Best practices in cleaning and maintaining cleanliness in public toilets

 

Public bathrooms in public utility buildings are visited by dozens, if not hundreds of people, every day. Whether it's public restrooms in urban spaces, restaurants, train stations, or large shopping centers, users expect them to be clean, hygienic, and comfortable to use. However, maintaining such a standard requires systematic and proper cleaning practices. High humidity, and a single toilet bowl or sink being used by many people, make this quite a challenge. What should cleaning staff in public places focus on to ensure efficient cleaning and provide users with necessary safety?

How to clean a public restroom?

Cleaning a public restroom requires attention to detail, hygiene, and adherence to the rules set by the facility manager. The entire cleaning procedure consists of several basic steps:

  • Preparing cleaning tools and products – including personal protective equipment (e.g., rubber gloves), toilet brushes, cleaning and disinfecting products, paper towels, and trash bags,
  • Removing trash from bins and surrounding areas,
  • Cleaning and disinfecting the toilet bowl,
  • Cleaning sinks, mirrors, and accessories such as dispensers,
  • Washing floors and other surfaces (walls, partitions, countertops, etc.),
  • Replenishing hygiene products (toilet paper, paper towels) and ensuring they are easily accessible to users.

Information on maintaining cleanliness in the restroom

To ensure order and safety for users, it's worth creating and displaying restroom usage guidelines in a visible location. These guidelines can include:

  • Request to maintain cleanliness – both employees and visitors should keep the restroom tidy. After using the bathroom, everyone should ensure it remains clean and ready for the next person,
  • Prohibition on damaging equipment – restroom rules should include information about not damaging equipment, including sanitary devices, mirrors, or dispensers. It should also note that vandalism of public property may be subject to penalties,
  • Accessibility for people with disabilities – the guidelines can include instructions on how to use the public restroom for individuals with various limitations. It’s important to ensure the restroom is accessible and adapted to their needs,
  • Safety guidelines – the rules should include information about actions that may pose safety risks, such as vandalism, smoking, or the consequences of improper restroom use.

Information about cleanliness and safety should be displayed prominently, and the rules should be formulated in a way that is understandable to all users. It is also crucial to enforce these rules.

Regulations regarding cleaning public restrooms

The specific rules for cleaning sanitary facilities are determined by the facility manager. However, there are several regulations and decrees that cover the technical conditions of public restrooms and set general rules for maintaining cleanliness in such spaces. These include:

  • Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure from April 12, 2002, governing the requirements for hygiene and sanitation facilities, including equipment and technical conditions of public restrooms,
  • Regulation of the Council of Ministers from August 29, 1997, concerning the hygienic and sanitary conditions of public utility spaces, specifying cleanliness, ventilation, lighting, and equipment requirements,
  • Regulation of the Minister of Health from November 30, 2015, outlining the requirements for public utility spaces and their equipment, including cleanliness, hygiene, hygiene supply reserves, and accessibility for people with disabilities,
  • Sanitary-epidemiological regulations – may cover the frequency of cleaning, disinfection, maintenance of touch surfaces, access to water and soap, and cleanliness of restrooms and sinks,
  • Local government regulations – many cities and municipalities have their own rules for maintaining cleanliness and cleaning in public spaces, including public restrooms. These may specify requirements such as operating hours, cleanliness of floors, hygiene supply levels, and requirements for cleaning staff.

It’s important to note that regulations concerning public restrooms may vary by jurisdiction. Therefore, before drafting detailed cleaning rules and schedules, ensure that local laws are adhered to.

Public restroom cleaning schedule

To ensure that all cleaning tasks in public restrooms are carried out on time and in the correct order, it’s important to create a cleaning schedule.

A restroom cleaning schedule specifies the frequency and scope of the cleaning tasks, taking into account factors such as:

  • Staff working hours and restroom opening times,
  • Traffic levels (which may vary by time of day),
  • Specific requirements of the location.

When creating the schedule, ready-made templates for restroom cleaning lists can be used, but it’s important to tailor them to the specific needs of the facility. The schedule should also be flexible enough to be easily modified in case of emergencies.

3-step restroom cleaning in public utility buildings

Public restrooms are used with varying frequency depending on the specifics of the facility in which they are located. However, whether it's a restroom in an office, a train station, or a shopping center, maintaining cleanliness is done in a similar way.

Restroom cleaning principles can generally be divided into three stages: general cleaning, deep cleaning, and ongoing maintenance.

General cleaning

General cleaning is the first stage of cleaning, consisting of basic tasks aimed at maintaining the restroom's cleanliness. It typically takes place before or just after the facility opens and involves removing common, everyday dirt from surfaces. The tasks include:

  • Emptying trash bins and replacing bags,
  • Cleaning sinks, countertops, and mirrors with special products,
  • Cleaning toilets and toilet seats,
  • Replenishing supplies of toilet paper, soap, and paper towels (if used in that facility),
  • Sweeping and mopping the floors.

This stage is designed to ensure hygienic conditions and make it easier to maintain cleanliness throughout the day.

Deep cleaning

Deep cleaning is a more intensive process, usually carried out once a week or every two weeks, depending on the need. During this process, stubborn stains, lime deposits, and dirt accumulated in hard-to-reach places are removed. The tasks include:

  • Thorough cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces, including walls, doors, hinges, and other restroom elements,
  • Cleaning and disinfecting floors, paying attention to cracks and crevices where dirt can accumulate,
  • Cleaning and disinfecting toilet bowls and other sanitary devices, such as hand dryers, soap dispensers, toilet paper holders, and trash cans.

Properly conducted deep cleaning ensures the highest standard of cleanliness and removes persistent dirt, especially on items that users have direct contact with, such as the toilet bowl or the area around the sink.

Ongoing maintenance

Ongoing maintenance involves all tasks performed during the normal operation of the public restroom. These tasks help maintain cleanliness and order throughout the day, ensuring users experience hygienic and comfortable conditions. Tasks include:

  • Regular emptying of trash bins to prevent overflow,
  • Replenishing supplies of hygiene products: toilet paper, paper towels, and soap, as well as additional products like air fresheners,
  • Regular use of cleaning and disinfecting products on toilets and other surfaces that users come into contact with,
  • Removing dirt that appears throughout the day,
  • Monitoring the condition of the restroom and promptly responding to any malfunctions, such as plumbing issues, lack of light, or clogged vents.

These ongoing tasks keep the restroom in good condition throughout the day, ensuring cleanliness and comfort even during peak usage times.

Restroom cleaning control

A crucial aspect of maintaining high cleanliness and hygiene standards is the regular control of restroom cleaning. It allows for effective monitoring and management of the cleaning process, ensuring that restrooms are kept in optimal condition and that any issues are addressed promptly. Key aspects of restroom cleaning control include:

  • Monitoring adherence to cleaning schedules and regularly reviewing and modifying them as needed,
  • Quality inspections – staff responsible for managing the facility should regularly check the cleanliness, hygiene, and functionality of the restroom. Inspections should assess whether all cleaning tasks have been performed correctly, whether hygiene supplies are adequate, and if there are any damages or malfunctions that need repair,
  • Responding to reports – cleaning control also involves quickly addressing user reports of any issues or malfunctions in the restroom,
  • Communication between cleaning staff and restroom managers – regular meetings and on-site training sessions are crucial for effective communication. These meetings allow for the exchange of information, daily task instructions, and updates to procedures or problem-solving.

It is also important to provide proper training for public restroom cleaning staff, covering effective cleaning methods, proper use of necessary equipment and disinfecting agents, and personal hygiene principles during work.

Systematic monitoring of cleaning quality and careful reporting ensures adherence to sanitary maintenance guidelines. It also helps quickly identify any irregularities. The unique nature of a public restroom (especially those adapted for people with disabilities) makes thorough cleaning essential for ensuring comfort, hygiene, and a sense of safety for users.