Don’t underestimate the impact of germs on a classroom desk.

According to a recent research study led by Yale University and the University of Tulsa, harmful bacteria and fungi are commonly discovered in indoor environments. What’s more? Our bodies are common sources for bringing them in [2]. 

Taking it a step further, when the researchers specifically explored classrooms and desk surfaces, their work revealed that keeping the desks clean significantly reduced the bacteria found on surfaces. A study by the University of Arizona reported that uncleaned classrooms, as opposed to those cleaned daily with a disinfectant, result in students who are more likely to be absent due to illness [3].

 A more recent study published by researchers from University of Florida reported finding a cold causing virus on the frequently touched surfaces of a classroom despite them being cleaned each morning. This showed that either the cleaning regimen was not sufficient to destroy viruses or that the virus was being re-deposited on the surfaces during the day. It highlighted the need for disinfection during daily cleaning and  the need to disinfect high-touched surfaces multiple times during the day [4].

Lysol® Disinfecting Wipes  kill 99.9% of germs including the cold and flu virus, which can live on hard surfaces for up to  48 hours a day.

Remember that kids bring germs home from school, too

Just as children can bring germs into the classroom, germs can also be transmitted from school to home– consider your child’s backpack that sits on the school bathroom floor and then on your kitchen countertop, or the classroom door knobs your child touches before they use the television remote at home. 

Cleaning practices at home are just as critical as those that should be practiced in the classroom. After all, the places that need the most cleaning are also the places your family spends the most time—whether that’s in the house or school!