Restroom cleanliness has been top of mind for the last few years, and as we continue to improve washroom tidiness, sanitation, and hygiene, what are consumers looking for when they visit public restrooms? With the focus on safety in recent years, have customer expectations shifted and what can cleaners do to keep guests happy when they visit public restrooms?

The Healthy Handwashing Survey™ conducted by Bradley Company offers insight into what guests look for when visiting public restrooms.

Cleanliness is definitely on the minds of restroom visitors, as recent studies show that 68 per cent of respondents say they’ve had an unpleasant experience related to the condition of the facilities. When asked about their restroom pet peeves, respondents listed used paper towels left on the floor or around the sink as their top choice (62 per cent), with splashed water on countertops and floors (46 per cent) coming in second. When asked about what improvements should be made, better stocking of soap and towels and touchless fixtures topped the request list.

While 43 per cent of respondents feel that the overall condition of public restrooms has improved, these findings reveal that cleaners need to be present and consistent with restroom maintenance.

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Using technology to improve cleanliness

Today’s tech tools up the restroom experience, starting with maintenance indicators that let cleaners know when supplies are getting low. This shows guests that the supplies are being monitored and stocked as needed, while limiting waste.

Smart technology like IoT (Internet of Things) provides real-time monitoring so, along with low inventory alerts, cleaners can determine the number of visits, identify peak times, and even discover issues with features like faucets so maintenance can be conducted efficiently. This type of technology can also alert managers to the most and least used fixtures, allowing for better placement or adjustments for future design.

Touchless technology is also in demand, with 82 per cent of people believing that touchless fixtures reduce the spread of germs, and 50 per cent saying they would feel safer from germs if these tools were present. Respondents listed faucets, flushers, soap dispensers, and paper towel dispensers as their top touchless features.

The bar has been raised on hygiene in restrooms, which means not only does sanitation need to come first, but cleanliness and the restroom’s appearance also play important roles in visitor satisfaction.