Many facilities are simply not constructed with cleaning in mind, and we find this most frequently in restrooms. Typical examples include: soap dispensers that drip on walls, floors, or countertops, usually marring the surface; paper dispensers that are hard to reach or even find; and wall or floor coverings that are selected more for appearance than for how well they will hold up to traffic, function, and resist soiling.
For the more practical architects and building owners/managers, here are some suggestions that are attractive and can keep cleaning and maintenance costs in line:
Countertop colors. Some designers suggest that lighter colored countertops camouflage soiling and water stains better than darker ones. While they inevitably will become soiled during the workday, if cleaned regularly and efficiently, light-colored countertops tend to look better longer.
Countertop materials. Smooth, less porous countertops resist soils, and water-impervious surfaces tend to be easier to keep clean. Stones, such as marble, should be avoided; today, new materials, such as quartz, offer the look of marble without the upkeep issues.
Hand dryers. Electric hand dryers are usually less costly over time than using paper towels and can help reduce cleaning times and labor expenses. Further, because many of these systems are touch free, this further reduces cleaning needs and helps prevent cross contamination.
Paper towel dispensers. If paper towel dispensers are selected, consider systems that automatically dispense a predetermined amount of paper, just enough for users to dry their hands. These systems use paper more sparingly, reduce waste, and make the restroom easier to maintain.
Trash receptacles. More and more people today are using paper towels to open restroom doors while exiting to minimize cross contamination after washing. For this reason, consider installing trash receptacles near sinks and near exit areas. This will encourage users not to toss used paper towels on the floor.
Toilets. Although they can be difficult to source, toilets with lids that close help prevent the dissemination of microbes onto partitions, walls, and floors during flushing. This will keep restrooms more hygienically clean.
Floor drains. There are typically codes that require floor drains to be installed in restrooms. However, more than one floor drain should be installed, especially in large restrooms. Having multiple floor drains makes cleanup much easier should a urinal or toilet overflow.
Outlets. In some communities, there are no requirements as to the spacing of power outlets in a commercial facility. Power outlets should be installed about every 10 feet in restrooms and throughout the facility. This will make it easier and faster for cleaning workers to use vacuum cleaners and other machines. Further, they should be installed high enough on the wall to prevent moisture infiltration of the socket.
Restroom flooring materials. If tile and grout floors are to be installed in restrooms, a medium to dark gray color is preferable. Light-colored floors typically show more soiling and wear-and-tear over time. Further, epoxy- or urethane-based grout should be selected because it is usually easier to keep clean.
Ron Segura is founder and president of Segura & Associates, an international janitorial consulting company based in the U.S. He has over 45 years of experience in all segments of the cleaning industry with 10 of those years spent overseeing the cleaning of more than 4.5 million square feet for The Walt Disney Company. Ron can be contacted through his company website at https://www.seguraassociates.com.
