Restrooms are some of the most-traveled areas and can contain several transferable germs, which is why their cleanliness is critical. With the potential spread of COVID-19 and the upcoming flu season approaching, restroom cleanliness is more important than ever.
Since there is a combination of heavy traffic and the potential for the spread of dangerous germs, emphasis should always be on maintaining acceptable levels of cleanliness in these spaces while using safe cleaning methods.
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Flagship has put together the top tips directly from expert sanitation professionals. Here are 4 things custodians who clean for some of the biggest facilities in the country focus on to make sure their commercial facilities’ restrooms are clean, disinfected, and safe for employees and visitors.
Use Color Coding to Prevent Cross Contamination
Color-coded microfiber mops and rags are an easy way to ensure that the bacteria in restrooms don’t spread to other surfaces.
For example, a facility’s technician uses red for toilets; green for dusting; blue for windows and glass; and yellow for counters, sinks, and other hard surfaces.
Having a color-coded system for your cleaning tools ensures that you are not spreading contaminants or mixing cleaning substances that could become a dangerous concoction.
Protect Yourself
It is important to take steps to protect yourself during the cleaning process. That’s one thing many people don’t think about.
You don’t want germs like E. coli, streptococcus, or salmonella directly on your hands or under your nails.
Make sure to wear secure gloves and clothing to protect hands and skin from solutions and the germs you’re eradicating.
A durable pair of work shoes can help protect from slipping on wet surfaces and goggles or glasses can protect eyes from backsplash or drips.
Don’t forget your mask! A breathable face mask can help protect the lungs from viruses and debris particles from dust or remnants.
Follow Best Practices
Simple rules like cleaning from high to low and from outside to inside can help ensure that restrooms are appropriately cleaned. The key is starting with a method and sticking to it while paying close attention to high-touch areas like handles, doorknobs, and faucets.
Additionally, sanitize the cleaning tools! Make sure that all cleaning tools (mops and rags especially) are appropriately cleansed after use. If they are not cleansed properly, these tools become a hotbed of germs and bacteria.
Finally, always inspect the area and follow up with maintenance for any issues that are found. If you see a small issue, make sure others know about it early on so it doesn’t become a bigger issue.
Dilution Control Systems
Your cleaning solutions should always be diluted per the manufacturer’s instructions. More cleaning products and less water don’t necessarily mean that the resulting dilution will work any better – it is just wasteful and potentially dangerous.
The EPA has created a list of disinfectants that are for use against SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Some of these cleaners may be new to you, so make sure you review the exact directions. If you add too much water, it may not be effective against COVID-19, and if you don’t add enough, it could be dangerous.
Control systems can save time when prepping cleaning chemicals and save money by not using more cleaning solutions than needed.
These simple steps straight from the professionals can make a world of difference when it comes to cleaning restrooms.
When you understand which tools to use, and how and where to use them, it can help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. That’s half the battle to making your restroom a cleaner, safer place.
Flagship's customizable approach to your facility's needs will help you protect employees and your assets now and into the future.
Email a facilities expert today and get the help you need to keep your facility healthy and safe.
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