Creating An Easy Clean Washroom

The cleaning procedures in commercial washroom environments can be both extensive and time-consuming. However, with careful thought and planning, you can drastically diminish the cleaning time and simplify procedures creating an easy clean washroom. This can be ideal in situations where time is limited for cleaning procedures in or high-traffic areas such as motorway service stations, airports and train stations, all environments where the stream of users can be near constant.

A Clear Floor Space

You don’t want any fiddly bits to clean around on the floor so look at ways to reduce the nooks and crannies as much as possible. If your floor is open, expansive and accessible, then cleaning is naturally going to be easier so be sure to keep the floor space clear. Wall mounted wash basins and urinals don’t take up valuable floor space and also give the illusion of a bigger room. A clear floor space is easier to push a mop or floor cleaner around without having to stop for meticulous scrubbing around those troublesome nooks and crannies.

Conceal The Pipework

Wall panel systems are a great way to not only keep everything looking neat and tidy, but to reduce exposed surface areas, which in turn reduces cleaning procedure times. Wall panel systems work by encasing all the pipework and cisterns in tight framed areas that are then encased with laminated panels. You are left with a smooth flat surface, which is easy to sanitise and pipework is still accessible by removing panels as and when service is required. Wall panel systems are frequently used in many high traffic commercial washrooms for wall hung urinals, back to wall toilets and vanity units.

Consider Large Format Tiles

If you are going to be using tiles for your washroom wall covering, then perhaps consider using large format tiles. By using large wall tiles, you cut down on grouted areas, which are prone to harbouring bacteria and grime. Alternatively, laminated wooden panels deliver large expanses of smooth, easy to clean surfaces, as do mirrors.

Wash Troughs & Solid Surfaces

If it’s easy to clean functionality you are after then forget raised countertop wash basins and opt for either a solid surface wash trough or a solid surface countertop with countersunk wash basins.  This all plays into the easy clean mantra of reducing exposed surfaces and further diminishes tight areas where dirt and bacteria can build up.

Wall Mounted Taps Vs. Deck Mounted Taps

Water will always end up on the countertop and will sit around the base of deck mounted taps, meaning they need to be cleaned. Just as with the washroom floor, it’s a good idea to keep flat surfaces free and clear. Wall mounted taps keep the surface free from clutter and enable quick sanitising in one continuous wipe.

Which Taps Are Easiest To Clean?

Wall mounted sensor taps are the first choice when it comes to easy clean washroom facilities. Activated by a movement sensor, they are only engaged when hands are placed beneath them. The cleaning and hygiene benefits are two-fold. Firstly, users do not need to touch the taps, which reduces dirt and the spread of bacteria.

Secondly, the taps are mounted to the wall and so there is no chance of water sitting around its base, which can happen with conventional deck mounted taps.  Another good choice of tap would be push taps, also known as non-concussive taps, which are activated by pushing a button on the tap. This allows the flow of water for a set period of time meaning the user dos not need to touch the tap again with clean, but wet hands. This tap option is useful in an easy clean environment as they are relatively slim and simple in design, with no tight spots where dirt and bacteria can easily build up.

For a more extensive look at tap options, see our Spoilt For Choice: Understanding Taps feature here.

Ventilation Is Key

All washroom environments contain moisture and can hold a relatively high humidity due to the water from taps, toilets, urinals and, in some cases, showers. In this damp environment, without proper ventilation, you can wind up with areas where condensation builds up. This in turn leads to both mould and damp. This can of course be treated, but good ventilation can save the time, effort and expense it will entail. Ventilation can be improved from simple things like windows being open and air bricks, and in larger facilities commercial ventilation units can be installed.

Choose Wall Mounted Dispensers

Wall mount soap and paper towel dispensers where possible, which again plays into keeping the horizontal surfaces in your washroom clear. Choose dispensers with simple smooth designs such as the Franke Stratos Touch Free Soap Dispenser. Stainless steel is a good choice of finish due to it being not only easy to clean, but highly durable.

Keeping Waste Disposal Off The Floor

Opting for a concealed waste bin within a vanity unit is a great idea to keep surface areas clear. Concealed waste bins can be incorporated with countertop waste chutes or letterbox style openings on the front of the vanity unit.  Another stylish alternative to a free-standing bin is to have a recessed wall mounted waste bin, this keeps the floor clean and is also less intrusive, being recessed into the wall or panel system.

A Case For Hand Dryers

Finally, we come to the hand dryers, which are always mounted on the wall. The main advantage of choosing hand dryers for your washroom over other methods, is that you will not need paper towel dispensers, which in turn means less waste and fewer empties of the bin, if you still choose to have one at all. Most dryers are of a simple design and easy to clean and sanitise.

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