In the school environment, cleanliness and hygiene is a critical factor. Individual wet wipes offer an additional layer of convenience and hygiene that can significantly benefit schools, when maintaining a clean environment can be challenging. While traditional cleaning methods like handwashing and using sanitisers are essential, as students and staff move through their daily routines incorporating wet wipes have many advantages. Here’s more on why they’re needed and how they can make a significant difference as the new school year gets into full swing.
Back to School
As students head back to school across the UK after the summer holidays, parents and school staff have now been issued with a warning on protecting children against illnesses and infections now that September is here.
With the start of a new term often comes the ‘back to school bug’, that spreads around like wildfire. With the influx of new pupils mingling and the tight proximity between individuals in a classroom, this naturally leads to the risk of illness transmission escalating and a rise in infections. Once multiple pupils are confined to a smaller space together, it’s much easier for germs to spread and get picked up through simply talking, breathing and touching.
What’s more, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued an urgent call to parents amid fears of a further surge in measles as children go back to school. Cases have reached their highest level in over a decade in England, with a number of outbreaks occurring since autumn last year. It’s important for parents and schools to both understand and appropriately educate on the importance of good hygiene to ensure that unwanted and serious risk is mitigated.
Enhanced Hygiene and Germ Control
Individual wet wipes in schools have the ability to enhance hygiene and control the spread of germs. As mentioned, schools are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses due to the close quarters in which students interact. Shared surfaces like desks, door handles, and shared equipment can quickly become contaminated. Wet wipes, particularly those with antibacterial properties, provide a quick and efficient way to sanitise these surfaces, reducing the risk of infections spreading among students and staff and resulting in less sick days across the board.
Furthermore, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of frequent and effective cleaning has been emphasised more than ever. While hand sanitisers are helpful, they don’t address the need to clean surfaces that students frequently touch. Wipes allow students and staff to quickly disinfect their personal spaces, contributing to a safer learning environment.
Convenience and Ease of Use
Another significant advantage of individual wet wipes is their convenience. These wipes are pre-moistened, pre-portioned, and ready to use at any time. Unlike traditional cleaning supplies, they don’t require access to water or additional cleaning products, making them ideal for on-the-go use. This convenience is particularly beneficial in a school setting where students may not always have immediate access to sinks or soap.
Teachers can distribute wet wipes during activities that involve shared materials or before meals, ensuring that students can clean their hands or surfaces without having to leave the classroom. This not only saves time but also minimises disruptions to the learning process. Moreover, because each wipe is individually packaged, there’s no risk of them drying out or being contaminated, as can happen with larger containers of wipes.
Promoting Personal Responsibility Among Students
Providing students with individual wet wipes can also promote personal responsibility and hygiene habits. When students have access to their own wipes, they are more likely to take initiative in cleaning their hands and personal spaces. This can be particularly beneficial for younger students who are still learning the importance of cleanliness.
Schools can incorporate the use of wet wipes into daily routines, such as wiping down desks at the beginning and end of the day or before and after lunch. Over time, this can help instil a sense of responsibility in students, encouraging them to take ownership of their cleanliness and the cleanliness of their surroundings.
Environmental Considerations
While some may express concerns about the environmental impact of individual wet wipes, many manufacturers, like Guardpack, offer eco-friendly options made from biodegradable materials. These wipes break down more quickly than traditional wipes, reducing their impact on the environment. Schools can opt for these environmentally responsible products to balance hygiene needs with environmental considerations.
Cost-Effective Hygiene Solution
Individual wet wipes are a great cost-effective solution for schools. With wipes individually packaged, there is less waste compared to larger packs where multiple wipes might be pulled out at once or dry out if not properly sealed. Moreover, the ability to distribute wipes on an as-needed basis means that schools can control usage more effectively, avoiding the overuse and waste that often comes with bulk supplies.
Additionally, you could also argue that the reduced spread of germs and illnesses that comes from using wet wipes can lead to fewer sick days for students and staff. This translates to better attendance rates and less disruption to the learning process, ultimately benefiting the school’s overall performance and reputation!
Versatility in Application
Individual wet wipes are versatile and can be used in various situations beyond just cleaning hands. They are perfect for quick clean-ups after art projects, lunch, or even outdoor activities. Teachers and pupils can use them to quickly sanitise shared equipment, and they are also handy for cleaning small spills without the need for additional cleaning supplies.
Moreover, individual wet wipes can be a lifesaver during extracurricular trips or outdoor events where access to cleaning facilities is limited. They can help ensure that students maintain hygiene even when they are away from the school premises, providing peace of mind to both teachers and parents.
Get in Touch with Guardpack
At Guardpack we offer a large range of wet wipes that could be a great option for schools wishing to bulk-buy. From biodegradable wipes with antiviral protection, to private label and our trusted mywipe range, our range of products are the perfect solution for schools and academies wishing to offer extra protection for staff and students on the return back to school!
If you’re interested in learning more about our range of wet wipes, or any other contract manufacturing services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. Simply fill out our contact form, email us at trade@guardpack.co.uk, or speak to one of the team today on 01245 505807. We look forward to hearing from you!
