Long before staff and students arrive at school each day—and long after they leave—our custodians are hard at work ensuring that every classroom, hallway, and common space remains clean, safe, and sanitary. Their efforts go beyond routine cleaning; they are on the front lines of disease prevention, constantly innovating to protect the health of our school community.

Fighting disease is nothing new for Pickerington Local Schools’ custodians, but the methods and tools they use have evolved significantly. Even before the pandemic, the District was actively seeking ways to improve efficiency and enhance sanitation. Through partnerships with industry experts and a commitment to staying ahead of the curve, our custodial team has implemented cutting-edge cleaning solutions that make a real difference.

Innovations in Cleaning: New Products & Methods

Faster, More Effective Disinfectants

“The custodial department has continuously improved the cleaning products used in our schools,” said Assistant Maintenance and Grounds Custodial Supervisor Brian Saas. “Originally, we used an ammonium chloride cleaner with a four-minute dwell time. Wanting better results, we worked directly with Ecolab laboratory technicians to develop a more efficient solution.”

During the pandemic, a peroxide-based disinfectant was introduced, cutting the dwell time to 45 seconds. But the team didn’t stop there. “After multiple meetings with Ecolab experts and head custodians, we adopted a new disinfectant with a dwell time of just 30 seconds—even against hard-to-kill viruses like norovirus,” Saas explained. “This solution not only works faster but continues to protect surfaces for up to 24 hours.”

Upgraded Hand Soap for Better Protection

Hand hygiene is a critical factor in disease prevention. “We partnered with Ecolab technicians to formulate a new soap that kills more germs on contact,” said Saas. “By taking over the in-house production of soap solutions, we ensure consistent effectiveness with every hand wash.”

Revolutionizing Cleaning Methods

Electrostatic Sprayers for Thorough Disinfection
“Every first-shift custodian is equipped with an electrostatic sprayer, which disperses micro-droplets of disinfectant across entire classrooms and seating areas in just 10 minutes,” Saas said. “Combined with the new disinfectant, this approach transforms surfaces from a common source of disease transmission into a frontline defense against germs.”

Advanced Training for Head Custodians
“All head custodians receive in-depth training on new disinfectants and cleaning methods,” Saas noted. “When a classroom experiences multiple illnesses, custodians can disinfect the entire space within minutes—including deep cleaning carpets—to prevent further spread.”

Additional Support When Needed
“When illness rates rise in a school, substitute custodians step in to assist, allowing regular custodians to focus on deep cleaning,” Saas said. “These extra hands ensure that every necessary precaution is taken to maintain a safe learning environment.”

Proactive Cleaning Schedules
Custodians don’t wait for an outbreak to start cleaning. “From high schools to elementary schools, we increase bathroom checks and touchpoint cleaning rounds throughout the cold and flu season—which, in our eyes, lasts from the first day of school to the last,” Saas explained. “We don’t wait for people to start coughing to start cleaning. We were born for this!”

Commitment to a Healthier School Community

Pickerington Local Schools’ custodians are more than just cleaners; they are essential partners in maintaining a healthy and safe learning environment. From high schools to elementary schools, with cutting-edge products, advanced training, and an unwavering commitment to their work, they ensure that students and staff can focus on learning without worrying about the cleanliness of their schools.

Next time you see a custodian in the hallway, take a moment to thank them for their dedication. Their hard work and dedication are essential to the well-being of our students and staff and often goes unseen, but its impact is felt every day. We are incredibly grateful for their efforts.