Important Business Lessons To Learn

Servicing restrooms can be relatively simple or very complex based on size, use and expectations of the customer. Servicing a small private restroom is far different from maintaining a large facility with multiple fixtures in a conference center.

In the area of safety consider the following as essential:

• Comply with all local, state and OSHA guidelines.  Go to www.osha.gov for details.

• Restroom closed or wet floor signage should always be in place during work.  Some units today have a built in pull tape effectively closing it off.

• Select the correct type of gloves which can handle heavy usage.  Consider the yellow, arm’s length heavy gloves for durability.

• Use goggles or glasses to protect the eyes and mouth from the toilet “sneezing” water and debris into the worker’s face, eyes and mouth.

The list of chemicals will be dependent on the size, use and degree of cleaning required:

• Select a disinfectant cleaner to be used on all touch points.  Oftentimes these products require a minimum of five, ten or more minutes dwell time (staying wet) to be effective.

• Be sure to remove the disinfectant from areas such as toilet seats to reduce the chance of chemical burns or skin reactions.

• Select a mild bowl cleaner that may be acidic for regular cleaning of mineral deposits. Avoid hydrochloric acids due to health risks and environmental concerns.

• Be sure to rinse any acidic residue from chrome fixtures promptly and DO NOT use on stainless or other metals due to risk of etching.

• Use a glass cleaner or all-purpose cleaner that is effective on mirrors, chrome, stainless and other bright work without any corrosive effects.

• Select a neutral (7 – 8 pH) damp mop product with sufficient detergency that can be used to clean the floors and is designed to float out dirt from the grout lines.

• Other products to consider 1) an enzyme type cleaner for urine and floor drains, 2) graffiti remover, 3) odor control product

The key is having only the products needed to service the restroom. Train and monitor workers in safe, effective cleaning practices.  Your comments and questions are important.  I hope to hear from you soon.  Until then, keep it clean…..

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678.314.2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.