Maintaining A Fresh New Washroom

As any site manager will tell you, busy washrooms require a close eye and fast action. Anyone who has experienced water damage will tell you just how important it can be to fix a leaky pipe sooner rather than later. But whether you’re looking after washrooms in a busy secondary school, a manufacturing facility, or an office block, there are some key areas to pay attention to.

Cubicle hardware

Toilet and shower cubicles see a lot of use and in some settings can be prone to vandalism. Keep an eye on locks and hooks on the door as these are the areas that see the most stress through doors slamming and heavy luggage being hung. It's often a good idea to keep spare hardware on hand for impromptu replacements.

Toilet seats

Toilet seats are perhaps the most commonly replaced item in a commercial washroom. You’ll want to plan weekly checks to toilet seats to make sure they’re firmly secure and aren’t slipping. Many caretakers choose to keep a couple of spares on-site at all times.

Dispensers

As well as topping up your liquid soap and paper towel dispensers, it's a good idea to check they are operating smoothly. Does the soap pump efficiently, because if not it can lead to frustrated users and a more heavy-handed approach. Similarly, in washrooms accessed by the public, you’ll want to check all wall and counter-mounted fittings are secure and free from movement as regular misuse can lead to damage. Again, in larger high traffic environments, a couple of spares can be kept on-site for speedy replacements.

Cubicle doors

Not all toilet cubicle doors are created equal. If you have panels made from melamine faced chipboard (MFC) or high-pressure laminate (HPL) then there is always a risk of moisture finding its way underneath the laminate. This can cause the panel to swell and weaken over time and if not identified quickly can result in irreparable damage. However, solid grade laminate (SGL) is completely waterproof and will never suffer from this problem.

Ventilation

Airflow and humidity is certainly something to keep an eye on in your washroom. When this becomes unbalanced, unwanted moisture can gather and cause damp, mould and mildew. Ventilation also helps to remove foul smells, which is particularly important in restaurants and other foodservice environments.

Grout lines and panelling joins

These are both areas that are prone to harbouring dirt and creating the right conditions for bacteria to thrive. Pay close attention to make sure grout is intact and not brittle or breaking away in places. The same goes for any silicone join lines on walls.

While most commercial grade fixings and hardware have been developed for all the knocks and scrapes that come with high traffic washrooms, keeping an eye on the above areas can help you stay on top of your washroom and ensure it not only stays looking fresh but performs for your business every single day.

If you would like further advice on washroom maintenance and replacement supplies, give us a call on 01202 650900.