There are many benefits to using urinal mats, but they are only effective if properly maintained. Urinal mats stop working once they are saturated. Mats are designed to last approximately 30 days, but they may need to be replaced sooner depending on restroom traffic.

“Typically the more exposed the restroom is to public traffic, the shorter the lifespan of the urinal mat,” says Charlie Flurry, president, Absorbcore, North Olmsted, Ohio. “If it’s an establishment where there’s alcohol or food involved, it shortens the lifespan [even further]. If it’s in a private office building or country club, that’s where mats will see the longest use.”

Heavily-trafficked restrooms will probably need urinal mats changed every five to seven days, says Barnes. To help outline a proper change-out schedule, there are mats available with a built-in replacement sensor; otherwise, cleaning staffs should determine a replacement schedule and stick to it.

When it comes time to replace, urinal mats are simply thrown away. But even though mats aren’t recyclable, they can still be considered green. Some urinal mats are biodegradable, meaning the entire mat — pad, backing and frame — will break down in a landfill in less than five years.

Selling Points To Urinal Mats

Urinal mats are one more restroom product that facility managers should consider as part of their restroom cleaning program. They’re a cost-effective way to make restrooms look and smell cleaner, and prolong the life of flooring.

Facility types that will most benefit from the use of urinal mats are high-end properties such as Class-A office buildings, country clubs, casinos, upscale restaurants and health clubs.

“Basically anywhere there’s an emphasis on the cleanliness of the restroom,” says Flurry.

K-12 schools with a lot of young kids (i.e. a lot of spills and splashes) might also benefit from urinal mats. Educational facilities, too, are trying to do more with less and would benefit from solutions that ease cleaning.

“It gives the perception of ‘we’re doing everything we can to make your restroom experience better,’” says Alberto Martinez, sales and marketing manager, Tolco Corp., Toledo, Ohio.

For facility managers who are hesitant to give urinal mats a try, distributors suggest sampling the products in the facility. Determine first hand whether the existing custodial program would benefit from the use of urinal mats.

In addition to functionality, some facilities would benefit from the marketing that is available on these products. Mats can be imprinted with a company name, slogan, or logo. In fact, many facilities are taking advantage of urinal mats to brand their organization, says Jeff Crevier, president and owner, Sanastar, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

It’s best to keep the message straightforward and simple. Many people think urinal mats can operate like urinal screens with branding. Even though urinal mats do have a captive audience, they are positioned below the urinal and not exactly in the user’s line of sight, says Martinez.

Restrooms are the most important rooms in a facility. They leave lasting impressions, good or bad. Adding urinal mats can be a simple change that helps keep restrooms looking and smelling their best. Rather than walking up to a urinal and seeing a urine stain on the floor or stepping in a puddle, men will see a mat and know that the restroom floor is clean.




POSTED ON: 3/11/2013