School Cleaning During Winter Break: Des Moines Educational Facility Deep Cleaning

Winter break provides Des Moines schools with a rare opportunity: two weeks when students and staff are absent, allowing for comprehensive deep cleaning that's impossible during the regular school year. Whether you're managing a public school, private academy, daycare facility, or university campus in Des Moines, winter break is the ideal time to address accumulated dirt, sanitize high-touch surfaces, and prepare facilities for the challenging second half of the school year.

At Rodan Cleaning, we've been providing specialized cleaning services for educational facilities throughout Des Moines and the metro area since 1998. Over 25 years, we've learned exactly what schools need during winter break: thorough cleaning that addresses semester-long accumulation, preparation for cold and flu season's peak months, and reliable service that completes on schedule before students return.

Here's everything Des Moines school administrators need to know about winter break deep cleaning—including what to prioritize, why timing matters, and how professional services maximize this critical maintenance window.

Why Winter Break is Critical for Des Moines School Cleaning

The two-week window between Christmas and New Year's offers unique advantages for educational facility maintenance.

Students Are Absent for Extended Period

During the regular school year, cleaning happens:

• After school hours when time is limited
• While dealing with ongoing student activities
• Around athletic events, clubs, and evening programs
• With constant recontamination from daily use

Winter break provides uninterrupted access to facilities for 10-14 days, allowing:

• Thorough cleaning without time pressure
• Access to spaces normally occupied
• Work that requires drying time or ventilation
• Comprehensive projects impossible during school days

This extended access makes winter break the most valuable cleaning opportunity of the entire year.

Peak Cold and Flu Season Demands Sanitization

January and February are Iowa's worst months for illness transmission. Winter break cleaning happens at the perfect time to:

• Deep sanitize before peak flu season
• Remove semester's accumulated germs and bacteria
• Prepare facilities for second semester health challenges
• Address high-touch surfaces throughout buildings

Professional deep cleaning during break helps reduce illness-related absences in January and February when transmission is highest.

First Semester Wear and Tear Needs Addressing

By December, Des Moines schools show five months of accumulated:

• Dirt and grime in high-traffic areas
• Wear patterns on floors and carpets
• Bathroom sanitation issues
• Kitchen and cafeteria buildup
• General deterioration of cleanliness standards

Winter break allows comprehensive address of these issues before they worsen during second semester.

Budget Cycles Align with Winter Cleaning

Many Des Moines school districts budget for winter break deep cleaning as part of annual maintenance schedules. This timing:

• Utilizes current fiscal year budgets before rollover
• Addresses needs identified during first semester
• Prepares for spring semester without additional budget requests
• Maximizes facility investment through preventive maintenance

Priority Areas for Winter Break School Cleaning in Des Moines

Strategic focus on high-impact areas maximizes break's limited timeframe.

Classroom Deep Cleaning

Classrooms require thorough attention after five months of daily use:

Floors:

• Professional carpet cleaning removing five months of accumulated dirt
• Deep cleaning of hard floors including baseboards and corners
• Attention to high-traffic areas showing wear
• Stain removal from spills and student activity
• Floor maintenance (stripping and waxing if needed)

Surfaces and Furniture:

• Deep cleaning of all desks and student chairs
• Sanitization of high-touch surfaces (doorknobs, light switches)
• Cleaning of bookshelves and storage units
• Window sill and ledge deep cleaning
• Teacher desk and storage area organization and cleaning

Technology and Equipment:

• Cleaning computer keyboards and mice
• Wiping down monitors and screens
• Organizing and cleaning charging stations
• Cleaning projectors and smartboards
• Addressing classroom electronics

Walls and Fixtures:

• Removing accumulated dust from walls
• Cleaning light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Addressing any marks or damage from student activity
• Cleaning windows inside and out
• Dusting high areas (top of cabinets, shelving)

Bathroom Sanitization

School restrooms require intensive deep cleaning during winter break:

Complete Sanitization:

• Deep scrubbing of all toilets and urinals
• Comprehensive sink and faucet cleaning
• Mirror and surface sanitization
• Floor scrubbing including grout and corners
• Partition and door cleaning (both sides)
• Hardware and dispenser deep cleaning

Maintenance Issues:

• Addressing any mold or mildew concerns
• Deep cleaning of drains
• Removing hard water stains and buildup
• Fixing any cleanliness-related maintenance needs
• Restocking supplies for semester start

High School and University Considerations:

• Locker room deep cleaning and sanitization
• Athletic facility bathroom attention
• Multiple restroom facilities requiring coordination
• Heavy use areas needing extra attention

Winter break allows thorough bathroom cleaning impossible during quick daily maintenance.

Cafeteria and Kitchen Deep Cleaning

Food service areas require specialized attention meeting health department standards:

Kitchen Deep Cleaning:

• Complete appliance cleaning (ovens, ranges, refrigeration)
• Deep cleaning of food prep surfaces
• Floor scrubbing and grease removal
• Exhaust hood and ventilation cleaning
• Storage area organization and sanitization
• Walk-in cooler/freezer deep cleaning

Cafeteria Dining Areas:

• Table and bench deep cleaning
• Floor cleaning and maintenance
• Window cleaning throughout dining areas
• Light fixture cleaning
• Trash and recycling area sanitization

Compliance Considerations:

• Health department standards compliance
• Documentation of deep cleaning completion
• Addressing any sanitation concerns
• Preparing for health inspections

Gymnasium and Athletic Facilities

PE and athletic spaces accumulate significant wear:

Gymnasium Cleaning:

• Floor deep cleaning and maintenance
• Bleacher cleaning (top, bottom, underneath)
• Equipment storage area organization
• Window and high-area cleaning
• Locker room comprehensive sanitization

Athletic Facilities:

• Weight room equipment cleaning
• Fitness equipment sanitization
• Athletic storage area organization
• Shower and bathroom deep cleaning
• Mat and floor equipment cleaning

Hallways and Common Areas

High-traffic spaces need intensive attention:

Floor Care:

• Complete carpet cleaning in carpeted hallways
• Hard floor stripping and waxing
• Stairwell deep cleaning
• Entryway intensive cleaning (winter brings salt, snow, mud)
• Addressing wear patterns and high-traffic areas

Walls and Fixtures:

• Locker cleaning and sanitization
• Wall cleaning and mark removal
• Bulletin board and display case cleaning
• Drinking fountain sanitization
• Light fixture and ceiling fan cleaning

Office and Administrative Areas

Support spaces deserve professional attention:

• Main office deep cleaning
• Administrative workspace sanitization
• Reception area comprehensive cleaning
• Staff break room and kitchen areas
• Meeting room and conference space cleaning
• Copy room and supply area organization

Library and Media Centers

Learning spaces require careful cleaning:

• Book shelf dusting and organization
• Computer lab deep cleaning
• Reading area furniture cleaning
• Floor care throughout facility
• Window cleaning for natural light
• Technology equipment sanitization

Specialized Winter Break Services for Des Moines Schools

Beyond routine deep cleaning, winter break allows specialized maintenance:

Professional Carpet Cleaning

Five months of student traffic embeds dirt deep in carpet fibers. Professional carpet cleaning services:

• Remove accumulated dirt and allergens
• Address stains from food, drinks, and student activities
• Improve indoor air quality
• Extend carpet life significantly
• Prepare carpets for second semester traffic

Winter break's extended timeframe allows proper drying time impossible during school year.

Floor Stripping and Waxing

Hard floors showing five months of wear benefit from complete refinishing:

• Strip old wax and buildup
• Deep clean base floor
• Apply fresh protective coating
• Polish to professional shine
• Protect floors for remainder of school year

This intensive process requires 2-3 days and proper ventilation—perfect for winter break.

Window Cleaning Throughout Facility

Clean windows improve natural light and appearance:

• Interior and exterior window cleaning
• Window sill and frame attention
• Screen cleaning or replacement
• Glass door cleaning
• Skylight cleaning if applicable

HVAC and Air Quality Focus

Winter months mean HVAC systems working overtime:

• Vent and register cleaning
• Filter replacement coordination
• Duct cleaning if needed
• Improving air quality for second semester

COVID-19 and Illness Prevention Protocols

Post-pandemic awareness continues importance of:

• Electrostatic disinfection of high-touch surfaces
• Comprehensive sanitization protocols
• Focus on illness prevention measures
• Documentation of cleaning for parent communication

Why Des Moines Schools Choose Rodan Cleaning for Winter Break

Educational facilities require specialized cleaning understanding unique school needs.

We Understand School Schedules and Deadlines

Over 25 years serving Des Moines schools, we've learned:

• Work must complete before students return
• Access timing often changes last-minute
• Schools need reliable vendors who show up as scheduled
• Documentation requirements for administrators
• Budget and approval processes schools follow

We plan around your schedule and deliver on time—every time.

Background-Checked, Reliable Teams

Schools require vendors who can pass background checks and work safely around educational environments. Every team member:

• Has been with us 2+ years minimum
• Passes comprehensive background screening
• Understands school environment protocols
• Works professionally in educational settings

Experience with All School Types

We've served:

• Public elementary, middle, and high schools
• Private and parochial schools
• Daycare and early childhood centers
• University and college facilities
• Charter and alternative schools

This experience means we understand your specific facility's needs.

Specialized Training Through Cleaning University

Our team members receive training specific to educational facilities:

• Appropriate cleaning products for school environments
• Safety protocols around student spaces
• Sanitization standards for shared spaces
• Efficiency in large facility cleaning
• School-specific compliance requirements

This training applies whether we're cleaning schools or providing commercial cleaning throughout Des Moines.

Audit-Verified Quality You Can Document

Educational facilities often need documentation of deep cleaning completion. Our monthly audit system provides:

• Documented proof that cleaning occurred
• Quality scores and detailed reports
• Evidence for health department or inspection requirements
• Accountability that standards were maintained

When administrators or school boards ask about winter break cleaning, you have comprehensive documentation.

Family-Owned Reliability Since 1998

Rodan Cleaning was founded by Dan Vander Ploeg in 1998 and is now run by his son Zach. We've been serving Des Moines schools and educational facilities for over 25 years.

We're not a national franchise. We're locally owned and operated throughout Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Johnston, and Urbandale—part of the same communities where these schools serve families.

Winter Break Cleaning Timeline and Planning

Strategic scheduling maximizes limited break timeframe.

Ideal Winter Break Cleaning Schedule

Week 1 (Day 1-5):

• Heavy cleaning and floor work
• Projects requiring drying time
• Intensive deep cleaning of priority areas
• Carpet cleaning and floor maintenance

Week 2 (Day 6-10):

• Detail cleaning and touch-ups
• Window cleaning and finishing work
• Final inspection and quality checks
• Preparing for student return

Final Days:

• Quick touch-up of high-traffic areas
• Final restroom preparation
• Ensuring everything ready for reopening

Planning Requirements for Des Moines Schools

Start planning winter break cleaning in October/November:

• Identify priority areas and projects
• Obtain budget approval
• Schedule cleaning vendors early (peak demand period)
• Coordinate with maintenance and custodial teams
• Plan for building access and security

Early planning prevents last-minute scrambling and ensures vendor availability.

Communication with Stakeholders

Keep these groups informed:

• Custodial staff: Coordinate roles and responsibilities
• Maintenance: Schedule any repairs around cleaning
• Administration: Report completion and any issues found
• Board: Document work completed and budget utilized

Beyond Winter Break: Year-Round School Cleaning

Many Des Moines schools schedule:

• Daily janitorial services: Maintaining cleanliness during school year
• Summer deep cleaning: Comprehensive facility preparation
• Spring break cleaning: Mid-year maintenance opportunity
• Weekend projects: Ongoing maintenance and special cleaning

Professional cleaning partnerships support educational facilities throughout the year, not just during breaks.

Ongoing Commercial Cleaning for Educational Facilities

We provide comprehensive cleaning including:

• Daily or weekly janitorial services
• Special event cleaning
• Emergency cleaning response
• Athletic facility maintenance
• Summer facility preparation

Cost Considerations for Winter Break School Cleaning

Understanding typical costs helps budget appropriately:

Factors Affecting Cost

Pricing depends on:

• Facility size (square footage)
• Services required (basic vs. comprehensive)
• Specialized services (carpet cleaning, floor work)
• Timeline (rushed scheduling costs more)
• Condition and cleaning needs

Investment vs. Value

Consider:

• Preventive maintenance extends facility life
• Reduced illness means fewer substitute teacher costs
• Professional appearance supports school reputation
• Student health improves learning outcomes

Winter break deep cleaning provides significant return on investment beyond immediate cleanliness.

Ready for Professional Winter Break School Cleaning in Des Moines?

If you're a school administrator, facility manager, or educational leader in Des Moines planning winter break deep cleaning, professional services ensure comprehensive results and on-time completion.

Rodan Cleaning has been serving Des Moines educational facilities for over 25 years. We understand school schedules, work with your deadlines, and deliver the thorough cleaning students and staff deserve.

Schedule your winter break school cleaning today.

Call or text Zach directly at (515) 276-1618 or email info@rodancleaning.com

We'll discuss your facility's needs, create a comprehensive cleaning plan, and schedule service that completes before students return in January.

Your Des Moines school deserves professional cleaning that prepares students and staff for a successful second semester. Let us show you what comprehensive educational facility cleaning looks like.

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