Restrooms are among the most used spaces in any building. They also shape how people judge the whole facility. While toilets get most of the attention, the surfaces people touch on the way in and out matter just as much. That is why restroom high touch surfaces deserve a place at the top of every cleaning plan.
Here are four areas to prioritize.
1. Door Handles and Push Plates
Nearly everyone touches the restroom door. As a result, germs can move from one hand to the handle and then to the next person. Therefore, clean and disinfect handles and push plates often, and make sure products reach the back of the handle too. In addition, consider placing a waste bin near the exit so people can use a paper towel on the handle and throw it away.
2. Dispensers and Hand Dryers
Soap and towel dispensers that need a push or pull are touched by every user. So clean them frequently, or consider touchless models where possible. For more, read about touchless technology.
Hand dryers deserve attention as well. For example, a 2018 study in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that hot air hand dryers in restrooms can deposit bacteria from restroom air onto washed hands. Similarly, a study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, which used a harmless test virus, found that jet air dryers spread about 60 times more virus particles than warm air dryers and about 1,300 times more than paper towels. If your restroom has dryers, clean them regularly, and consider offering paper towels too.
3. Faucets and Flush Handles
Faucets and flush handles are touched before hands are washed. Consequently, they can carry germs from one user to the next. Clean and disinfect them on a regular schedule, and check them during daytime restroom visits. Touchless faucets and flush valves can also reduce contact.
4. Light Switches and Stall Hardware
In smaller restrooms, people may need to turn lights on and off. Likewise, stall locks, latches and handles are touched constantly. These surfaces are easy to overlook, so add them to the checklist.
Build a Plan for Restroom High Touch Surfaces
- Clean before you disinfect. Dirt can keep disinfectants from working well.
- Follow the label. Leave the disinfectant wet for the full contact time.
- Keep tools separate. Use dedicated cloths and tools for restrooms to avoid cross contamination.
- Check during the day. Busy restrooms need attention between nightly cleanings.
- Keep supplies stocked. Soap and paper towels support handwashing.
For more, read about restroom cleanliness and tenant satisfaction.
How WOW! Cleans Restroom High Touch Surfaces
WOW! Facility Services includes high touch surface programs in our Elevated Clean approach. In addition, we use a color coded system so restroom tools stay in restrooms. Every program starts with a facility assessment. Then we build a customized scope of work around your building. Once service begins, account managers complete quality control inspections against that scope. Meanwhile, our integrated operational platform technology documents inspections, deficiencies and corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important restroom high touch surfaces?
Door handles, push plates, dispensers, hand dryers, faucets, flush handles, light switches and stall hardware.
How often should restroom high touch surfaces be cleaned?
It depends on traffic. In busy buildings, they need attention during the day as well as during nightly cleaning.
Do I have to switch vendors after a facility assessment?
No. WOW! offers facility assessments at no cost and with no obligation. In fact, you can use one simply to benchmark your current program.
Which areas does WOW! serve?
WOW! Facility Services has its headquarters in White Plains and serves New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, including Westchester County, Fairfield County, Rockland County and New York City.
Keep Restroom High Touch Surfaces Clean
WOW! Facility Services has its headquarters in White Plains and serves New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Book a facility assessment at no cost and with no obligation, or call 1-866-780-9966. Want a quick benchmark first? Then grade your current service with the Facility Assessment Scorecard.