What is the difference between 'Cleaning for Appearance' and 'Cleaning for Health'?

Cleaning for appearance focuses on visual standards like shiny floors and empty trash bins. Cleaning for Health focuses on breaking the chain of infection to reduce student absenteeism. This involves targeting unseen pathogens on high-touch points (doorknobs, desks) using EPA-registered disinfectants and dwell times, which is critical for educational environments.

How does Prime Clean Force verify that a school surface is actually clean?

We use Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) testing meters. ATP is an energy molecule found in all organic matter. By swabbing a surface after cleaning, we measure the organic residue left behind. This scientific validation ensures a surface is hygienically clean, not just visually clean.

What is Electrostatic Disinfection and when is it used in schools?

Electrostatic disinfection uses a specialized sprayer that charges disinfectant droplets. These positively charged droplets are attracted to negatively charged surfaces, wrapping around 3D objects like locker handles, desk legs, and toys to provide 100% coverage. It is the gold standard for outbreak prevention (Flu/Norovirus).

Are your cleaning staff background checked for school safety?

Yes. Compliance with the Jessica Lunsford Act and student safety is our top priority. Every Prime Clean Force staff member assigned to an educational facility undergoes a rigorous background check, drug screening, and is required to wear a photo ID badge and uniform while on campus.

How do you combat the heavy pollen season in Athens schools?

Athens' high pollen count triggers asthma and allergies. We combat this by increasing the frequency of HEPA filtration vacuuming (which traps 99.97% of particulates), using damp microfiber for dusting to capture spores rather than spreading them, and maintaining entry matting systems to stop pollen at the door.

City Guide

Athens-Clarke County School Cleaning

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A guide to professional cleaning for schools and universities in Athens, focusing on student health and creating a positive learning environment.

We provide specialized School & University Cleaning services.

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The Hidden Cost of "Good Enough" Cleaning

Why generic janitorial services fail in educational settings.

In a densely populated environment like a school, pathogens spread rapidly. "Visual cleanliness" (no trash on the floor) is not the same as "hygienic cleanliness" (no pathogens on surfaces). Research from NSF International reveals that the most contaminated areas in schools are often overlooked by standard cleaning crews.

The "Presenteeism" Problem

When students or teachers come to school sick, they contaminate shared surfaces within hours. A strategic cleaning plan breaks this chain of transmission, directly reducing absenteeism rates in Athens-Clarke County schools.

Bacteria Density on Common School Surfaces

Source: NSF International School Germ Study (CFU/sq. in.)

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Flu Season Defense

Proactive disinfection reduces viral transmission by up to 80% during peak winter months.

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Athens Pollen Control

High-dusting and HEPA filtration specifically target the intense Georgia pollen season.

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Focus & Performance

Clean air and clutter-free spaces are statistically linked to higher test scores.

Comprehensive Facility Protocols

Our systematic approach ensures no surface is left untouched. We divide educational facilities into distinct zones, each with a tailored hygiene protocol.

Zone 1: Academic & Admin Areas (Classrooms, Libraries, Offices)

Focus: reducing distraction and surface transmission.

High-Touch Disinfection: Daily sanitizing of desk edges, door handles, light switches, and shared keyboards.
Whiteboard & Tray Care: Removal of ghosting and marker dust accumulation.
Trash & Recycle: Emptying bins and replacing liners; spot-cleaning bins to prevent odors.
Floor Care: HEPA-vacuuming carpets to trap allergens; damp mopping hard floors with neutral cleaner.
Dusting: High-dusting vents and shelves (above 6ft) to improve air quality.

Zone 2: High-Risk & Sanitary Areas (Restrooms, Nurse's Offices)

Focus: Pathogen elimination and odor control.

Hospital-Grade Disinfection: Utilizing EPA-registered disinfectants with appropriate dwell times.
Fixture Sanitation: Scrubbing and polishing faucets, flush handles, and dispensers.
Grout & Partition Care: Deep cleaning grout lines and stall partitions to remove bacteria buildup.
Supply Restocking: Ensuring soap, towels, and toilet tissue are fully stocked for the next day.
Nurse's Station: specialized terminal cleaning protocols for recovery cots and waiting areas.

Zone 3: Common & High-Traffic Areas (Cafeterias, Gyms, Hallways)

Focus: Safety, slip-prevention, and large-scale sanitation.

Cafeteria Tables: Cleaning and sanitizing tables and chairs (NSF-approved chemicals).
Water Fountains: Daily disinfection of spigots and buttons (critical vector point).
Gym Floors: Dust mopping and auto-scrubbing to maintain traction and prevent slip-and-falls.
Locker Rooms: Heavy-duty disinfection of benches, lockers, and shower floors to prevent MRSA/Athlete's Foot.
Entrance Mats: Vacuuming and arranging mats to trap dirt before it enters the building.

Beyond the Daily Clean: Strategic Maintenance

Effective facility management aligns with the academic calendar. We schedule intensive restorative work during breaks to maximize longevity of your assets.

Summer Deep Clean

The "Reset Button" for your facility.

VCT Floor Stripping & Waxing (High Gloss)
Carpet Extraction (Hot Water)
Interior Window & Blind Washing
High-Ceiling Dusting (Gyms/Auditoriums)

Break & Event Response

Flexible scheduling for dynamic needs.

Post-Game/Event Cleanup (Stadiums/Auditoriums)
Winter Break Restorative Cleaning
Emergency Spill/Flood Response
Pre-Graduation Detail Cleaning

Infection Control

Rapid response for outbreaks.

Electrostatic Spray Disinfection
Outbreak Remediation (Flu/Norovirus)
Touch-point Intensification Programs

Green Cleaning

Safe for students, staff, and the planet.

Green Seal Certified Chemicals
Low-VOC Cleaning Agents
Microfiber Technology (Reduces water/chemical use)

The Prime Clean Force Standard

We aren't just cleaners; we are a risk management partner for your institution. In an educational setting, trust is paramount. We take that responsibility seriously.

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Security & Vetting

Every staff member undergoes rigorous background checks and drug screening. We wear uniforms and ID badges at all times for easy identification on campus.

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Local & Responsive

Based locally, we can respond to emergencies in Athens-Clarke County quickly. You are not dealing with a distant corporate call center.

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Compliance & Training

Our teams are trained in OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standards, MSDS/SDS chemical safety, and specific educational facility protocols.

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Free consultation for Athens-Clarke County Schools

Expert Knowledge

School Cleaning FAQ

Answers to common questions about maintaining safe, healthy educational environments in Athens.

Health, Safety & Science

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: What's the difference?

Cleaning removes visible dirt and soil (cleaning for appearance). Disinfecting kills pathogens on surfaces (cleaning for health). We focus on "Cleaning for Health" by using EPA-registered disinfectants on high-touch points to break the chain of infection and reduce student absenteeism.

How do you verify a surface is actually clean?

We utilize Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) testing. ATP is an energy molecule found in all organic matter. By swabbing a surface after cleaning, we can measure organic residue that is invisible to the naked eye. This scientific validation ensures your facility is hygienically clean, not just visually tidy.

What are the top "Germ Hotspots" in schools?

According to NSF International, the dirtiest places aren't where you think. Water fountain spigots (2.7 million CFU/sq. in.) and cafeteria trays often have higher bacteria counts than toilet seats. We prioritize disinfection of these specific vector points.

How do you handle Flu or Norovirus outbreaks?

We deploy our Outbreak Protocol immediately. This includes the use of Electrostatic Sprayers to provide 100% surface coverage and hospital-grade disinfectants from the EPA's List N, which have specific kill-claims for the active virus (e.g., Norovirus, Influenza A).

Do you use Green Cleaning products?

Yes. Aligned with the Clarke County School District's mission, we prioritize Green Seal certified and low-VOC products. This protects Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and is crucial for students and staff with asthma or respiratory sensitivities.

Operations & Security

Are your staff background checked?

Absolutely. We strictly adhere to student safety standards including the Jessica Lunsford Act. All staff undergo rigorous criminal background checks, drug screening, and are required to wear uniforms and photo ID badges while on campus.

Do you offer Day Porter services?

Yes. A Day Porter is invaluable for maintaining hygiene during school hours. They handle immediate spill response, cafeteria turnover cleaning, restroom restocking/touch-ups, and high-touch disinfection while students are present.

How do you handle security and access?

We implement strict Key Control Protocols. Our supervisors ensure all doors and windows are secured, lights are off, and alarms are set upon exiting. We log entry/exit times to maintain a secure chain of custody for your facility keys.

What happens if a cleaner calls out sick?

We maintain a trained Float Team specifically for this purpose. If a regularly assigned staff member is absent, a Float Team member (who is already familiar with school protocols) is deployed immediately to ensure zero disruption to your service.

Can you scale for large events (Graduation/Football)?

Yes. We provide Event Support Teams for pre-event preparation and post-event recovery. This includes stadium trash removal, restroom attendants for large crowds, and auditorium deep cleans for ceremonies.

Advanced Protocols & Tech

What is Electrostatic Disinfection?

Standard spray bottles miss 50% of surfaces. Electrostatic sprayers charge the disinfectant droplets, causing them to magnetically wrap around 3D objects—coating the back of locker handles, underside of desks, and sides of toys. It ensures 100% coverage for superior disinfection.

Why do you use color-coded microfiber?

To prevent cross-contamination. We strictly enforce a color-coding system (e.g., Red cloths for restrooms, Blue for classrooms, Green for food areas). This ensures a cloth used on a toilet is never used on a student's desk.

How do you handle red clay stains on carpets?

Georgia red clay contains iron oxide (rust), which can't be removed with standard alkaline carpet shampoos. We use specialized acidic spotting agents designed specifically for our local soil composition to break down the iron and remove the stain without damaging carpet fibers.

How do you manage pollen in schools?

Athens' pollen season is intense. We implement a multi-barrier defense: 1) High-frequency vacuuming of entry mats (which trap 80% of debris), 2) HEPA-filtration vacuums to capture airborne allergens, and 3) Wet-wiping horizontal surfaces instead of feather dusting to trap pollen spores.

What is the protocol for biohazards (vomit/blood)?

We strictly follow OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards. Staff use full PPE (gloves, masks), absorbent compounds to contain the spill, and hospital-grade disinfectants to sanitize the area. All biohazardous waste is double-bagged and disposed of according to regulations.

Scheduling & Cost

What is included in a Summer Deep Clean?

Summer is for restorative work. This includes Stripping and Waxing VCT floors (applying 4-6 coats of high-solids finish), hot water extraction for carpets, scrubbing ceramic tile/grout in restrooms, and high-dusting gymnasium rafters/lights.

Can you work around sports/after-school programs?

Yes. We offer Flexible Shift Starts (e.g., 9:00 PM) to accommodate band practice, tutoring, or board meetings. We zone our cleaning so active areas are cleaned last, ensuring no disruption to educational activities.

How is school cleaning priced?

Pricing depends on Cleanable Square Footage, floor composition (carpet vs. VCT), student density, and frequency. We provide transparent, line-item proposals so you see exactly where your budget goes (e.g., labor vs. supplies).

Can you help with recycling goals?

Yes. We support initiatives like Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful. We ensure that separated recycling streams in classrooms are actually transported to the correct recycling dumpsters, not mixed with general trash.

Do we need a long-term contract?

We offer flexible terms, but we recommend Annual Agreements for schools. This allows us to amortize the cost of initial deep cleans and dedicated equipment over 12 months, providing you with predictable monthly billing.