Tips and Tools for Sprucing Up Restroom Routines

Among the many cleaning tasks facility service providers must tackle, restrooms are often mentioned as among the most burdensome — frequently claiming the top spot when it comes to building maintenance headaches, says Keith Schneringer, senior director of marketing — jan/san sustainability, for BradyPLUS, headquartered in Las Vegas. Restrooms can also be the number-one generator of occupant complaints, he adds. 

“Think about it — the restroom is the one place in any facility which every building occupant is likely to visit at least once a day, if not more,” Schneringer says. “The more visitors, the more the need grows to keep the restroom clean. As a result, keeping the restrooms clean and hygienic can be a significant challenge.” 

Given the negative impact a dirty, poorly maintained restroom can have on the facility and its occupants/users, meeting that challenge is essential, says Charles Moody, president of Solutex, Inc., Sterling, Virginia. A neglected, foul-smelling restroom sends a message of poor leadership, as well as not caring about the user experience.  

“When it is lacking in quality or appearance, you wonder what else is lacking,” Moody says. “If it’s a restaurant, you wonder if the kitchen is clean, or if team members are washing their hands and practicing the best hygiene protocols.”   

Time vs. Cleanliness 

The struggle to maximize return on investment (ROI) is real; restrooms demand meticulous and time-consuming cleaning and disinfection to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of germs. However, time is often a building service contractor's (BSC) most precious resource. Strict cleaning protocols and frequent touch-ups can leave cleaning crews feeling like they're constantly playing catch-up. 

Despite higher cleaning frequencies and elevated scrutiny, there is good news. The tides are starting to turn. Innovative tools, technology, and cleaning strategies are revolutionizing restroom cleaning, allowing BSCs to achieve superior results in less time.  

For example, when Internet of Things (IoT) became popular in the pre-pandemic years, restrooms were one of the most common spots for experimentation. This early technology focused on managing stock of soap and towels, transmitting data that could help dictate labor needs. It proved that the key to better ROI lies in equipping frontline workers with the right arsenal. 

"The right tools can make a world of difference in a restroom," emphasizes Ailene Grego, president and CEO of SouthEast Link, Atlanta. "Equipping your frontline workers with the appropriate information and equipment allows them to tackle tough cleaning tasks quickly and effectively." 

BSCs should consider several game-changing tools and technologies that are transforming the way restrooms are cleaned. 

Spray-and-Vac/Spray-and-Squeegee Systems: This equipment combines the application of high-pressure cleaning solution with simultaneous liquid extraction/removal. Attachments also give workers easy access to tight spaces in restroom stalls and under sinks, making for more ergonomic work. This all-in-one equipment eliminates the need for multiple cleaning steps, saving valuable time and reducing water usage.  

Small Autoscrubbers: Tackling floors and grout lines that collect urine, water and any other variety of contaminants is a dauting task for frontline team members. For heavily soiled restroom floors, compact autoscrubbers are a welcome addition to any cleaning crew's arsenal.  

Microfiber Cloths and Mops: Microfiber technology has become a mainstay in the cleaning industry. These cloths and mops trap dirt and bacteria more effectively than traditional cleaning tools, reducing the need for harsh chemicals and frequent cleaning cycles. They are also lighter when saturated, requiring less physical effort from staff and resulting in more effective cleaning processes.  

"Microfiber allows for a more thorough clean with less effort," explains Grego. "This translates to faster cleaning times and a healthier cleaning environment for both workers and building occupants." 

Urinal/Commode Mats: Disposable urinal and commode mats are a simple yet effective way to extend the time between deep cleaning for these high-touch fixtures. These mats trap moisture, dirt and debris before they reach the floor surface below, which can save cleaning teams time tackling challenging grout lines and contaminated floors. Instead, mats can be removed once saturated and replaced. 

Smart Tools, Smarter Work 

For several reasons, time is the constant enemy of cleaning staffs, says Bill Allen, territory manager for Fagan Sanitary Supply, a West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. This makes tackling some of the other challenges posed by the restroom’s environment even more difficult. However, the right equipment and tools, combined with the ability to quickly identify and address problem areas, can help frontline cleaning crews turn restrooms around quicker while achieving better results. 

When calculating restroom maintenance needs, several factors must be considered, adds Schneringer. One is restroom traffic and expected use. Although a lot of traffic makes it more challenging to keep the restroom clean, address odors, manage supplies and stocking, infrequent usage brings its own set of concerns.

“Sometimes restrooms that don’t have as many visitors can pose the challenge of keeping the restroom ‘fresh’, including wiping down surfaces and keeping floor drains from drying out to prevent malodors,” Schneringer explains.  

One of the biggest challenges that must be addressed for continued occupant/user goodwill, particularly in larger facilities, is ensuring all dispensers are stocked, well-functioning and convenient, adds Moody.   

For example, new, jumbo-sized rolls of toilet tissue can be difficult for people to spin, he explains, resulting in many small pieces of tissue on the floor, creating an unsightly appearance and requiring staff to sweep before mopping. He recommends dispensers holding three medium-sized rolls on a carousel, which are easier for restroom users to spin and produce less mess.  

“These are also easier to service. The maintenance person/cleaner can replace only the empty rolls while allowing the existing rolls to be completely used up, reducing waste,” Moody says.  

Other options recommended by distributors are foam hand soap dispensers, especially those using disposable soap cartridges or those that have easily replaceable or cleanable pumps. Again, there is less waste, and the foam rinses more easily down the sink with every handwashing.   

Automatic hands-free or “pull-and-tear” manual hands-free roll paper towel dispensers are another recommendation for high-functioning restrooms. Although multi-fold or other folded paper towel options have lower per-pound costs, they generate unnecessary waste via falling paper towels or people grabbing more than needed. It’s even better when those dispensers can hold larger 1,000-foot rolls, since these will extend the time between refills, he adds.