your Winter Deep Clean or request a free site visit.
Experience The NJ Way – where reliability, professionalism, and outstanding hygiene come as standard.