APPA's Cleaning Standards
Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA) cleaning standards from APPA’s Custodial Staffing Guidelines for Educational Facilities.
| APPA Standard Space | Level 1 Orderly Spotlessness | Level 2 Ordinary Tidiness | Level 3 Casual Inattention | Level 4 Moderate Dinginess | Level 5 Unkempt Neglect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom with hard floor | 8500 | 16700 | 26500 | 39500 | 45600 |
| Classroom, hard floor, high use | 4700 | 9600 | 10100 | 2100 | 22900 |
| Classroom, carpeted, high use | 5100 | 12700 | 13400 | 17900 | 18800 |
APPA Staffing Service Levels (subset used for example). Figures in sq.ft. per custodian.
At full staffing the College would be at Level 2, however, at the proposed reduced staffing levels the College would be at hovering between Level 4/5.
Level 1 – Orderly Spotlessness
- Floors and base moldings shine and /or are bright and clean; colors are fresh. There is no buildup in corners or along walls.
- All vertical and horizontal surfaces have a freshly cleaned or polished appearance and have no accumulation of dust, dirt, marks, streaks, smudges, or fingerprints. Lights all work and fixtures are clean.
- Washrooms and shower fixtures and tile gleam and are odor-free. Supplies are adequate.
- Trash containers and pencil sharpeners hold only daily waste, are clean and odor-free.
Level 2 – Orderly Tidiness
- Floors and base moldings shine and/or are bright and clean. There is no buildup in corners or along walls. But there can be up to two days worth of dust, dirt, stains or streaks.
- All vertical and horizontal surfaces are clean, but marks, dust smudges and fingerprints are noticeable upon close observation. Lights all work and fixtures are clean.
- Washrooms and shower fixtures and tile gleam and are odor-free. Supplies are adequate.
- Trash containers and pencil sharpeners hold only daily waste, are clean and odor-free.
Level 3 – Causal Inattention
- Floors are swept or vacuumed clean, but upon close observation there can be stains. A buildup of dirt and/or floor finish in corners and along walls can be seen.
- There are dull spots and/or matted carpet in walking lanes. There are streaks or splashes on base molding.
- All vertical and horizontal surfaces have obvious dust, dirt, marks, smudges, and fingerprints. Lamps all work and fixtures are clean.
- Trash containers and pencil sharpeners hold only daily waste, are clean and odor-free.
Level 4 – Moderate Dinginess
- Floors are swept or vacuumed clean, but are dull, dingy and stained. There is noticeable buildup of dirt and/or floor finish in corners and along walls.
- There is a dull path and /or obviously matted carpet in the walking lanes. Base molding is dull and dingy with streaks or splashes.
- All vertical and horizontal surfaces have conspicuous dust, dirt, smudges, fingerprints, and marks. Lamp fixtures are dirty and some lamps (up to 5 percent) are burned out.
- Trash containers and pencil sharpeners have old trash and shavings. They are stained and marked. Trash containers smell sour.
Level 5 – Unkempt Neglect
- Floors and carpets are dull, dirty, dingy, scuffed, and/or matted. There is a conspicuous buildup of old dirt, scuffed, and/or floor finish in corners and along walls. Base molding is dirty, stained, and streaked. Gum, stains, dirt, dust balls, and trash are broadcast.
- All vertical and horizontal surfaces have major accumulations of dust, dirt, smudges, and fingerprints, all of which will be difficult to remove. Lack of attention is obvious.
- Light fixtures are dirty with dust ball and flies. Many lamps (more than 5 percent) are burned out.
- Trays containers and pencil sharpeners overflow. They are stained and marked. Trash containers smell sour.