School Cleaning Services vs In-House Cleaning: Which Is Better for Schools in 2026?

What if the cleanliness of a school could influence attendance, well-being, and academic focus? Clean schools don’t happen by accident—they happen by decision, and in Australia that decision carries serious responsibility.

Here’s a stat that often surprises school leaders: poor cleaning standards are directly linked to higher student absenteeism and increased staff sick leave. And in 2026, with stricter health expectations and tighter budgets, schools are under more pressure than ever to get cleaning right.

That brings us to a big question many principals, business managers, and boards face every year: Should your school rely on professional school cleaning services, or manage cleaning in-house?

We’ve worked with schools on both sides of this decision, and the truth is—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there is a right answer for your school. Australian schools face unique demands, from regional climate challenges to varying facility sizes, which should be considered when weighing in-house versus outsourced cleaning options. Let’s break it down.

Importance of Cleaning in Educational Facilities

Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment in educational facilities is more important than ever. School cleaning goes beyond just making classrooms look tidy—it’s about creating a safe and healthy space where students and staff can thrive. Professional school cleaning services are essential for removing dust, dirt, and germs that can compromise the well-being of everyone in the building.

A clean school supports a positive learning environment, helping students stay focused and reducing the risk of illness-related absences. By investing in regular cleaning services, schools demonstrate a commitment to the health and safety of their community. This not only protects students and staff but also enhances the reputation of the school as a professional and caring educational facility. Ultimately, prioritizing cleanliness is a key factor in supporting academic achievement and overall student success.

What Are School Cleaning Services?

School cleaning services are professional, outsourced cleaning solutions provided by a trusted cleaning company and commercial cleaners that specialize in educational facilities.

These services typically include:

• Daily classroom cleaning
• Toilet and bathroom sanitation
• Staff room and administration area cleaning
• Gym, hall, and library cleaning
• Rubbish removal and consumable restocking
• Periodic deep cleaning and disinfection

These services are delivered by a dedicated team of trained professionals who understand the unique needs of schools and are committed to providing efficient, high-quality cleaning for their clients.

Most professional school cleaners work after hours, use commercial-grade equipment, and follow strict health, safety, and child-safe standards. Cleaning companies ensure all staff have up-to-date police checks and follow strict security protocols to safeguard students, staff, and facilities. Importantly, responsibility for staffing, training, compliance, and quality control sits with the cleaning provider—not the school.

Quality control is maintained through regular inspections and feedback. Regular services are tailored to the unique needs of each school and are designed to be efficient and reliable for clients.

Professional cleaning services should be flexible to accommodate unique school schedules, including bell times and after-school programs. Customized cleaning plans based on facility size and student population are essential for effective sanitation. Schools should select cleaning companies based on experience, safety compliance, customization, eco-friendly practices, and clear communication. Reliable school cleaning service providers understand the unique needs of schools and are sensitive to the concerns of faculty and staff.

What Is In-House School Cleaning?

In-house cleaning means the school directly employs cleaning staff and manages all aspects of the cleaning operation internally. The job of in-house cleaners involves a range of responsibilities, including maintaining safety and hygiene standards throughout the school environment.

This includes:

• Recruiting and onboarding cleaners
• Training staff in cleaning procedures and safety
• Purchasing and maintaining cleaning equipment
• Buying chemicals, consumables, and PPE
• Managing rosters, sick leave, and staff turnover
• Ensuring compliance with WHS and education regulations

Types of Cleaning in Schools

Every school has unique cleaning needs, and meeting those needs requires a combination of different cleaning services. The two main types of cleaning in schools are general cleaning and deep cleaning, each playing a vital role in maintaining a clean and safe environment for students and staff.

General Cleaning

General cleaning covers the routine tasks that keep a school looking and feeling fresh on a daily or weekly basis. Professional cleaners handle essential duties such as emptying bins, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning bathrooms to prevent the buildup of dirt and germs. Using hospital-grade disinfectant and non-toxic cleaning supplies, these cleaners ensure that all areas remain hygienic and safe for students and staff.

This type of cleaning is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment, as it targets the everyday messes and high-traffic areas that can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria. By focusing on general cleaning, schools can keep surfaces, bathrooms, and common spaces in top condition, supporting the well-being of everyone who enters the building.

Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning takes school cleaning to the next level by addressing areas and tasks that require more intensive attention. This process involves thorough cleaning of carpets, windows, and high-touch surfaces, often using specialized equipment like steam cleaners. Deep cleaning is designed to remove stubborn dirt, organic matter, and germs that regular cleaning might miss.

Professional cleaners schedule deep cleaning sessions to ensure that every corner of the school is sanitized and safe. By killing germs and eliminating hidden contaminants, deep cleaning helps prevent the spread of illness and keeps the school environment in pristine condition. This level of care is especially important during flu season or after illness outbreaks, ensuring that the school remains a safe place for learning.

Cleaning Supplies and Equipment for Schools

vac 9B

High-performance battery vacuum

7kg Weight

2.5m Hose

100min Runtime (2x i-power 14)

i-mop lite

Compact floor scrubber dryer

Up to 45-min Battery Runtime

500 RPM Brush Speed

37cm Scrub Width, 13kg Brush Pressure

i-spraywash

Fast foam cleaning system

Cleans At 1m² Per Second

0.8kg With Foam Sprayer

2-4.5bar Spray Pressure

New Product

co-botic 45

Intelligent Robotic Scrubber-Dryer

2-3 Hours Battery Runtime

300-900 RPM Brush Speed

2-6kg Cleaning Pressure

i-fibre

Innovative microfibre system

Trio-Split Technology

HACCP Colour-Coded

Quick-Release Mop Head

i-dose

Chemical dosing system

10ml Dose Pods

3x Formulations

Onboard Pod Holder

The effectiveness of any cleaning program depends on the quality of the cleaning supplies and equipment used. Cleaners rely on a range of specialised products—including high-efficiency machines, non-toxic cleaning solutions, and advanced surface tools—to deliver a clean and safe environment for students and staff. i-team ANZ’s commercial cleaning equipment , such as the i-mop floor scrubbers , i-scrub surface cleaners , and industrial vacuum range , helps schools achieve deeper cleaning results with less time and water than traditional tools. These machines are designed to tackle high-traffic areas like classrooms, hallways, and gym floors efficiently and reliably.

Modern cleaning equipment—such as high-efficiency vacuum cleaners, battery-powered scrubbers, foam cleaning systems like the i-spraywash , and ergonomic microfibre tools like i-fibre —enables cleaners to reach every surface and meet the specific cleaning demands of educational facilities. In addition, accessories like the i-dose chemical dosing system ensure safe, measured use of detergents that minimise exposure to harsh chemicals.

By using safe, effective supplies and equipment—backed by quality warranties and designed for sustainability—schools can maintain a hygienic environment where students can focus on learning, and teachers can concentrate on teaching. This attention to detail helps keep educational facilities in excellent condition, supporting the overall mission of providing a safe and productive learning environment.

Cost Comparison: School Cleaning Services vs In-House Cleaning

When evaluating cleaning options for schools, it is important to consider the full range of financial implications.

The following provides a comparison between the costs associated with in-house cleaning and those of professional school cleaning services.

In-House Cleaning Costs

• Wages, superannuation, leave entitlements
• Recruitment and training expenses
• Cleaning equipment and repairs
• Chemicals, consumables, and PPE
• Insurance and workers’ compensation
• Management time and HR overhead
• Cover for sick leave and staff absences

Outsourced School Cleaning Costs

• Fixed, predictable contract pricing
• No recruitment or HR expenses
• Equipment and products included
• Built-in supervision and quality checks
• Reduced liability and compliance risk

Health, Safety, and Compliance in Schools

In 2026, cleaning is no longer just about appearance—it’s about risk management.

Schools must meet:

• WHS obligations
• Infection control standards
• Safe chemical handling requirements
• Child-safe cleaning practices
• Education department guidelines
• Security protocols, including staff police checks such as National Police Checks, are used to ensure safety and compliance in educational environments

Flexibility and Scalability

Schools aren’t static environments.

Both In-house and Professional cleaning services should:

• Adjust cleaning frequency during exams or events
• Provide deep cleans during holidays
• Respond quickly to illness outbreaks
• Scale services efficiently as enrolments grow
• Handle emergency or short-notice cleaning

Pros and Cons of School Cleaning Services

Pros

• Professional standards and consistency
• Predictable costs
• Reduced administrative burden
• Built-in compliance and risk management
• Access to specialised equipment and expertise

Cons

• Requires contract management
• Quality depends on choosing the right provider

Pros and Cons of In-House School Cleaning

Pros

• Direct control over staff
• Familiarity with the school environment
• May suit very small schools with simple needs

Cons

• Staffing and absenteeism challenges
• Management and HR workload

How to Choose the Best Cleaning Option for Your School

Ask yourself:

• How complex are our cleaning requirements?
• Do we have the time and expertise to manage staff?
• Are we confident in meeting compliance obligations?
• Do we want predictable costs or variable expenses?
• How important is consistency and accountability?

Conclusion

The debate around school cleaning services vs in-house cleaning isn’t about which option is “right” in general—it’s about which is right for your school. The best solution depends on the unique needs of each educational institution, as every school faces different challenges and requirements.

Students should not be concerned about sanitisation; it is the responsibility of professional cleaners to ensure a hygienic environment.

One thing is certain: investing in the right cleaning model isn’t an expense—it’s an investment in student health, staff wellbeing, and your school’s reputation.

Are you evaluating whether to outsource school cleaning or manage it in-house? Consult with our team at i-team ANZ to assess your unique needs and explore a tailored, cost-effective solution.