School and Childcare Cleaning Services - CrestClean van by school kids playing

Professional cleaning for schools and childcare facilities

We understand the unique needs of education environments, from preschools and kindergartens to primary, intermediate and secondary schools. CrestClean understands school and childcare cleaning, and we have a proven track record delivering professional services to education providers across New Zealand.

Since 1996, we’ve been a major provider of education cleaning services, serving more than 600 schools and 500 early childhood centres nationwide.

Consistent Standards

Consistency is the word that best sums up what schools and childcare facilities need most from their cleaning provider. That means consistent cleaning standards, consistent account management, and term cleans completed on time and to the required standard… every time.

Reliable Owner-operator Teams

Average staff turnover in the New Zealand cleaning industry ranges between 70% and 120% annually. For established schools and childcare facilities that rely on experienced, trusted personnel, this creates real challenges around security, continuity and Health and Safety compliance.

At CrestClean, our average team tenure exceeds five years. Our owner-operators have chosen cleaning as a long-term career and are committed to building strong, lasting relationships. They are trained industry professionals who have invested in their own businesses, and who understand that maintaining high standards and excellent customer relationships is essential to their success.

Our cleaning services include:

  • ECE cleaning
  • Professionally trained education cleaners
  • Consistent, reliable & efficient cleaning
  • Cross-contamination prevention
  • Sanitising Service for a healthier learning environment
  • A stable workforce of uniformed owner-operators, same familiar faces each day
  • ‘No surprises’ pricing, all duties covered
  • Scheduled term cleaning with quality audits
CrestClean cleaning since 1996

Trusted by over 6,400 customers across New Zealand

Consistent cleaning, without the employment risk

Employing cleaners directly can create a significant management burden. Schools and childcare facilities must supervise performance, manage absenteeism and address staff concerns, all while navigating Employment Relations obligations. In some cases, legal processes can make it difficult and time-consuming to resolve ongoing performance issues.

A clear contractual framework for accountability

CrestClean removes this complexity. Our cleaning services operate under a formal contract negotiated with the school or childcare facility. As part of our proposal and quotation, we prepare a detailed cleaning specification outlining the duties to be performed. This specification forms the foundation of the contract and includes all cleaning tasks, chemicals and cleaning equipment.

Women cleaning school windows

This clear contractual framework allows the school or childcare facility to manage its cleaning programme in a structured manner with defined scope, agreed standards and fixed-cost budget control.

Responsive service backed by professional owner-operators

CrestClean is responsible for ensuring the cleaning service is delivered in accordance with the contract. If the school or childcare facility is not satisfied with any aspect of the service or personnel, changes can be made promptly. Because our franchisees are self-employed business owners, we are able to respond quickly and efficiently to requests.

A Long term partnership that supports your school community

We focus on building long-term relationships with our education clients. Our franchisees become trusted ‘team members’ taking ownership of hygiene standards and contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of the site. With full site management included, CrestClean manages cleaning and presentation requirements professionally, without the administrative burden and employment risks of employing cleaners directly.

Standardised Cleaning Systems

CrestClean’s standardised cleaning systems create hygienic outcomes at every cleaning service. Our cleaning teams use the latest equipment and are professionally trained to clean competently to the prescribed specifications. Cleaning is conducted to high standards with strict hygiene protocol

The CrestClean Standard

Systemised Cleaning Processes

Our teams are trained to follow step-by-step Safe Systems of Work to perform cleaning tasks. These processes ensure that our customers receive consistent quality and enhanced levels of hygiene.

Colour coded micro fibre cloths
Colour coded microfibre cloths are used to prevent cross-contamination

HyperClean® hydrogen peroxide cleaner

HyperClean® is a powerful cleaner that cleans and removes biofilm from hard surfaces. Hydrogen Peroxide oxidises on contact with soiled surfaces, providing an aggressive cleaning action. It breaks down into water and oxygen, so it’s safe for users and the environment.

CrestClean HyperClean Cleaner Bottle

Sanitising Service for high-touch surfaces

Sanitising high-touch surfaces improves hygiene. We use a 2-step process where surfaces are first cleaned to remove soil and biofilm build-up, and then Anti-Viral Sanitiser is applied.

Formulation HWS-64 (LONZA).

*Registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a disinfectant qualified for use against COVID-19.

CrestClean Anti Viral Sanitiser Cleaner Bottle

Consumables and Hygiene Supplies

Through our partnership with Alsco + Fresh & Clean, we provide a large range of consumable products, hygiene services and rental equipment.

CrestClean is able to provide All-of-Government (AoG) prices to qualifying facilities, and purchases will be added to your invoice. Upgrading personal hygiene amenities sets the scene for creating a cleaner school and childcare facility.

Bathroom Hygiene
Alsco Paper Products
Alsco Linen
Alsco First Aid
First Response Kit
Alsco Doormats

Customer Comments

“They (Arlene and Eldon) have given us the opportunity to build a relationship with them… they are part of our team.”

Jo Hardwidge
Principal, Avondale Intermediate

“She knows the kids and they get to see what Marie does after school. It’s good for them to know the face behind their clean classrooms.”

Hamish Brown
Principal, Beaconsfield School

“He kindly contributed lovely fresh breads, pizza, sausage rolls, and sweet treats for the children. They all loved it, even the staff!”

Bridget Gerrard
Bear Park ELC Owner and Director

“Our relationship is built on mutual respect. If there are any issues, we can fall back on the relationship to have it sorted in a quick and respectful manner.”

Kevin Miekle
Deputy Principal, Birdwood School

“Having CrestClean and Rissa as part of our team has been a great decision.”

Claire Maria
Chertsey School Principal

“One of the great things about CrestClean is that we have a good team here. Kit is revered throughout the school.”

Jules Clayton
Mount Maunganui College Property Manager

School and Childcare Cleaning FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions – CrestClean School and Childcare Cleaning Services

How do you make sure our school or centre is cleaned to a high standard every time?

We follow a set routine for every clean, using detailed checklists and regular quality checks. This way you can count on a consistently tidy and hygienic environment for your students and staff.

Are your cleaning teams trained for working in education environments?

Absolutely – our people complete specialist training through the Master Cleaners Training Institute, with extra focus on health, safety, and hygiene for schools and childcare centres.

What do you do to help stop germs spreading in classrooms and play areas?

We pay special attention to high-touch spots… like desks, door handles, and shared equipment. We use a two-step clean + sanitise process and colour-coded cloths to avoid cross-contamination between different areas.

Can you work around our school hours and special events?

Yep, we’re flexible. We can clean after hours, during term breaks, or work around sports days and school productions, so there’s no disruption to learning or play.

How do you make sure only safe, trusted people are on site?

All our team members are security vetted, wear uniforms and photo IDs. We also follow strict site safety rules, so you know exactly who’s in your school or centre.

What extra cleaning services do you offer for schools?

Alongside regular cleaning, we can take care of hard floor polishing, carpet and upholstery cleaning, window cleaning, and even supply hygiene consumables if you need them.

Who do we talk to if we have a question or need something sorted quickly?

You’ll have a dedicated local Regional Manager as your main contact who can act fast on your requests.

Are your cleaning products and methods safe for children and the environment?

Yes, we use Eco Choice Aotearoa licensed products, and our day-to-day cleaner is HyperClean®, which cleans and sanitises, then breaks down into water and oxygen. So, you can be confident everything is safe for your students and the planet.