Instuctor Handbook
It’s important that we teach all our students best practices for cleaning to ensure we are all staying healthy in the studio. Many students you teach will continue on to use the studio as independent artists after your class sessions, so we want to ensure everyone is getting a solid foundation for their cleaning habits in our space.
General Cleaning Expectation Explanation:
Emphasize the importance and safety of cleaning. Explain Silicosis, the lung disease resulting from repeated exposure and inhalation of silica dust, the major ingredient in all clays. Impress upon them the seriousness of keeping themselves and the community safe by adequately cleaning their station every time they use the studio.
Encourage gray water usage and limit freshwater use to conserve water and keep clay from entering the pipe system.
Sit down and do a thorough walkthrough of cleaning tools, equipment, surfaces and floors with all students, and anyone who you notice may need extra help. Instructors are in charge of making sure everything is cleaned after class.
Leave the studio cleaner than you found it. Make this a fun and inviting place to share together
Our Reclaim System Steps:
Explain sinks, clay bins to the left of the sink, mops, and gray water in sink basins
Mops: Mop water can be filled from the utility sink and should be dumped in the sink, not the reclaim! Dump the bucket after each use, do not leave dirty water sitting in buckets!
Left sink is primarily for rinsing/gray water, the right sink is for dumping mop bucket contents. Don’t run faucets or dump into sinks covered with lids! They are in the process of being cleaned out.
Discard throwing bucket water in designated bins. DO NOT DUMP BUCKET WATER INTO THE SINKS!! – keep clay and sediment out of the sinks, conserve water, don’t run faucets. Use gray water to clean up.
Wheel clean-up process: use large sponges to soak up water from splash pans before removing splash pans, clean everything with throwing water bucket before leaving wheel and mop floors
Handbuilding clean-up process: wipe all surfaces using large sponge and bucket water, wipe lower shelves and mop floors
Glazing clean-up process: wipe all surfaces using large sponge and bucket water, wipe drips on glaze buckets, and mop floors. Dump glaze bucket water into the sink, not the reclaim!
Reclaim system: 3 bins to the left of the sink, 2 slop and one for chunk clay to be dried out. Break down larger pieces before putting them into the bins, all bucket water goes in the bins.
Any reclaimable clay should be wedged and put bag in student bags
Secondary Clean up water (if necessary) for wiping floors and tables should be discarded in the right sink basin
Clean sponge and tools and return to where they were found
Wipe down all shared work areas with large sponge
Ensure all tasks are completed before students leave