The summer holidays are wrapping up, and Adelaide families are gearing up for another school year. But before the uniforms come out and the alarm clocks start buzzing, there's one important task that can set your family up for a healthier, more organized term: a thorough back-to-school clean.
Did You Know? Studies show that school-aged children can bring home up to 10 million bacteria on their hands, bags, and belongings each day. A proactive cleaning routine can reduce sick days by up to 40% during the school term.
📚 Why a Back-to-School Clean Matters
The transition from summer holidays to school routine is more than just a change in schedule—it's a shift in how germs and clutter flow through your home. Classrooms are notorious breeding grounds for colds, flu, and stomach bugs, and without proper preparation, your Adelaide home can quickly become an extension of that environment.
The Problem
- • Kids share germs through close contact at school
- • Backpacks and lunchboxes harbour bacteria
- • Holiday clutter competes with homework space
- • Disrupted routines lead to messy rooms
- • Adelaide's warm start to term means more sweating and bacteria
The Solution
- • A dedicated pre-school deep clean
- • Sanitised school gear and supplies
- • Organized, clutter-free study areas
- • Established daily hygiene routines
- • Strategic germ-busting zones throughout the home
Adelaide School Term 2026
With South Australian public schools starting on January 28, 2026, now is the perfect time to get your home school-ready. The warm Adelaide January weather means kids will be active and sweaty, making hygiene even more important.
🎒 Step 1: Sanitise School Bags & Supplies
Your child's backpack has likely been on classroom floors, in lockers, and on the ground during outdoor play. Before the new term begins, give it a thorough clean.
Backpack Cleaning Guide
Preparation:
- ✓ Empty all pockets and compartments
- ✓ Turn inside out and shake vigorously
- ✓ Remove any detachable straps or accessories
- ✓ Check the care label for washing instructions
- ✓ Vacuum out crumbs and debris
Cleaning Methods:
- ✓ Machine wash (if safe): gentle cycle, cold water
- ✓ Hand wash: mild detergent in lukewarm water
- ✓ Spot clean: damp cloth with diluted vinegar
- ✓ Deodorize: sprinkle baking soda, leave overnight
- ✓ Air dry completely in Adelaide sunshine
🧴 School Supplies Sanitising
Pencil Cases & Pouches
Wipe inside and out with antibacterial wipes. Empty, wash fabric cases, and air dry.
Water Bottles
Disassemble completely. Soak in hot soapy water with a splash of vinegar. Use a bottle brush for thorough cleaning.
Stationery
Wipe pens, scissors, and rulers with disinfectant wipes. Replace dried-out markers and worn erasers.
🍱 Step 2: Lunchbox Deep Clean
Lunchboxes endure daily exposure to food, warmth, and handling—making them prime real estate for bacteria. A proper deep clean before school starts sets the foundation for a hygienic term.
The Ultimate Lunchbox Clean
Deep Clean Steps:
- Remove all compartments and seals
- Wash in hot soapy water
- Create a paste with baking soda and water
- Scrub all surfaces, focusing on corners
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Sanitise with diluted white vinegar spray
- Air dry completely with lid open
Odour Removal Tips:
- ✓ Baking soda paste for stubborn smells
- ✓ Lemon juice for fresh scent
- ✓ Activated charcoal sachet overnight
- ✓ Sunshine exposure kills bacteria naturally
- ✓ Coffee grounds absorb persistent odours
Daily Lunchbox Maintenance
Once the term starts, maintain your lunchbox with these daily habits:
- ✓ Unpack immediately after school
- ✓ Wash with hot soapy water daily
- ✓ Leave open to air dry overnight
- ✓ Wipe with vinegar spray weekly
- ✓ Replace damaged seals promptly
- ✓ Use ice packs to keep food safe
🚪 Step 3: Create a Germ-Stopping Drop Zone
The key to keeping classroom germs from spreading throughout your Adelaide home? Stop them at the door. A well-designed drop zone creates a barrier between school and home.
Essential Drop Zone Elements
Must-Have Items:
- ✓ Designated hooks for each child's bag
- ✓ Shoe rack or basket (no shoes past this point!)
- ✓ Hand sanitiser station
- ✓ Small bin for rubbish from pockets
- ✓ Basket for notes and forms
Location Tips:
- ✓ Near the door kids use most
- ✓ Close to a sink for immediate hand washing
- ✓ Easy to wipe down daily
- ✓ Well-ventilated area
- ✓ Out of main living space
The After-School Routine
Establish this routine from day one of term:
- Shoes off at the door
- Backpack on designated hook
- Hands washed immediately
- Lunchbox to kitchen
- Notes/forms to parent basket
- Change out of school uniform
📖 Step 4: Set Up Distraction-Free Study Spaces
A clean, organized study space does more than look nice—it helps your child focus, reduces stress, and establishes healthy homework habits. Before the term begins, create a dedicated learning zone.
Creating the Perfect Study Space
Declutter & Clean:
- ✓ Remove all non-essential items from desk
- ✓ Deep clean the desk surface
- ✓ Organize drawers with dividers
- ✓ Dust and wipe all surfaces
- ✓ Clean computer screens and keyboards
Organize for Success:
- ✓ Label containers for supplies
- ✓ Create a homework tray system
- ✓ Set up a calendar/planner area
- ✓ Ensure good lighting
- ✓ Add a clock for time management
Study Space Hygiene
Keyboards & Devices
Wipe with electronics-safe disinfectant wipes weekly. Shake out crumbs from keyboards.
Desk Surface
Quick wipe daily with microfibre cloth. Deep clean with mild cleaner weekly.
Chair & Seating
Vacuum fabric chairs weekly. Wipe hard surfaces with disinfectant.
🛏️ Step 5: Kids' Bedroom Refresh
After weeks of holiday freedom, kids' bedrooms often need a reset. A clean, organized bedroom promotes better sleep—essential for school success—and makes morning routines smoother.
Bedroom Deep Clean Checklist
Bedding & Linens:
- ✓ Wash all bedding in hot water
- ✓ Flip and vacuum mattress
- ✓ Wash pillows (check care labels)
- ✓ Clean mattress protector
- ✓ Freshen pillows in Adelaide sun
Room Cleaning:
- ✓ Dust all surfaces including ceiling fan
- ✓ Vacuum or mop floors thoroughly
- ✓ Clean windows and window sills
- ✓ Wipe down wardrobe shelves
- ✓ Wash curtains or vacuum blinds
Wardrobe Organization for School
- ✓ Sort through clothes—donate outgrown items
- ✓ Wash and iron school uniforms
- ✓ Create a dedicated uniform section
- ✓ Set up a weekly outfit planning system
- ✓ Organize shoes at child's height
- ✓ Add labels for younger children
🧼 Step 6: Germ-Busting High-Touch Areas
Certain surfaces in your home see constant contact from multiple hands—and become superhighways for germs. During school term, these areas need extra attention.
Critical High-Touch Surfaces
Daily Wipe-Down
- • Door handles
- • Light switches
- • Tap handles
- • Remote controls
- • Stair railings
Every Other Day
- • Kitchen benchtops
- • Fridge handles
- • Microwave buttons
- • Toilet flush buttons
- • Cupboard handles
Weekly Deep Clean
- • Phones and tablets
- • Computer keyboards
- • Game controllers
- • Toys and books
- • Car door handles
Natural Disinfecting Solutions
DIY Disinfectant Spray
- • 1 cup water
- • ½ cup white vinegar
- • 10 drops tea tree oil
- • 10 drops eucalyptus oil
How to Use
Spray on surfaces, let sit for 2-3 minutes, then wipe with clean microfibre cloth. Not suitable for electronics—use specific wipes for devices.
📅 Step 7: Establish Daily Cleaning Routines
The pre-school deep clean sets you up for success, but maintaining a germ-free home throughout the term requires consistent daily habits. Here's how to keep on top of things without overwhelming yourself.
School Term Cleaning Schedule
Daily Tasks (10 mins):
- ✓ Wipe high-touch surfaces
- ✓ Clean lunchbox and water bottle
- ✓ Tidy drop zone
- ✓ Quick bathroom wipe-down
- ✓ Kitchen bench sanitise
Weekly Tasks:
- ✓ Deep clean bathrooms
- ✓ Change bed linens
- ✓ Vacuum/mop all floors
- ✓ Clean electronics
- ✓ Sanitise school bags
Getting Kids Involved
Age-appropriate cleaning tasks teach responsibility and help maintain hygiene:
Ages 5-7
- • Put dirty clothes in hamper
- • Make their bed
- • Empty lunchbox
- • Put shoes in drop zone
Ages 8-10
- • Wipe own desk surface
- • Sort recycling
- • Help clean lunchbox
- • Tidy bedroom weekly
Ages 11+
- • Clean own bathroom areas
- • Wash lunchbox independently
- • Vacuum own room
- • Change bed linens
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my child's lunchbox?
Clean your child's lunchbox daily after school. Wash with hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and leave open to air dry completely overnight. Deep clean weekly with a baking soda paste to remove odours and stubborn stains.
What's the best way to sanitise a school backpack?
Empty all pockets and shake out debris. Spot clean stains with a mild detergent solution. For machine-washable bags, use a gentle cycle with cold water. For non-washable bags, wipe inside and out with a cloth dampened with diluted white vinegar. Air dry completely before repacking.
How can I stop classroom germs from spreading at home?
Create a drop zone near your entrance where school bags and shoes stay. Establish a hand-washing routine immediately when kids arrive home. Regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, and shared devices. Keep separate hand towels for each family member.
My child has allergies—any special cleaning tips?
Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleaning products. Wash bedding weekly in hot water (60°C+) to kill dust mites. Vacuum with a HEPA filter vacuum. Keep windows closed during high pollen days. Consider a professional deep clean before term starts to reduce allergens.
Should I hire professional cleaners before school starts?
A professional deep clean before the school year can be an excellent investment, especially if you're short on time. Professionals can tackle areas often missed in regular cleaning, sanitise high-touch surfaces thoroughly, and give your home a fresh start. It's particularly helpful for families with allergies or multiple school-aged children.
Ready for a Germ-Free School Year?
Let MyHomeCleaning handle your back-to-school deep clean. Our professional team will sanitise, organize, and refresh your Adelaide home, so you can focus on getting the kids ready for their best school year yet.
