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Healthier Schools Start with Smarter Supplies and Cleaning Practices

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Wellness-focused school environments play an important role in student learning, staff engagement and overall school performance. When schools prioritize cleanliness and wellness, they help reduce the spread of illness, support focus and mood, and create spaces where students can stay engaged and present. Research shows that student wellness is closely connected to academic success, attendance and long-term outcomes.¹

Maintaining a well-run school requires more than routine cleaning. It involves intentional planning, reliable products and proactive strategies that support wellness every day. By focusing on practical actions and equipping schools with the right tools, districts can create cleaner, more organized environments that support learning.

Here are some tips to consider:

1. Establish consistent cleaning and disinfecting protocols

Consistency is foundational to effective school cleaning. Clearly defined cleaning and disinfecting schedules help classrooms, restrooms and common areas receive regular attention. High-touch surfaces such as desks, door handles, shared equipment and cafeteria tables should be prioritized to help reduce the spread of infectious illnesses.

According to the CDC, schools can help prevent infections by encouraging everyday actions such as routine cleaning and proper disinfecting.² Standardized protocols, paired with staff training and clear expectations, help create a reliable baseline for wellness and safety across campus.

2. Improve indoor air quality to support health and focus

Indoor air quality can significantly influence both physical health and cognitive performance. Poor ventilation and airborne contaminants may contribute to respiratory issues, allergies and increased fatigue, which can affect attention and classroom engagement.³

Schools can take actionable steps by:

  • Using air purifiers in classrooms, nurse offices and shared spaces
  • Monitoring ventilation systems and airflow performance
  • Implementing odor and allergen control solutions in restrooms, locker rooms and cafeterias

Cleaner air helps support a more comfortable learning environment and may help reduce illness-related disruptions.

 

 

3. Reduce germ transmission with touchless solutions

High-contact surfaces are common transmission points for germs in school settings. Touchless technology helps limit cross-contamination while reinforcing healthier hand hygiene habits among students and staff.

Examples of touchless solutions include:

  • Automatic hand sanitizer and soap dispensers
  •  Touch-free towel and tissue dispensers
  •  Hands-free waste receptacles in high-traffic areas

Reducing contact points supports infection prevention and encourages consistent cleanliness practices throughout the school day.⁴

4. Make wellness supplies visible and easily accessible

Accessibility plays an important role in everyday health behaviors. When wellness supplies are readily available, students and staff are more likely to use them proactively.

Key supplies that support daily health include:

  • Hand sanitizer stations in classrooms and hallways
  • Disinfecting wipes for desks and shared equipment
  • Tissues and hand soap stocked across campus
  • First aid kits for quick response to minor incidents

Making these supplies visible and easy to access empowers everyone in the school community to help maintain a safer environment.

5. Support well-being through clean, organized spaces

Cleanliness affects more than physical wellness. It also influences overall well-being, morale and perceptions of the environment. Studies show that clean, well-maintained campuses can positively impact student mood, stress levels and overall engagement.⁵

Clutter-free classrooms, fresh-smelling common areas and consistently maintained facilities help create an environment where students feel supported. These factors contribute to a positive school culture and improved learning experiences.

 

 

Creating healthier schools requires the right combination of products, guidance and ongoing support. Office Depot Business partners with school districts and educational institutions to deliver reliable, cost-effective solutions that help maintain clean, organized and ready-to-learn environments. By supporting consistent cleaning practices, wellness initiatives and supply accessibility, ODP helps schools focus on student success.

To learn more about how Office Depot Business can help with healthier schools visit business.officedepot.com or call 888-263-3423

1 https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/good-health-key-student-learning
2 https://www.cdc.gov/children-and-school-preparedness/php/interventions/index.html
3 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8978505/
4 https://www.issa.com/articles/cleaning-schools/
5 https://www.janitorialmanager.com/blog/how-campus-cleanliness-impacts-student-mental-health-and-morale/

All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is” and neither the author nor ODP Business Solutions warrant the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.

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