Whether private or public, restroom cleanliness poses several significant challenges for facilities managers and custodial teams.
Taking on Restroom Cleaning Challenges
Everyone knows bathrooms are havens for germs and bacteria that make people sick.
What you may not know is just how many germs the average restroom plays host to.
A study published in “Applied and Environmental Microbiology” assessed the microbes present in public restrooms. Scientists actually discovered genetic traces of more than 77,000 distinct types of bacteria and viruses in these spaces.
[...] there are so many germs and variables present in a restroom that it may not be possible to remove all contaminants.
The facility manager’s best option is to plan to address and treat as many bacteria, microbes and contaminants as possible, then supply appropriate products and training to achieve the goal.
Unfortunately, the challenges don't end there.
One of the contributing factors behind the ongoing challenge of restroom cleanliness is that the most germ-covered surfaces aren't where you would expect.
The Most Germ Covered Surfaces in a Restroom
Germs rarely make life easy for anyone, going so far as to complicate the disinfection process by hiding in plain sight and in places most people would never suspect.
According to a study published by BioCote, the top fourteen most germ-covered surfaces in the average bathroom are:
- Sinks.
- Radiators.
- Sink faucet taps.
- Handrails.
- Towel dispensers.
- The floor.
- Side walls.
- Waste bins.
- Toilet seat.
- Behind the toilet.
- Hand dryers.
- Ceiling vents.
- Toilet flush handles, and;
- Mirrors.
Source:
How to Properly Clean a Restroom
Before beginning, make sure you have all of the equipment you need:
- Goggles.
- Gloves.
- Respirator (depending on the environment and cleaning/disinfection product being used).
- Color-coded microfiber towels.
- Microfiber mop and broom, and a;
- Mop bucket (preferably of the two-bucket variety).
Always start at the top, and work your way from the back of the room to the exit.
- Start by inspecting vents, side panels, and horizontal surfaces for debris that needs to be cleaned out and knocked down to the floor.
- Sweep the floors and empty trash and recycle bins.
- Wipe down vents, walls, horizontal surfaces, restroom fixtures and partitions, trash receptacles, paper towel and toilet paper dispensers, and urinals and toilets with a Safer Choice or certified green cleaning product.
- Stock the toilet paper rolls, towel and soap dispensers, and add fresh trash bags to each receptacle.
- Disinfect everything from top to bottom, preferably with an EPA category IV disinfectant.
- Mop the floor, making sure to start at the back and work your way out to the exit.
Addressing Restroom Odors
Foul odors represent one of the biggest challenges for facilities management and cleaning crews.
To make matters worse, the smell can drive away business.
The primary culprit is inadequate ventilation, which can be a byproduct of dirty vents, so make sure to have your HVAC system serviced regularly.
Other common sources include unflushed stalls and urinals--underscoring the importance of regular space checks to ensure high-quality sanitation and occupant satisfaction.
Another commonly overlooked source of bad smells are floor drains, which can capture some pretty nasty foreign matter, and play host to a list of germs and bacteria, and should be serviced and cleaned regularly by a professional.
Finally, foul odors can originate from the cleaning products and equipment that are used.
Dirty mops, towels, and sponges long past their prescribed use date, or poorly maintained, spread more germs and bacteria than they remove.
Additionally, chemical cleaning products can emit strong odors that occupants find distressing, sometimes to the point of building evacuations.
References & Resources
- Ecological succession and viability of human-associated microbiota on restroom surfaces
- Most Contaminated Restroom Surfaces
- Proper Steps To Cleaning Restrooms
- How To: Restroom Odor Control
Takeaway
Let's face it; most restrooms aren't going to win any awards anytime soon.
However, dirty and stinky restrooms are bad for occupant health and worse for business.
The number of germs and bacteria present in your average everyday bathroom has overwhelmed even the most prolific cleaning programs and dedicated facilities managers.
The keys to success are diligence, proper tools, and thorough cleaning routines that take a holistic approach to sanitation and disinfection.
If you would like to learn more about the various hidden challenges of maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and performance in your facilities' restrooms--contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
