Most school custodians agree that one of the best ways to reduce their workload, save money and reduce the use of cleaning chemicals is to prevent dirt from entering the building in the first place.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Walk-off mats at each entrance can trap sand, dirt and debris as students enter school buildings. Mats should be as wide as the entrances, and should be cleaned frequently, especially during inclement weather.

• Walkways, driveways and parking lots should be swept clean regularly, and shoveled after snow events to keep sand, ice, melting salt and mud from being tracked into buildings.

• Food crumbs and scraps not only make cleaning more difficult but they attract pests. Student "Crumb Patrols" can be effective in cleaning up after in-class snacks. If possible, restrict food items to cafeterias and a few other designated areas in the school.

• Ensure that entrance areas and all rooms have both trash and recycling receptacles.