While there is potential for cross-contamination in any space, the restroom is of particular concern because it is used for bodily functions and it has so many touch points in such a small area.

In just one restroom visit, a patron may need to touch a doorknob, a stall latch, a toilet seat, a toilet-paper dispenser, a toilet handle, a stall door, a faucet, a soap dispenser, a paper-towel dispenser and the exit door. That’s 10 surfaces where a person may pick up germs and then spread them throughout the facility.

With so much potential for cross-contamination, it’s imperative that cleaning departments develop policies for proper restroom cleaning and then train the staff to follow them properly.

Preventing cross-contamination requires regular and thorough cleaning with the proper chemicals and tools. Frequencies should be established based on traffic; cleaning once a day may be enough for a little-used office restroom, while hourly cleanings may be needed for an airport facility.

To avoid spreading germs within a restroom, cleaning personnel should clean and disinfect the space from top to bottom and from non-acute to acute areas.


posted on 4/27/2011