Touch-free systems can provide a safer, cleaner and more pleasant restroom environment, and research shows 90 per cent of patrons prefer these options.
Touch-free systems are not only relevant to restroom patrons; they can also be important to cleaning and maintenance staff. While it may seem maintaining restrooms at a high level of cleanliness would be extremely labour intensive, these new innovations can include simple, touch-free cleaning and maintenance solutions that really make a difference. In addition to maintaining the appearance of restroom fixtures, eliminating touch points in restroom maintenance and cleaning lowers cost and creates a healthier work environment.
Faucets
Touch-free faucets are a well-known means of eliminating cross-contamination, thereby reducing the spread of germs.
When using a traditional faucet, patrons wash their hands and then touch a potentially germ-covered handle to turn off the water, completely undoing some of the benefits of washing hands in the first place.
A recent innovation in touch-free faucets is the provision of an omni-directional sensing zone of nearly three inches, which expands the ‘sweet spot’ for users, making it much easier to start the flow of water. Faucets are also available with built-in temperature control and anti-scald systems that protect users and ensure a facility does not waste hot water.
Soap
Soap delivery systems with touch-free activation help eliminate cross-contamination and their ease of use encourages patrons to use them, which can, in turn, help eliminate germs on other touch points in the facility. Automated soap dispensers provide reliable, controlled dispensing of concentrated soaps, which eliminates costly overuse and waste.
When selecting soap and skin care systems, facility and property managers should consider the system yield, expected battery life and refill format to ensure they are getting good value from their investment.
Toilets and urinals
Automated flushers and cleaning systems for toilets and urinals offer a comprehensive solution that cleans around the clock and further eliminates touch points of cross-contamination.
These systems also reduce time spent cleaning restroom fixtures by up to 50 per cent. They are easy to install and help eliminate odours, prevent hard water stains and maintain drains. Cleaning professionals can spend their time cleaning the important surface areas that guests come in contact with and overseeing the overall maintenance of the system. Additionally, automatic fixture cleaning systems incorporating an in-line delivery of cleaning formula work wherever water travels, including hard to reach areas such as under the rim.
Systems powered by fuel cell technology deliver a precise dose of cleaning formula that is applied when the fixture is flushed, thereby reducing the amount of chemicals entering the waste stream.
The door
More than 60 per cent of people exit washrooms using techniques other than simply putting their hand on the door handle. Conventional automated doors alleviate awkward manoeuvering but most of them still require the user to push a button, creating one final touch point in the restroom. Automated touch-free doors, however, allow patrons to get on their way with clean hands and no worries.
Brian Huen is a product manager and an expert in hard surface cleaning with Rubbermaid Commercial Products, LLC.
