During a workshop of about thirty workers who were Zone Cleaners (which meant they all cleaned restrooms along with their other chores) I asked for groups to list out the first to last steps for cleaning a restroom. Their Project Manager was in the back of the room observing and noted that there were some heated discussion about what should and should not be done while servicing a restroom. There was a lot of disagreement regarding issues such as what should be done first, what touch points were important and how long the disinfectant should be allowed on the surfaces. He stated: “Now I know why we are struggling with so many complaints about the restrooms at a major account.” I agreed.

Although you may disagree with a few steps in the order and processes I suggest, I believe that we will be in agreement to the importance of most of them. First of all, list all the touch points that need to be disinfected and/or sanitized in a typical rest room your company services. On the list should be the push plate/handle going in and out of the restroom. Others touch points should be sink faucets, flush handles, paper towel pulls and soap dispensers. Did you include the inside latch in the toilet stall which is the last thing a person touches before going to wash his/her hands? Are your workers trained to close the stall door and apply disinfectant to that area each and every time the clean the restroom?

The other important issue when to apply the product to allow sufficient dwell (or contact) time. This information should be listed on the product label. The recommended time can range from ten minutes to 60 seconds and needs to be observed. Does the surface have to stay wet or can you spray and wipe later after it has dried?

I highly recommend you get your staff together and go through the exercise I took this group. You might be in for a surprise as to what you learn.

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


posted on 10/19/2016