Common washroom hygiene challenges and solutions

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Maintaining proper washroom hygiene in the workplace is crucial for promoting a clean and healthy environment. However, businesses often encounter several challenges when it comes to maintaining optimal hygiene levels in their washrooms due to various factors such as neglect or lack of maintenance, inconsiderate users, lack of cleaning staff, and even lack of hygiene awareness of best hygiene practices.

As a washroom company, we understand washroom hygiene challenges due to our expertise, industry knowledge, customer feedback, and collaboration with experts. We conduct research, stay updated on regulations, develop innovative products to address specific hygiene needs in commercial environments and provide ongoing support and training to help our clients choose washroom solutions and products that will make it easier to maintain optimal hygiene levels in their washrooms.

In this blog, we will explore some of these washroom hygiene challenges and present effective solutions for you to overcome them.

Managing toilet hygiene in the workplace

Let’s identify the top 6 hygiene issues in the workplace washroom and reveal the washroom hygiene solutions for each area.

Quickly find the solution by clicking on the challenge.

• Challenge 1: Insufficient Ventilation and Odour Control
• Challenge 2: Plumbing and Water Management
• Challenge 3: Inadequate Waste Management
• Challenge 4: Poor Maintenance and Cleaning
• Challenge 5: Insufficient Washroom Supplies
• Challenge 6: Best Hygiene Practices

Hygiene Solution

It is advisable to implement regular flushing protocols to reduce the risk of waste traps drying up and causing a foul smell from the washbasin.

Consider installing a timed hygiene flush which periodically flushes the waste traps, ensuring that water flows through the plumbing system, preventing any stagnant water from becoming stale and emitting unpleasant odours.
This practice helps maintain a hygienic environment and minimises the risk of foul smells, especially during periods when the building is unoccupied.

To improve ventilation, ensure that washrooms have functional extractor fans or windows that allow for the exchange of fresh air. Conduct regular inspections to identify any issues with ventilation systems and promptly address them. Perhaps consider installing air fresheners or automatic fragrance dispensers to maintain a pleasant and fresh smelling environment.

Hygiene Solution

Integrate SMART washroom technology. In a smart washroom system, maintenance and cleaning alerts are generated based on data collected by sensors placed in SMART enabled washroom products, such as sensor taps, automatic soap dispensers, and paper towel dispensers.

The collected data is analysed to detect refills or malfunctions, such as low soap levels or non-operational sensor taps. When an issue is identified, an alert is sent to the maintenance team for resolution. Once the task is completed, the status is updated in the system.

This automated process helps proactively address maintenance and cleaning needs, improving washroom hygiene and user experience.

If the washroom does not have a SMART washroom system with SMART enabled appliances, it is recommended to implement a routine inspection schedule to identify potential issues. Engage professional plumbers or maintenance teams for regular checks to ensure proper maintenance and address any problems that may arise.

Hygiene Solution

Ensure that waste bins are strategically placed and regularly emptied to prevent overflow. Also consider installing larger capacity bins to accommodate the volume of waste.

Find out how to determine the waste bin capacity you need for your washroom.

Promote proper disposal practices by providing clear signage and easily accessible sanitary disposal units for items such as sanitary products, and educate employees and visitors about the significance of responsible waste management to encourage washroom hygiene compliance.

Hygiene Solution

To tackle the challenge of cleaning and maintaining specialty coatings on washroom products, it is advisable to reach out to the washroom manufacturer that supplied the appliances. They can provide you with a guide on how to effectively clean products with specialty coatings.

Read our guide about how to clean special finishes like black taps in commercial washrooms.

Develop a well defined cleaning schedule that outlines specific tasks, frequencies, and responsibilities to ensure that washrooms are cleaned thoroughly and regularly, including the disinfection of high touch surfaces.

Invest in high quality cleaning products that effectively eliminate germs and odours and consider hiring professional cleaning services for periodic deep cleaning to maintain optimal washroom hygiene standards.

Hygiene Solution

Regular supply management is key to tackling this challenge. Businesses should implement a robust inventory management system that ensures a consistent supply of essential items.

Some washroom manufacturers offer consumables, which means you can always reach out to the company that provided your washroom products (soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers) to supply hand soap, paper towels, sanitizer etc. Plus, utilising their services offers an additional advantage because they already have experience from working on the washroom project and will know exactly what is needed.
So, it is worthwhile knowing which washroom manufacturer supplied the washroom products.

Facilities teams should also conduct regular checks to identify any shortages or potential issues in advance. Alternatively, consider partnering with a reliable janitorial supplier to streamline the procurement process and ensure a steady supply of necessary washroom hygiene products.

Hygiene Solution

To promote proper washroom hygiene practices, businesses can implement educational campaigns, training sessions, and visual reminders. Maintaining and ensuring hygienic facilities are accessible, leading by example, and ongoing communication are essential to keeping the washroom hygienic.

By raising awareness, providing guidance, and creating a culture of washroom hygiene, businesses can encourage employees and visitors to follow good hygiene practices and maintain a clean and healthy workplace environment.

Download our workplace email template below to help you start your educational washroom hygiene campaign today.

Create a welcoming and hygienic washroom

Maintaining optimal hygiene levels in commercial washrooms can be a challenging task for businesses. However, by understanding the common challenges and implementing effective solutions, businesses can promote a clean and healthy environment for employees and visitors.

From ensuring an adequate supply of washroom hygiene products to implementing a robust cleaning schedule and waste management system, each challenge has a corresponding solution that can make a significant difference. Proper ventilation, plumbing maintenance, and promoting good hygiene practices through education and communication are also crucial aspects to consider.

Remember, a clean and hygienic washroom not only enhances the overall experience for users but also reflects positively on your business and its commitment to providing a healthy environment. By implementing the solutions discussed in this article, you can create a washroom that promotes hygiene, boosts employee wellbeing, and leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Take action today and transform your commercial washroom into a clean, hygienic, and welcoming space for all.