toilet wc restroom sign men and woman icon graphic on wall

The search for stellar stalls begins. Cintas Corporation officially opened nominations for the 18th annual America’s Best Restroom contest. The contest is open to any non-residential restroom in the U.S. that is accessible to the public. The public can submit their favorite restroom now through July 12. The winner will receive $2,500 in facility services or restroom cleaning from Cintas while also being recognized as a first-rate public restroom.

“There’s nothing worse than visiting a public restroom where the hygiene is questionable and the decor is less than delightful, so we’re looking for first-rate facilities that are not only clean and functional, but decked out in design features too,” said Sean Mulcahey, Marketing Manager, Cintas. “Good or bad, restrooms can have a real impact on a business’ bottom line. This contest recognizes businesses that understand the crucial role clean and innovative restrooms play in the overall customer experience.”

Nominations will be judged on five criteria: cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality and unique design elements. Ten finalists will be announced in August of 2019, and the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalist.

Last year, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge took home the top toilet prize for its wild restrooms that feature tarpon, otter, osprey, and sea turtle sculptures, providing an underwater wildlife illusion. These “Learning Lavatories” dazzle with close-up professional bird photos that wrap stall doors, but also educate along the walk with interpretive messaging about the wildlife and saving the environment.

“We take great pride in being named America’s Best Restroom and the national recognition our national wildlife refuge received thanks to the contest,” said Toni Westland, Supervisor Refuge Ranger, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. “We’re grateful to Cintas for hosting a contest that recognizes the extra effort we put into making our restrooms educational and memorable.”